A vehicle's tyres are vitally important, as they cushion your ride while driving, and also help to cushion all the parts of the vehicle, reducing shock and excessive wear and tear. Tyres also provide traction over rough roads and in inclement weather, while also making your drive quieter. To ensure you're getting the most benefit from the tyres you have installed on your vehicle, note a few tips on how to choose the right type of tyre for your car or truck.
Traction
Traction ratings are usually designated in terms of letters; obviously the better the traction, the easier it will be to drive in snow or on muddy roads. However, note that more traction also means more grip on the road, which can slow you down on smooth pavement; racing tyres actually have little to no traction, because the driver wants as little resistance from the tyres as possible. If you have a sports car or drive mostly on well-maintained roads with little snow, mud, sand, and the like, you might opt for less traction from your tyres, for less resistance and better performance and fuel economy.
Temperature
Temperature resistance is also typically designated with a lettering system; the higher the resistance, the better the tyre will be at dissipating heat from the pavement. For those who live in very warm climates, and especially if you drive on dark asphalt that may tend to hold heat, you'll want to invest in a higher temperature resistance. This will ensure the rubber of the tyres doesn't wear down quickly over the years.
Special icons
Tyres may have special icons that denote certain features they offer; this usually includes mud and snow ratings. It's good to invest in tyres with these added features or ratings if you drive in rough conditions, as standard all-weather tyres may not be strong enough, or offer enough tread, to get you through deep snow and mud. The tread of these tyres may also be especially crisscrossed or otherwise designed to push snow and mud out of the way while driving, allowing for better overall handling.
Looks
Don't underestimate the importance of buying tyres and rims that look good! A thicker rubber and stylish rims for the tyres can improve the overall appearance of your vehicle, and may even increase its value. If you're in the market for new tyres anyway, you might as well choose something that looks good, while also improving the vehicle's performance and safety.