How to choose a summer tires for cars

Of snow leaving only puddles, and they dry up already, and it's time to change winter tires to summer. In order not to miscalculate, pay attention to the important characteristics and observe your driving style.

Of course, you can drive on winter tires or not bother and buy a season, but still better to get a separate set of tires for the winter and summer. After all, only by specific weather tires will ensure maximum safety on the road.

When choosing a need to follow the manufacturer's cars and also take into account the features of your driving style and operating conditions. To find the right tire for your car, you need to pay attention to five things.

1. standard size

Here, everything is relative simple. Tire Size - is the ratio of width, height and outside diameter. Symbol size is as follows: 175 / 55R13. In this example, the tire's understand what number of which corresponds to:

1. 175 - the width of the tire in millimeters.
2. 55 - the height of the profile, expressed as a percentage of the tire width.
3. 13 - a rim size in inches.

Bore diameter should match the size of the disc, or set the bus simply will not work. But with width and profile height can play a little.

Wider tires increase the contact area and, consequently, improve adhesion to the road surface. At the same time they are heavier and worsen the dynamics of the car, handling on poor road surfaces, as well as increase fuel consumption. On wet pavement thus also create a treacherous aquaplaning effect.

Height tires are divided into a low-profile (55% or less), high profile (60-75%) and full-face (80% and higher). Recent designed for off-road and drive on country roads with mounds and potholes, while the first and second set to normal passenger cars.

Height double-edged sword, too: the lower profile tires, the better handling, but at the same time greater susceptibility to the slightest unevenness of the tire road surface and the risk of damage to wheels potholes. Therefore, you should choose a low profile, but if you drive mostly on the highway at high speed.

2. tread pattern

I need not for beauty. It directly affects the performance of the tires. The tread pattern is of three kinds:

1. symmetrical non-directional - the most common variant, which is considered a classic and is suitable for driving in urban and highway. This protector is most often used in budget tires, they are usually set at the factory. Tire characteristics do not depend on conditions operating and the direction of motion. The wheels can be interchanged.
2. Symmetrical directed drawing quickly brings the water from the tire contact patches and provides good adhesion to the road surface. Option for fans of speed and driving in wet weather. Tires are set strictly on the rotational direction (indicated by an arrow on the side surface of the tire), or on a wet surface it will be dangerous.
3. asymmetrical pattern good in the rain and in the dry weather. Universal Protector, which is mounted on SUVs and family sedans, coupes and speed. On the outer and inner side of the tire using different tread patterns, one for best adhesion to dry coating, the second - the wet clutch. With the installation there have to be more careful: look at the markings Inside / Outside, meaning the inner and outer side of the tire, respectively.

3. speed index

Another important parameter. Denoted by using Roman characters, each of which indicates the maximum rate that can be developed on such tires.

Tires with great speed index has increased grip, which in turn provides minimum braking distance. But they are more expensive. Therefore, if you are not going scorcher or your car produces only 180 km / h, and then from the hill, it is not necessary to overpay. But if you are a lover of fast driving, do not skimp and take the bus V or W.

4. load index

This figure defines the load that the tire is able to withstand at maximum velocity. In other words, the maximum weight (together with the load, a driver and passengers) on one vehicle wheel.

If you frequently carry any passengers or freight, it is necessary to take the bus with a high load index. Optimal Alternatively, you can choose with the help of this table, checking the data with the specifications of the machine.

5. The construction of the tire carcass

According to the design features of the bus are divided into bias and radial. The first is almost never occur now, modern tires are mostly radial. It is this fact indicates that the letter R in the tire marking, and not on the diameter, as many believe. Radial tires are suitable for all classes of vehicles, from small cars to SUVs.

Regardless of the type of tire can be enhanced. This is indicated by the letter C (Cargo) or LT (Light Truck) in the designation. Reinforced tire designed for vans, light trucks and vans that are heavier than usual passenger cars and used for the carriage of cargo and lots of passengers.

Which tires to choose

As you remember, it all depends on driving style and conditions of use. To facilitate your choice, Layfhaker identified three most common scenarios. You just have to find your own.

1. Riding in the city and outside it at a moderate speed. Fit with the profile of the tire is 60% or above, a symmetrical or asymmetrical non-directional tread pattern and index of velocity S or T.
2. Driving with a high speed. Suitable profile tires with 55% or below, symmetric or asymmetric directional tread pattern and index of speed V or W.
3. Riding off-road. SUV worth taking a high profile tire with deep tread and the corresponding weight of transported load index. Owners of minivans and vans is better to buy special tires for commercial vehicles with marks C and LT.