Regular auto maintenance is imperative to ensure your car will function at its best. While oil changes and seasonal preparation are important, one of the most critical parts of your car to maintain is also something that is often overlooked—the tires.
"The truth is that your driving experience is only as good as the tires on your car. And because your tires are the only thing that come between you and the road, it is important to get the right tires so you get the safest driving experience," says Rick Brennan, executive at Kumho Tire USA.
High-performance tires are a great option to help ensure your safety on the road. Most new cars come equipped with performance tires to match today's more sophisticated handling packages: heavy-duty suspension systems, anti-lock braking systems, increased load-bearing potential, and more. High-performance tires not only accommodate driving at higher speeds but also more safely, especially in such challenging conditions as slick, rainy roads, tight corners, and sudden stops. So although they cost a bit more, the tradeoff in increased safety is worth the expenditure.
"Even if you drive a luxury vehicle, performance tires can be beneficial. A high-performance tire can deliver 2 percent better braking in a 60-to-zero situation. It appears to be a small number, but that equals about 5 to 6 feet difference, which could be the difference between an accident or not," comments Brennan.
Why put off shopping for new tires when they are such a crucial part of your safety when driving? Here are the basics to get you started.
Load Index
Your current tire will have a number stamped on the sidewall. It will look something like: 215/55R16 93V. The "93" is the load index, which is followed by a single letter (V) that identifies the tire's speed rating. The load index is the indication of weight the tire can carry safely. It is dangerous to use tires with a load index lower than the number specified in the car manual. If you have an improper load index, you could have a blowout.
Speed Rating
A common trade-off for a higher speed rating is a less comfortable ride. For instance an "S" speed-rated tire will give a more comfortable ride than the "H" speed-rated tire; but the "H" will function better at higher speeds. Ride comfort can be attributed to the tire's overall stiffness. A tire capable of running at high speeds requires a more stiff construction in order to provide the necessary high-speed stability and durability. A dealer will not sell you a lower-speed rated tire than the one listed in your vehicle's manual. Such a switch is a liability and is not considered safe.
High-performance Tires
In order to maximize tire handling, the high-performance tread widths are wider than a typical tire. This allows maximum contact area with the road surface. The tread pattern incorporates larger tread blocks for increased stiffness that perform well on dry and wet surfaces. The stiffer construction helps when traveling at high speeds and enhances your handling abilities. High performance tires typically have a speed rating of "H" or higher, and are made of different compounds that help them perform better on the road.
One high-performance tire that is perfect for luxury touring or sports sedans is the Kumho ECSTA LX Platinum. This tire features an asymmetrical tread design, three-dimensional waffle sipes, a jointless nylon cap ply, and a 60,000-mile limited tread wear warranty. With exceptional mileage, outstanding ride comfort, low noise levels, exceptional snow traction and outstanding dry and wet handling, this tire was made to keep you safe on the road. For more information on tires visit www.EcstaPerformance.com.
This article is courtesy of ARAcontent.
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