As the automotive industry has grown over the years and now most people own cars more than ever before, it is important to have the right amount of knowledge not only about purchasing a vehicle but also about its key components, such as different types of tyres, engine performance, seat comfort, and other important features.
Many people tend to overlook the importance of types of car tyres but need to understand how choosing the right type can play a big role in safety, handling, comfort and fuel efficiency. Whereas, choosing the wrong tyre will offer poor performance and a less comfortable ride.
For all those people and for those too who get overwhelmed due to so many tyre categories in Pakistan, this article will be a perfect guide for you to explore the different types of tyres and help you decide which one suits you best according to your driving needs.
Types of tyres:
Summer tyres:
Summer tyres are designed to perform typically above 7°C. They are made of soft specialized rubber compound that enhances tyre stability, grip and provides safety against slippery wet roads.
Their tread pattern design gives the benefit of featuring fewer grooves than winter tyres which maximizes contact with road surface to improve braking performance. However, they are not suitable for heavy monsoon rainfalls and winter snow since the soft rubber compound could harden and wear off faster, reducing its road grip.
All season tyres:
An all season tyre tends to perform well under all various conditions reliably throughout the year which makes them suitable for a huge customer base.
The treat pattern on these tyres are different on the inside vs that on the outside. The outer treat helps to remove water and mud from the tyre whereas the inner tread offers better tyre grip and handling when turning specially on slippery roads. However, one of the biggest limitations could be how these tyres under extreme weather conditions like heavy snowfalls tend to lose their elasticity.
Radial tyre:
Radial tyres are built with multiple layers of fabric cords, made typically of steel or polyester, arranged perpendicular to the direction of travel forming a radial pattern from the center of the wheel outward. Radial tyre benefits include flexible walls which offer smoother rides, lower rolling resistance which contributes to making them fuel efficient tyres and lastly the design allows for better road grip.
Performance tyre:
High performance tyres are built for better grip, quicker response and safer driving at high speed. These tyres are made from advanced rubber compounds and lower tread depths, allowing for better road contact and improved stability when taking turns at high speed. However, the only drawback is that they are expensive and will give best results if your car is powerful. Could be best for sports and formula cars.
Off road tyre:
If you have adventurous spirit and enjoy tracks like those you find when you travel up north,off road tyre will be the perfect choice for you.These tyres are specially designed for SUVS and 4×4 vehicles.Their deep, chunky tread patterns offer benefits like excellent grip on difficult terrains such as mud,sand and rocks while delivering high quality performance on uneven surfaces.
Tubeless tyre:
Tubeless tyres do not require an inner tube to contain the air.Instead, the tyres inner lining is coated with a unique layer that stops air from escaping.The tyres design ensures an air tight seal hence allowing it to maintain proper air pressure without the need for an additional tube. They could actually be the best tyres for city driving as they offer safety, lower maintenance in terms of easy puncture repairs and offer a comfortable driving experience.
Highway tyre:
Highway tyres are made drivers of paved roads and highways, delivering a comfortable ride with low noise. Highway tyres use special tread patterns to maximize contact with the road, sidewalls that ensure stability, and rubber compounds which enhance fuel efficiency.
How to choose the right type of tyre for you?
Now that you know the different types of tyres,the decision to select the right one depends on several factors:
1)Vehicle type:Whether you own a hatchback, sedan, or SUV, your tyres should match your vehicle’s size and driving needs. Choosing the right tyres helps improve stability, safety, and overall driving performance.
2)Climate and weather conditions: This factor could be crucial as well since if you live in extreme cold weather conditions with heavy snowfalls then winter tyre is the perfect choice for you. Whereas if you live in hot summer regions then you definitely should purchase a summer tyre. All season tyres could be the most suitable and sensible choice for those people who live in varying climate conditions with moderate rainfalls and gentle winters.
3)Driving style:Do you mostly drive in the city, cover long motorway miles, or enjoy pushing your car on mountain roads? Your driving style matters, daily driving is all about endurance and efficiency whereas for longer trips, comfort and low noise levels become more important. And if you’re after a sportier experience, you’ll want tyres that offer maximum grip.
Once you’ve chosen the right type of tyre, it’s just as important to maintain it properly. Make sure you regularly check your tyre’s manufacturing date to know its true age, and clean and maintain your tyres the right way to keep them performing safely for longer.
