What Are High-Performance Tyres & Do You Need Them For Your Car?

These days high-performance tyres are becoming an increasingly popular choice over mid-range or These days high-performance tyres are becoming an increasingly popular choice amongst motorists. Although all tyres play their parts in performance and longevity, high-performance tyres are the chosen ones to fit on ordinary cars because of their many advantages and benefits. In this article, we are going to be covering exactly what high-performance tyres are and what the benefits of fitting them to everyday cars are. 

What are high-performance tyres?

High-performance tyres have been expertly designed to give vehicles a superior grip and are more responsive in both wet and dry conditions. These high-performance tyres are suitable for an array of vehicles, however, it is important to check if they are compatible with your particular type of car.

What are the benefits of high-performance tyres?

Your car’s characteristics change depending on the level of performance your tyres give. The higher the performance of the tyre, the more great differences you’ll notice behind the wheel. High-performance tyres improve your vehicle’s grip on the road as well as the responsiveness, handling, braking and steering wheel feedback. This means motorists can drive with confidence, even in conditions that are far from perfect such as heavy rainfall, ice or snow.

Along with excellent cornering and braking performance abilities, high-performance tyres also assist in driving at high speeds. When you want to go fast in a straight line and accelerate heavily from a standing start but your tyres just spin, this may mean your tyres aren’t quite up to scratch and need upgrading. What you really want is for your tyres to grip onto the road and launch your car forward with little to no wheel spin. 

High-performance tyres also usually have a high-speed rating, meaning they can handle driving at higher speeds for prolonged periods of time in comparison to how regular tyres would fare for the same amount of time at such speeds. 

How long do high performance tyres last?

When shopping for high-performance tyres, motorists must take note that although they will have a higher price point, it is worth it. 

Lower-priced tyres tend not to last as long and can therefore result in more frequent replacements, whereas high-performance tyres will cost slightly more but will be cost-effective in the long run thanks to their longevity. 

Premium tyres are often backed by extensive research and development, meaning they are able to produce tyres with innovative technologies and features to enhance longevity. It is recommended to change regular tyres between every 30,000 – 60,000 miles, however, with premium tyres, you could get up to 80,000 miles before needing to change.

What tyres do I need?

Choosing the correct tyres for your car is crucial for safety and performance. Although high-performance tyres boast an array of exceptional benefits, it is important to note that not all ultra-high-performance tyres are suitable for all vehicles or drivers. 

Premium tyres are always the best choice for motorists due to their higher levels of safety and all-round quality, however, when it comes to high-performance tyres with added features and benefits, it is important to ensure your vehicle is able to benefit from these features. For example not all cars are able to use run-flat tyres, and some high-performance tyres are specially designed to be used on sporty models for speed and exhilaration. Look out for speed ratings on the sidewall, as well as wet grip rating, tyre size, maximum load and pressure.

Generally speaking, if you have a high-performance car, chances are you’ll need to use high-performance tyres to really get the most from your vehicle. If you consider yourself outside of this category, fear not! Premium brands and makers of high-performance tyres like Bridgestone, Continental and Pirelli offer an array of tyres suitable for any car, with some exceptional all-rounders for the average driver who wants safety and longevity.

Fitting your new tyres:

When looking to fit new tyres, it is vitally important to ensure each tyre on your axle is exactly the same. Your tyres should always be the same size, have the same load index and have the same speed rating on all 4 tyres. 

This is a legal requirement in many countries, so it is never a good idea to fit high-performance tyres to your front axle and regular tyres to your back, or vice versa. This can cause loss of control of your vehicle, cause a higher risk of aquaplaning and affect your vehicle’s braking abilities. It is always best to follow the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications. If you are unsure which high-performance tyres are most suitable for your type of vehicle, speak to an expert by contacting us here at etyres.