Performance Tires - The Basics

Performance tires are generally equipped with aggressive tread designs and are known for their commonly large, solid tread blocks. These unique tread blocks are separated by open channels to that aid the drainage of water in the ridges and prevent hydroplaning.

An advantage of using performance tires is the superior delivery of optimized steering response and adhesion during acceleration, braking and cornering. The only disadvantage to using these tires is a usually small shortcoming in ride harshness and tread noise.

Performance Tires - Speed Ratings

Performance Tires are rated on an H, V, and Z scale that designated their speed ranges. They are listed as follows:

• H rated tires are tires that have been tested on the laboratory wheel for speeds up to and including 129 mph at certain specified load and inflation pressure.
• V rated tires are tires that have been tested on the laboratory wheel for speeds up to and including 149 mph at specified load and inflation pressure.
• Z rated tires are tires that have been tested on the laboratory wheel for speeds over 149 mph at specified load and inflation pressure.

A Few Notable Branches of Performance Tires

High Performance Tires are designed for driving at higher speeds. They are usually composed of softer rubber compounds that help improve traction. This feature gives the driver more control over handling the vehicle during acceleration and at travelling at higher speeds, especially when turning corners or bends. The only downfall to this advantage is that travelling at faster speeds results in less tread longevity.

M & S, or Mud and Snow Tires, are designed with an even softer rubber compound to make gripping snow and travelling through mud much easier. These tires are best suited for winter performance and thus wear quicker when used on harder, drier surfaces during the summer.

All-Season Tires are the median tires between summer and winter tires. It provides the driver with a decent performance in both summer and winter terrains, but for technical reasons are still unable to provide a desirable performance on heavy snow loads or piles of mud.

All-Terrain Tires tend to feature stiffer sidewalls and wider tread which help resist against and strive to prevent deep punctures when the vehicle is travelling on rough, off-road terrains.