How to choose summer tires

Predictable behavior on the road, dynamic acceleration and deceleration characteristics, stability on rough roads and rutting, the ability to hold the trajectory of movement - these and many other features depend on the correct choice of summer tires in the most direct way. It is not enough just to go to the market and purchase the first wheels that are available - the choice must be conscious, and their characteristics - fully comply with the operating conditions, type of vehicle and driving mode.

content

1. The best manufacturers of summer tires for the car
2. Types of summer tires
3. The main criteria for the selection of summer tires
4. Features of the choice of summer tires for the crossover
5. Features of the choice of summer tires for a car
6. Features tire selection for an SUV

The best manufacturers of summer tires for the car

Despite the fact that nowadays almost every country in the world has mastered the production of wheels for a car, preference should be given to products of exceptionally well-known world-known concerns, whose products are highly valued among active drivers and fans of motor sports:

1. Michelin

2. Hankook

3. Nokian

4. Goodyear

5. Dunlop

The range of the above companies includes a huge number of models with a diameter of 13-14 and up to 22-23 inches installed on the most expensive and prestigious business class cars. Those who do not need to buy large-sized or high-speed wheels and limited to models with a diameter of 14-15 inches, it is best to pay attention to the budget rubber of domestic manufacturers - "Kama", "Matador", "Belshina", "Omskshina". For urban operating conditions and low speeds, their products are more than enough.

Types of summer tires

Summer tires are designed to operate at an outside temperature of +7 degrees and above. Its application is legally fixed in many countries of the world. In its manufacture, special rubber materials are used to provide the necessary characteristics of adhesion to the road, resistance to mechanical impact and resistance to moisture, temperature changes and UV exposure. The necessary rigidity is provided by the cord - a special metal frame located along the entire inner surface of the tire, which prevents rolling and maximizes its rigidity under any operating conditions.

Symmetrical tires

The tread pattern of such tires has a pronounced design, most often resembling a herringbone. Due to their shape, they perfectly remove moisture from the contact patch, and therefore such tires are designed for use on a wet surface. They are distinguished by a developed tread with wide and deep lamellae. When installed on the car require compliance with the direction of rotation.

Virtues

• Designed for use in wet weather;

• Well hold the road, do not have a pronounced "rut";

• Remove moisture from the patch of contact of the tire with asphalt;

disadvantages

• The tread lamellas quickly become clogged with mud and sand, thereby deteriorating traction;

• Show mediocre results of dynamics and braking on a dry surface;

Asymmetrical tires

They have a different pattern on the left and right side of the wheel, thanks to which they take moisture away from the contact patch well, and also perform well on dry asphalt. Perfectly "holds" the road, allowing you to confidently get under way and effectively brake, and also well keeps the car from skidding during high-speed maneuvering. This type is most often installed on all kinds of "charged" cars of famous brands.

Virtues

• Well keep the road;

• A variety of models on sale;

• High brake performance;

• Excellent cling to the asphalt with a dynamic start;

disadvantages

• Expensive;

• They behave worse on wet asphalt;

Off-road tires (All-terrain or Mud)

Wheels designed exclusively for off-road use. They have a widely developed protector, literally “biting into” the dirt and allowing to overcome deep puddles, wetlands, sandy embankments, and climb a serious slope.

Virtues

• Maximum permeability;

• A wide variety of models for a disc of any diameter;

• Hardy and unpretentious to maintain;

• Powerful tread;

disadvantages

• Suitable for off-road use only;

• Expensive;

• You can not install on every car;

• Not suitable for city driving;

The main criteria for the selection of summer tires

Tire size

1. Wheel diameter It is selected for a specific size of the disks of your car. Measured in inches;

2. Width rubber. Measured in millimeters, the choice should be given to models recommended for use by the car manufacturer;

3. Tire height is measured as a percentage of the wheel width and is indicated on the side of the tire. For example, the inscription 225 \ 45 \ R17 says that the tire diameter is 17 inches, width - 225 millimeters, and its height is 45% of the width;

Speed ​​index

A parameter that determines the suitability of specific tire models for use at high speeds. It is denoted by a Latin letter characterizing the maximum speed that tires can withstand during active travel on the highway. The most common types of rubber are:

1. U - maximum speed up to 200 kilometers per hour;

2. H - allow acceleration to 210 km / h;

3. V - limited to 240 km / h;

4. Y - make it possible to accelerate to 270 km / h;

5. Z– limit limit is 300 km / h;

date of manufacture

Like any other material, rubber is prone to aging. If stored improperly, it is packed and covered with numerous microcracks and other artifacts. Even if the tire is new and has not been exploited before, it is very dangerous to use it - no one knows how such a wheel will behave in an extreme situation. It is for this reason that the choice should be given exclusively to "fresh" wheels, since the release of which no more than 1-2 years have passed. It is for this reason that in many European countries the “old” 3-4 year old tires are 40-50% cheaper than more recent analogues.

Type of design of the air chamber

1. Chamber tires. Models, known since the times of the USSR. The tire here represents only the outer shell, inside which is placed a thin-walled air chamber;

2. Tubeless tires. Modern models, tightly fixed due to their design on the disk;

3. RunFlat tires. A special case of tubeless tires, not afraid of punctures. Thanks to the reinforced side cord, they allow you to move up to 50-60 kilometers at a speed of no more than 70 kilometers per hour, even on a punctured wheel.It is hardly possible to move freely on an empty tire, but you can easily reach it to the nearest tire fitting.

Tire design

1. Diagonal tire (D) - an outdated type of wheels, characterized by decent protection against cuts and punctures, as well as maintainability;

2. Radial tire (R) is a modern type of tire with a large number of operational advantages. Provides better grip, increases roll forward and throughput, is heat resistant and resistant to temperature changes;

Features of the choice of summer tires for the crossover

The crossover means not only highway operation, but also regular trips to the dirt and country road. Tires purchased for this type of vehicle must have the following characteristics:

1. Size corresponding to the diameter of the used disks and the required parameters of the car manufacturer;

2. Type of tread - asymmetric or off-road, if the installation of such allows the car;

3. Tire design - radial;

4. The speed index is H or V (210-240 kilometers per hour). Due to the high center of gravity, the high speeds are capable of developing, perhaps, premium brand crossovers, the choice of rubber for which is identical to that of a passenger car. Owners of budgetary crossovers overpay for rubber with the Y or Z index does not make any sense;

Features of the choice of summer tires for a car

The operation of modern passenger cars almost always involves the use of low-profile tires with the following parameters:

1. Size that fits the hub of the car and the characteristics of a cast or steel disc;

2. The protector is asymmetric in shape for operation in dry weather or symmetrical for operation in places with high humidity;

3. Radial tire cord design;

4. The maximum allowable speed index, Y or Z, if we are talking about a powerful sports coupe or sedan, in other cases, you can restrict yourself to models with the index H or V, allowing movement at a speed of 210-240 kilometers per hour;

Features tire selection for an SUV

The choice of tires for an SUV is based on two different scenarios of its operation:

1. In the case when the SUV is operated as a traditional city car, the choice of wheels for it is no different from that for a crossover;

2. If you need to use an SUV for its intended purpose, you should select models of class Mud or All-Terrain, equipped with a powerful tread of the appropriate form. The speed index in this situation plays almost no role, because, as equipped with frame SUVs rarely accelerate faster than 100 kilometers per hour.

3. Well, of course, when choosing a rubber for any car, preference should be given to fresh, not older than 2-3 years from the date of issue, models. Only in such a situation the declared characteristics of the tires will correspond to the real ones.

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a guide to purchase.