Types of Tires
The process of selecting the right tires for your car is simply a matter of knowing where and how you're going to use those tires. What is the weather usually like? Are the roads in good condition? How far do you drive on an average day? Do you have a sports car or a station wagon? Knowing the answers will steer you to the right tires.
Discuss these things with your Superior Tire & Auto advisor for the best product, brand and tire type for your driving needs.
Highway Tires (Summer Tires)
These are designed for wet and dry weather driving but not for use on snow or ice as they do not provide the degree of traction offered by snow and all-season tires.
All-Season Performance Tires
These tires combine the features of performance tires with the features of all season tires. They meet the needs of high performance cars in dry conditions, but also handles rain and light snow. However they are not a substitute for winter radials which outperform all season tires substantially.
Winter Tires (Snow and Ice)
These provide maximum traction in snowy and icy conditions. The tread is designed for maximum grip in winter conditions and the tread rubber is also constructed out of special material that remains pliable in cold weather. The tradeoff for this increased traction generally includes less handling ability on dry pavement, increased noise levels and more rapid treadwear on dry surfaces.
Note: If you normally use high performance tires on your car, you should be aware that the addition of winter driving tires or snow tires will dramatically affect the way your car handles. We strongly recommend snow tires be placed on all four (4) wheel positions.
Performance Tires
These offer a degree of handling, grip and cornering ability superior to that of other tires. They let you "feel the road" and drive with a greater feeling of confidence. The trade-off is that these tires are generally more expensive, their tread may wear down faster, and some ride comfort is sacrificed. But for enthusiast drivers, performance tires are the choice. Since they require a higher degree of performance from their tires, the tires must be able to withstand significantly higher temperatures.
All-Season Performance Tires
A new breed of tire which combines the features of performance tires with the features of all season tires. It meets the needs of high performance cars in dry conditions, but also handles rain and light snow. However they are not a substitute for snow tires or winter driving tires in northern areas.
