The quality of your tires can affect your car’s performance and safety. One of the most important aspects that tire manufacturers would focus on is tire traction. But, as a regular driver and car owner, you may not realize its importance.
Tire Traction Defined
Simply put, your tire traction is a measurement of tire performance. It’s the resistance and friction between your tire and the ground. Whenever the ground is wet or slippery, you’ll lose traction and road grip, making your car skid and lose control.
Tread Compound and Pattern
A tire’s performance is often determined by its tread compounds and patterns. Tread compounds are the materials used in various portions of the tire that come in contact with the road. This can determine the tire’s performance on dry surfaces. Rubber with different chemical compositions is often used in tire construction.
Tread patterns, on the other hand, are the grooves and designs that touch the road. Certain tread patterns can determine how a car grips, handles, and performs under specific driving situations. Some are great for water displacement and countering hydroplaning, while others are made for high-performance driving.
Picking the Right Tire for Your Vehicle
While a lot of people may think that all tires provide the same traction, that’s not always the case. Not all tires in the market can excel in the same conditions. For example, off-road and mud tires are perfect for uneven and rocky roads. However, if you want a smoother ride on paved roads and highways, touring or performance tires can give you better traction.
The type of vehicle can also come into play when determining what kind of tire you need. A sedan will require a different set of tires compared to a truck or an SUV. Familiarizing yourself with your vehicle lets you determine which type you should pick for optimal car performance.
If you’re on the lookout for a new set of tires that can cater to your specific driving needs, be sure to contact us at Graham Tire today. We can look at your vehicle and recommend the perfect tire. We also do tire repair and other related car services.
