There are all kinds of modifications you can order to make your car go faster–e.g., nitrous oxide, turbochargers, suspension kits, etc.–but the best way to boost the “get up and go” of your vehicle is to outfit your ride with a set of high-quality performance tires.
Below are 5 important facts to know about these super-sticky tires that will give you more insight for your next purchase.
Performance Tires Can Make Better Use of Horsepower
Slippery tires hemorrhage horsepower; they simply can’t fully capitalize on the force and acceleration that your engine provides. A set of sticky tires, however, can mean that you’re able to translate an additional 50, 100 and possibly even more horsepower into greater acceleration and more efficient cornering force.
For Quicker Corner Handling – Consider Your Tires First
Yes, that means that you might want to think twice before plunking down your hard-earned money on any high-dollar suspension or engine modifications. Simply put, tires make all the difference in terms of quickness when turning corners; while the other modifications can help, the real point of differentiation is literally where the “rubber meets the road”.
The Tallest and Widest Tires Will Give You the Most Traction
When it comes to enhancing performance, what you’re after is more rubber on the ground. That means that the tallest and widest tire for what your car can use is often going to be the best choice for optimal traction. Yes, the tire industry association may see it as “redlining” in terms of what their standards will allow for your type of vehicle, but don’t confuse commonly recommended size tires with actual tire performance.
Avoid All-Season Performance Tires
It sounds great on the surface–a performance tire that can stick to the road no matter what season it is. Unfortunately, it’s just not true. The reality is that all-season performance tires compromise dry-road and damp-road grip in order to accommodate traction for freezing temperatures as well. Instead of “all-season”, look for “three season” or even a “summer” tire to ensure that the tread design will offer the stickiest grip.
Only Choose Tires with a Z, W or Y Speed Rating
Among the many things that those small numbers and letters on the sidewall of your tire tell you, the speed rating is one of the most important to keep in mind. Traditionally expressed as a letter preceded by a couple of numbers (e.g., 88Z), the speed rating tells you how much speed your tires can safely handle. For the sake of performance tires, you will either need to go with a Z rating (capable of withstanding speeds of up to 149 mph), W rating (can safely handle speeds of up to 168 mph), or Y rating (up to 186 mph). Keep in mind that these numbers are general estimates; in other words, if your tire has a Z rating, that doesn’t automatically mean that you’ll have a blowout if you exceed 149 mph. In fact, it may be able to sustain much higher speeds.
The important thing to remember is that these ratings are estimates that are intended to keep you within a safe range. The kind of performance tires you choose can make all the difference in your vehicle’s ability to handle speed. Keep the above points in mind to help you make an informed decision when it’s time to go shopping for performance tires. Visit Riverside Automotive for high-quality performance tires.
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*Always check your owner’s manual for your vehicle model’s specific instructions before attempting any type of vehicle repair.
Copyright Riverside Automotive – Morgantown, Virginia 2016
