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Learning about the Different Tire Types

There are several different types of tires on the market and if you have never purchased a new set of tires before, it is a good idea to learn as much as you can before you go shopping. Whether you are buying your tires at a local discount tire store or you buy tires online, you are likely to encounter a staggering array of different kinds of tires. From a distance, most tires look pretty much the same. Reading the descriptions, advertisements or the product literature might shed some light on the types of tires for sale. Or it might not as some tire descriptions, like Snow Tires, are more clear than others, such as Grand Touring. The following explanations of common types of tires, while not a comprehensive checklist of every possible tire description, should get you started toward understanding the differences between the different types of tires on sale at most places.

Tire Types Explained

Some tire descriptions make it quite clear what their intended uses are or for what type of vehicles they are made. Others are not so clear. First, let's get the more obvious ones out of the way.

Snow Tires or Winter Tires - Winter tires are meant to provide superior traction in moderate to heavy snow. They are not designed to be used year round so you will need to have them installed and removed when the seasons dictate it.

Mud Tires - Like snow tires, mud tires are a specialized type of tire designed to deliver grip in muddy driving conditions. If you love to go off roading in your Jeep or truck, sooner or later you are going to want to buy mud tires capable of handling mud, heavy snow, sand, deep dirt, huge puddles and more.

Summer Tires - Intended primarily for use on dry roads, but almost all provide capable traction in wet weather as well. Not intended for year round use and not appropriate for driving on icy roads or light snow.

Light Truck Tires - Designed specifically for pickup trucks and SUVs, they are built primarily for local on road or highway driving. May include features that improve off road traction or supporting heavy loads as well.

All Season Tires - Built to handle most weather and road conditions, all season tires are meant to be left on year round. They can generally handle wet roads, mud and light snow, but if you live in an area with extreme weather, even all season tires will need to be switched out for snow tires, making them in actuality three season tires.

Performance Tires - For drivers of sportier cars or cars capable of reaching high speeds, performance tires offer superior dry traction, handling and responsiveness. They often look flashier as well. You will likely see Summer and All Season performance tires.

Touring Tires - Touring Tires are generally aimed at luxury cars and high end sedans. They often provide a smooth, quiet and comfortable ride in addition to good wet and dry traction.

In addition to the general tire types listed above, you will also see combinations like Performance Summer or All Season Touring. Now that you know what types of tires are available though, you can match your needs to the appropriate category of tire.