What type of tire should you buy?

As we truck through the winter blues, one of the foremost questions on our minds is Will my car make it through the snow? How do you know which tire to choose?  TBR Global has some tips as to what type of tire to buy. 

All Season Tires:

All-season tires are great for… you guessed it! All seasons! Most vehicles come equipped with these tires when first purchased. When using all-season tires, the vehicle is easy to handle and offers a comfortable ride. These tires are able to handle the wet, snow, and sunny weather. However, there is a compromise. These tires can handle only a “little bit” of each type of weather. If you live in a heavily snowy or rainy area, these may not be the tires for you.

Winter Tires:

If you live in an area that experiences a heavy amount of snow during the course of the year, winter tires may be a good choice for your vehicle. Winter tires provide greater grip strength in the snow and ice, making the vehicle easier to handle. The grip strength helps to prevent spin outs and sliding through stop signs. We would suggest anyone in our Boston office to have a set of winter tires this week! Please note, however, that drivers should keep a greater distance from cars in inclement weather and to use their best judgment while driving.

High Performance/ Summer Tires:

Summer tires are perfect for hot summer months when the sun is shining and you want the wind in your hair. These tires provide a very smooth ride and are ideal for high performance vehicles. These tires are best in terms of accuracy and quick response time. Not only do they make for a very smooth ride, but they also tend to be quieter and look nice too!

The Future of tires:

Hopefully with the help of engineering masterminds, tires will encompass all of our needs in one tire. With Hankook’s newest concept tires, the future may be closer than we think. Hankook has designed a set of 3 sci-fi looking tires that morph depending on what type of terrain you are driving on. The first tire, Boostrac, is focused on loose pavement and dirt like roads. The second tire, Alpike, is focused on snowy conditions. Finally, the third tire, Blade, is focused on water applications. These tires were on display at the 2014 Essen Motors Show in December. Hopefully the Alpike tire is manufactured soon to help our Boston office in their Blizzard weather!

Please remember, all vehicles need specific tires. Please consult your local tire retailer before purchasing tires!