Tyres for:
When you’re interested in getting the most out of a new set of tyres, you’re most likely to start researching the advantages of all tyres. And you’ll find an abundance of confusing information. We’re here to help you get an overview with our list of different types of tyres.
Tyres can be divided into two superimposed categories: tubed and tubeless tyres. Essentially, there is only one type of tubeless tyre for private use and all other tyre types fall in the tubed category.
There’s one main advantage of run-flat tyres to name upfront: You can keep on driving, even with a puncture. That’s not to say that you can use them forever. They will still lose pressure over a certain distance after being punctured. In this case they should only run for 50 miles (about 80 kilometres) at a maximum speed of 50 mph (about 80 kmh).
But then how do you realize that you’re losing pressure? Run-flat tyres are only permitted when your car has a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS). This system will let you know when the pressure is decreasing. Run-flat tyres are available as two constructional variants: a self-supporting construction and one with a supportive ring. Their differences are:
As most modern cars are equipped with a TPMS, run-flat tyres are becoming more and more popular. If you’re considering run-flats, this are the advantages of these tyres:
This is the most common tubed tyre you’ll find on the market. And for good reason: The tyre sidewall and tread are independent from each other thanks to radial ply cords, allowing high flexibility while still maintaining vehicle stability. In turn, this helps absorb impact and increases general comfort. The tyre itself also has a lower fuel consumption than other types. This is due to less rolling resistance. Most likely, when you’re considering buying a new set of tyres, you’ll select a variant of this tyre.
Here are some types of tyres you’ve likely heard about: seasonal tyres like winter tyres, summer tyres, and all-season tyres. What type of tyre you decide on here depends on your weather situation and local laws.
What are the main advantages of winter tyres? Winter tyres are generally softer than the other radial tyres. This enables them to get a better grip on snowy and icy surfaces. Some might call them snow tyres, but that’s just another name for them. Their higher content of rubber makes them more flexible, but also unsuited for temperatures above +7 °C. When it gets warmer, their rolling resistance increases, and they become too soft for sharp cornering. Winter tyres in summer also show a longer braking distance.
But why use winter tyres in general? Anyone who drives in deeper snow or in icy conditions is thankful for their excellent grip on cold roads.
Summer tyres are optimised for wet and dry conditions. Thanks to their harder compound, they have excellent cornering abilities. While their tread grooves are often not as deep and fewer than those of winter tyres, they’re specialised on reducing the chance of aquaplaning. Also, they have a larger tyre footprint – contributing to their handling and reduced braking distance in dry and wet conditions.
Due to how summer tyres are made, they make for excellent performance tyres.
The greatest advantage of all-season tyres is their versatility. They work well in both, warm and cold weather. However, they are not meant for extremes like performance tyres or winter tyres. All-season tyres are a cheaper alternative to having two sets of seasonal tyres. They save you the cost of seasonal changes, storage cost and save time as well. Particularly in moderate climates.
By combining the best of winter and summer tyres, all-season tyres can save you the change twice a year. They also harden at a lower temperature than summer tyres, making them ideal for colder – but not too cold – weather. They also corner better than winter tyres, coming close to the performance of summer tyres.
On the other hand, all-season tyres sacrifice the best performance winter tyres and summer tyres offer in their weather condition. Should all-season tyres be an option, it all comes down to where you usually drive and which weather conditions you face there. Keep in mind though: All-season tyres cost more than a set of seasonal tyres and need to be replaced at higher frequency. They generally have a lower mileage and by using them year-round, they wear faster.
Beside the classical seasonal tyres and all-season tyres, there are also specialised tyres. These types of tyres are specifically meant for certain conditions or even vehicles:
Most tyres aren’t low profile tyres – this type of tyre is often a very conscious choice made by the car owner. To determine the size of your own tyre, take a look at its sidewall. You will find a number and letter code, like so: 195/55 R16 87V.
Learn what exactly the numbers and letters mean in our article ‘Which tyre size fits my car?’.
