TireTalk

The standard 3-season tires give excellent handling, extended tread life, and a quiet ride for most of us, but what if you want to upgrade the handling, acceleration constantly, and braking capacities of your tires and you have the automobile to match? The control and reactivity of performance tires are unrivaled. So, what is the distinction between standard three-season tires and performance tires?

STANDARD 3-SEASON TIRES

While certain 3-season (all-season) tires are categorized as performance tires, most non-performance tires in Canada fall into two main categories: 3-season tires or all-weather tires.

ALL-SEASON TIRES (3-SEASON TIRES) 

3-seasons are made to function safely and comfortably in the spring, summer, and fall.

• Rubber compound intended for extended tread lifespan (the rubber turns cold and hard around +7 degrees Celsius in the winter. Thus, we only suggest using it during the three summer months).
• Water-displacing grooves across tread blocks significantly minimize hydroplaning in wet weather (during winter, these networks clog with snow, forming a smooth surface).
• The tread pattern and intervals between the car manufacturers use tire speed ratings sounds for a smoother ride.

ALL-WEATHER TIRES

All-season tires are marked with the winter tire emblem and provide guaranteed safety all year.

• The rubber compound is made to stay responsive and grippy at conditions above and below +7 degrees Celsius.
• On wet and icy roads, larger tread patterns and grooves offer greater stability.

PERFORMANCE TIRES

Performance tires, or sport tires, are designed to improve the handling reaction and grip of racing cars and other vehicles, especially in wet and dry weather. They are crucial in providing the thrilling driving experience that sporting drivers want. To improve precision, sensitivity, and adhesion, performance tires use specialized tread patterns, manufacturing characteristics, and rubber compounds.

Performance tires are becoming increasingly popular among American motorists. According to the United States Tire Manufacturers Association, performance tires increased for the seventh year in a row in 2017.

ARE PERFORMANCE TIRES THE BEST CHOICE FOR ME?

Consider your driving priorities if you’re unsure whether performance tires are ideal for you. Different drivers have different expectations of their vehicles, and the tires you select can make a massive difference. For the following situations, performance tires can be the best option:

• Drivers who prioritize precise handling, greater grip, and sensitivity
• Drivers who are willing to forego a little gas mileage, quality ride, passenger comfort or tire lifespan in exchange for better road control.
• Those who want more than only to get from point A to point B.

PRIOR TO SPEEDING UP ON PERFORMANCE TIRES

Tire speed ratings, like the maximum velocity on your speedometer, are usually always higher than the legal speed limit, but they aren’t a green light to speed. Clearly, no matter what you ride, we do not encourage traveling in an irresponsible way or exceeding the speed limit.

SO, WHAT EXACTLY ARE TIRE SPEED RATINGS, AND HOW DO YOU USE THEM?

The speed rating of a tire is obtained by regulated laboratory testing and is represented by letter symbols. Speed ratings were first employed for sports cars decades ago, especially in Europe, where certain roads had no speed restrictions. Tire speed ratings are used by car manufacturers to guarantee that automobiles and tires are appropriate. The greater a tire’s speed rating, the more performance-oriented it is in general.

H, V, W, and Y letter symbols are common speed classifications found on different levels of performance tires. Although there is no industry standard, tire shoppers should expect to discover the following:

• Winter tires for high-performance automobiles may have a speed rating of H (up to 130 mph).
• H (130 mph) and V (180 mph) speed designations are available for high-performance all-season tires (up to 149 mph).
• V (up to 149 mph), Z (greater than 149 mph), W (up to 168 mph), and Y (up to 168 mph) are the speed classifications for super-duper performance tires (all-season and summer variants) (up 186 mph).

Check your car’s owner’s handbook for the acceptable tire speed rating. It may also be displayed on the driver’s side doorway jamb’s tire information placard (label). In the size/service information code, tire manufacturers write the letter speed indicator on the sidewall. We can assist you in locating the tire speed rating data you require.

PERFORMANCE TIRES SELECTION GUIDE

When buying performance tires, keep the following in mind:

• Check that they adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
• All four tires should be rated at the same speed.
• Keep in mind that speed values are based on laboratory tests conducted under strict conditions. The conditions you’ll discover on the highway will nearly always be different from those in the lab.

You can’t possibly expect your car to operate to its full potential without tires that are equal to the task, no matter how sleek and fast it is. Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care tire specialists can help you choose the best performance tires for your car and get you on the path to a more pleasant ride. Inquire with your tech about affordable financing alternatives. Alternatively, you can learn more about CFNA by visiting their website. Make an appointment or pay a visit to one of our locations today.

A BETTER WAY TO BUY TIRES IN CANADA

Tire Warehouse makes the shopping experience faster and easier than ever for our customers. We offer a wide variety of top brands, helping you find the perfect tires that meet your unique needs. Once you find your perfect tires, you can check out confidently using your preferred payment method, and then choose how you want us to get your tires to you! Tire Warehouse will deliver tires directly to your home, or set you up with one of our preferred installers in your region. Shopping for tires has never been easier!

Need help choosing the right tires? Our team of specialists has the knowledge and experience you need, and loves to help! Just pick up the phone and give us a call, or send us a message online.