Tyre care: How to select the right tyre for your car, SUV

Slippers are not the ideal footwear choice to play football, similarly it is not ideal to use just any tyre on any car. Tyre is one of the most important components of a car as it is the only contact between the car and the road. The right type of tyres can make your drive experience a lot better and, more importantly, a whole lot safer. But there is a vast variety of tyres available to choose from. So, which is the right one for you? Here’s a quick guide.

Construction Type

While most cars today are equipped with tubeless tyres, some still have tube tyres. Most manufacturers have progressed to tubeless tyres as they are more reliable, safer, discharge less air, are long-lasting and don’t puncture that easily. So, if you are in the market for new tyres, tubeless is the way to go  assuming, of course, the rim can handle one. You should check that before you buy.

Weather

Given the Indian climate, we typically use all-weather tyres, however, in very cold regions, you would be better off with winter tyres. These tyres have a higher natural rubber content, helping them stay supple in low temperatures. The tread pattern will also help in dissipating snow. However, for deep snow, it’s best to either fit snow chains or special snow tyres that have embedded metal studs.

Compound

Tyre manufacturers use different compound mixes of natural and synthetic rubber, silica and carbon black for better performance, efficiency and life. Generally, a harder compound will offer longer life but lesser road grip and performance. Thus, when buying a tyre, read the description and buy a set based on what your priorities are.

Tread pattern

Mud Terrain

Specific to hardcore off-roaders, these tyres – with their chunky tread – are best suited for mud and slush.

All terrain

Built with an off-road bias, butcan also be used safely on regular roads in dry, wet and light snow conditions.

L-R: Mud terrain and all terrain tyres.
 

Winter

Higher natural rubber keeps them supple in low temperature, thus offering better traction. Tiny grooves bite better into snow and sludge.

Unidirectional

Excellent performance in terms of water dissipation and reduction in road noise.

L-R: Winter and Unidirectional tread tyres.

Conventional

Offers the right balance between grip, wet weather performance and braking efficiency.

Asymmetric tread

Are often seen on performance cars; offers better handling and grip especially in corners.

L-R: Conventional tread and asymmetric tread tyres.

Low Rolling Resistance

Designed to reduce rolling effort and improve fuel efficiency. Commonly seen on EVs.

Highway Terrain

Are commonly seen on vehicles suited for long-distance and help with reduced wear and high water dissipation.

Also See:

Monsoon tyre care and driving tips