As the name implies, performance tires maximize the handling
and control of your vehicle. Think about the last time you
drove your car. How was the ride? Was the traction to
your liking? How did you feel about the car’s cornering
ability? Did the noise level bother you? Was the ride
comfortable? Now think about improving some or all of these
conditions with the goal of improving your total driving
experience. That is what performance tires are all about.
“Performance” or “high performance” tires typically contain a tire speed rating of H, V, Z, or ZR. This makes them an ideal choice for vehicles that require maximum tire performance and handling. Some people think that performance tires are solely for race car drivers or others who operate vehicles professionally. However, performance tires are available for a wide variety of vehicles and they can enhance your driving experience considerably.
Some performance tires are designed to improve handling, especially on wet roads. Others aim to provide drivers with greater precision, a smoother ride, or increased fuel efficiency. For example, Michelin’s Pilot Sport 3 was designed with fuel efficiency, as well as tread life and road grip, in mind.
Other performance tires are designed primarily to enhance safety. For example, Yokohama’s model ADVAN Sport ZPS tires allow the vehicle to be operated safely for a set period of time even when there is no air in the tire.
Finally, some performance tires are designed to maximize performance in several different ways simultaneously. Dunlop’s SP Sport Max TT, for example, is constructed to provide a variety of benefits, including extra precision, a smooth ride, and excellent cornering.
Because they are designed to enhance and maximize your vehicles performance, performance tires are different from other tires in many ways. Much of the performance-enhancing technology focuses on sidewalls, tread, and rims. Tread is an important component of the tire’s traction, especially in wet conditions; some performance tires use directional tread while some use silica in the manufacturing process to enhance this aspect of the tire’s performance. Sidewalls can be modified to improve the tire’s stability. Dunlop’s SP Sport 8000 is an example of a tire with enhanced sidewalls to improve the stability of the tire and, therefore, of the vehicle. When tires are designed with multiple performance enhancements in mind, then all of these and other aspects may be modified in the manufacturing process.
It is not surprising that many automobile manufacturers have begun placing performance tires on vehicles for sale in dealerships. After all, the manufacturers reason, there is no better way for a potential customer to enjoy the best possible driving experience when taking a car for a test drive. As a result, more and more vehicles are rolling off the assembly line and into the showroom with performance tires as original equipment. This ranges from small compact cars to larger SUV’s and CUV’s. You may have performance tires on your vehicle and not even know it!
According to the 2009 Original Equipment Tire Customer Satisfaction Study, there has been an increase in overall customer satisfaction with original equipment tires, and fewer incidents reported over a two year span:
According to the study, 89 percent of customers who did not experience any problems indicate they ‘definitely will’ or ‘probably will’ recommend their tire brand, while only 55 percent of customers who report experiencing a problem say the same. Further, a customer’s willingness to recommend their tire brand varies depending on the problem experienced.
Consider a scenario in which a customer visits a dealership and drives a vehicle equipped with performance tires. Even if the customer is unaware that the car is equipped with performance tires, the test drive will be enhanced. If the customer’s next test drive is in a vehicle that does not have performance tires, the ride may pale in comparison. Which vehicle would you choose? Clearly, performance tires have the potential to influence an automobile customer’s choice.
Performance tires might be exactly what you are looking for to improve your driving experience. Their use is not limited to expensive cars, new cars, or sports cars. Different performance tires are designed to meet different needs. Visit the Tire Pros and ask about performance tires for your vehicle.