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So, you’ve decided to buy new tires. The next question is, what kind of tires? That’s not always an easy question to answer, especially when it comes to performing amid varied seasonal weather conditions. Where to begin?

To help make the tire buying process a little easier, we’ve put together this quick reference guide (or “cheat sheet,” if you will) to break down and explain some of the main varieties of tires, their uses and what to consider before buying them. For more questions, please stop in at Warren Tire, and one of our associates will be glad to help.

8 Different Types of Tires & Their Uses

In general, tires can be divided into the following types:

Summer Passenger Tires

These are performance-driven tires intended mostly for use in dry and wet street conditions. They’re generally not to be driven in near-freezing temperatures, in snow or on ice, or at high speeds in deep standing water. Passenger tires also typically produce a smooth, quiet ride.

All-Season Passenger Tires

The “jack of all trades,” all-season tires offer greater versatility (including light snow traction) and responsive handling, along with low noise and good ride comfort. These tires are suitable for driving in most weather conditions, except for heavy snow. They are made with rubber designed to remain flexible in both warm and cold weather, with a tread that gives stability in snow and pushes water away.

Winter/Snow Passenger Tires

A staple of upstate NY, snow tires offer greater traction and handling in conditions of light to heavy snow and ice. Some snow tires may also feature studs, which enhance traction even further. They are constructed of soft rubber that won’t harden when temperatures drop, for greater traction in snow and rain. However, they shouldn’t be used once the temperature consistently remains above 45° F, since the soft rubber doesn’t provide adequate traction in the summer. Warm weather will also cause the rubber in snow tires to prematurely break down.

Light Truck/SUV Tires

These tires are ideal for your pickup, crossover or sport utility vehicle. They are generally available in the same summer, all-season and winter/snow varieties listed above (just bigger). They are also available in On-/Off-Road styles, which offer the versatility of highway traction as well as power and grip in mud, dirt, snow and rocky conditions on trails and at job sites.

Track & Competition DOT Tires

Racing enthusiasts may want DOT-legal street tires in order to drive to, from and at the racetrack on the same tires. That’s where these come in. Are you feeling the need for speed?

All-Terrain Tires

All-terrain tires are a compromise between off-road and on-road tires. They are best suited for vehicles that will be driven on the road daily and occasionally off-road. They offer adequate traction in normal road conditions, but more road noise than a street tire. However, they provide better traction than street tires on sandy and rocky road conditions and in snow, as well.

Low-Profile Tires

These types of tires have a shorter than average sidewall (lower aspect ratio) for their size. They typically handle and perform better than tires with larger aspect ratios. They also enable you to purchase larger rims and brakes for your car, which will shorten your stopping distance. Constructed with wider tread, low-profile tires grip the road better and afford you more stability while cornering.

Performance Tires

Performance tires are usually found on sports cars and sport sedans, since they are made to handle higher speeds and corner well. They tend to have stiff sidewalls, which may mean a less forgiving ride. They also usually cost more than other types, due to their specialized design.

Mud Tires

Mud-terrain tires are designed to perform well in the mud, and are a good option for rocky terrain and deep, unpacked snow. They are a good option for off-road enthusiasts, and can be used on sand dunes and other areas where the ground is soft.

***Are you ready to pick out your new set of tires? Call us today at (518) 792-0316 or visit our website to find your nearest Warren Tire location. And remember: At Warren Tire, you never pay more for the best!