Performance Tyres

Performance Tyres - a gripping read - Tyre choice is important, it is the only thing in contact with the road surface and therefore the most important component when it comes to the handling and stopping of your car.

Low profile performance tyres can improve high speed stability, steering response and braking efficiency.

The numbers that denote the size usually looks something like this – 205/45 R17 84Y

• The first number (205) is the Width across the tyre tread area and is measured in millimetres
• The second number (45) is the profile (the height of the tyre wall). This is a percentage of the width, in this instance 45 percent of 205mm = 92.25mm
• The following letter (R) denotes the tyre construction, in this case it’s a radial tyre
• The third number (17) is the diameter of wheel for that tyre, measured in inches, so this tyre is for a 17” wheel
• The last number (84) is the load index for each tyre, a lighter car will have a lower number, while a heavier car will require a higher number
• The last character (Y) is the speed rating (see table below)

Other Markings:
ECE type approval mark, which means the tyre conforms to the European Regulatory Authorities approval.

You may also see some of the following on the tyre: The manufacturer, tyre name (model if you like) construction type and details, country, load and pressure ratings, DOT reference (USA tyres (tires)) and of cause there will be a tyre wear indicator.

Tyre Speed Ratings:

Or Some Will Have:

Don’t ask me why a VR rating is 131mph and a V rating is 149mph. I have always understood that V was the rating and R was for radial, therefore what is the difference? Just make sure you put the correct speed rated tyres on your car!

Don’t Mix Tyres:
Don’t mix different types of tyres such as radial with cross-ply, also stick to the same tyre pattern all round. This is most important especially when braking in the wet, if you have more grip in the front than the rear or on one side than the other, it doesn’t take a genius to work out that your braking will be unstable. If you have a 4wd vehicle putting the same tyres on all 4 corners is most advisable, it’s possible to damage your transfer box if you don’t.

Cheap Tyres:
Don’t bother with remoulds or retreads (it's just not worth it on a performance car), part worn are ok, but you get what you pay for and you need to find the right one (with equal tread) to match your other tyres (see don’t mix your tyres above). New performance tyres from unknown brands – at your own risk, I say stick to the known and trusted.

Putting Them On:
Usually if you have 2 new tyres fitted you should put them on the rear, swapping good rear tyres to the front if needed. This is because front tyres wear quicker and having better grip at the rear is easier to control than the over way round. Don’t bypass getting your wheels balanced when putting new tyres on either.

Check Your Tyre Pressure:
Incorrect tyre pressure can increase fuel consumption, tyre wear and rob horsepower. You should check your tyre pressure when the tyre is cold.

Check The Overall Tyre Condition (Regularly):

Check for nails, bumps, splits and uneven tyre wear (uneven tyre wear can mean either the suspension geometry is out, the wheel alignment is out, or the tyres have incorrect pressure) – (or for those boy racers out there, you go round the corner too damn quickly too often!). Poor condition tyres can cause blowouts. I would also recommended that you have a wheel alignment (tracking) carried out every time you get new tyres fitted.

Tyre Tread Depth:

There is a legal minimum amount of tread required on a tyre of 1.6mm. 75% (3 quarters) of your tyre must have this minimum tread depth. All tyres have a tread wear indicator to help judge this. It is also recognised by some that even 1.6mm is still too little. There are high fines for not complying.

Tyre Blow Out Advice
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to see other related videos.

Basically, lower profile performance tyres with a stiffer side wall and a softer compound will improve your cars handling, high speed stability, steering response and braking efficiency (depending on the road surface and weather). Also be aware that it is the tyres that cushion the unsprung weight (weight of the tyres, wheels, brakes and a percentage of the weight of the suspension components).

Lower Profile:

By lowering the profile you are reducing the amount of flex in the tyre wall, keeping the tyre more planted with less roll. The use of softer compounds also gives better grip adhesion on the roads surface.

Performance tyres come in all types of rubber compounds and patterns, their softer compounds will increase road adhesion. However some will be better in the dry and others better in the wet. It’s important to consider when and for what you are purchasing your tyres for. There’s no point in buying a tyre designed for high performance in the dry if the cars a daily driver, you’ll just regret it when you lose your car in the wet.

Package Deals:

Combining wheels and tyres may save you some money, there are many companies out there selling wheel and tyre packages just for your car.

• Your Insurance can be void if you select the incorrect tyre for your car/application
• You may consume more fuel consumption, due to increased contact and adhesion
• Softer compound performance tyres wear out quicker, of cause your driving style will have an effect on tyre wear also
• Most lower profile performance tyres will not allow for puncture repairs due to the minimum sidewall height required to affix the repair pad. Therefore you may have to replace what could be a perfectly good tyre otherwise
• Getting larger wheels with low profile tyres that step on the inside of the rim, will increase your chances of curb damage

Wow! - a set of 4 please!

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