Proformance tyres

Types of Proformance Tyres

Proformance tyres are designed for drivers who prioritize performance and have a passion for driving. There are different types of performance tires, each with its unique features.

• Summer performance tires

  Summer performance tires are designed for high-performance vehicles. These tires offer excellent grip and stability on dry and wet roads. Drivers get precise handling and braking. However, the tires wear out quickly. They also provide less traction on snow and ice. The tread design features fewer grooves. The design improves contact with the road. The rubber compounds used have higher stiffness. The tires are not suitable for winter driving.

  Ultra-high-performance tires are made for sports cars. They offer high grip levels. This allows for higher cornering speeds. The tread pattern has asymmetric grooves. The design provides stability at high speeds.

• All-season performance tires

  These tires are suitable for all types of weather. For example, summer, winter, and fall. All-season performance tires are designed for high-speed stability, handling, and braking. The tread design has moderate grooves. The design helps in hydroplaning. The tires perform well in wet and dry conditions. The tires have softer rubber. The softer rubber improves grip. However, the softer rubber wears out quickly.

• Track-day tires

  Track-day tires are designed for use on racetracks. The tires give maximum grip levels. This results in faster lap times. The tread is almost bare or has a very low tread depth. This increases the contact area with the road. The tires also have high-temperature resistance. The rubber compound is harder. This makes the tires last longer. The tires have a stiff sidewall. The stiff sidewall improves handling.

• Winter performance tires

  Winter performance tires are designed for high-performance vehicles. They deliver excellent grip and precise handling on snowy and icy roads. Winter performance tires have softer rubber compounds. The softer rubber ensures good grip on ice. The tread design has deeper grooves and more sipes. This improves traction on snow. The bite edge from the sipes offers grip on ice. The tires also have wide circumferential grooves. The grooves reduce hydroplaning on slush.

Specification & Maintenance of Proformance Tyres

• Tire Size

  Proformance tire size is represented by a series of numbers and letters. The first number represents the width of the tire in millimeters. The next set of numbers represents the aspect ratio, which is the percentage of the tire's height compared to its width. The final letter indicates the type of tire, such as radial or diagonal. For example, a tire size of 225/40R18 means the tire is 225mm wide, has an aspect ratio of 40%, and is built on an 18-inch wheel.

• Tread Pattern

  Proformance tires feature distinctive tread patterns, including symmetrical, asymmetrical, and directional patterns. Symmetrical patterns have the same tread design on both sides and provide uniform performance and tire wear. Asymmetrical patterns combine different tread designs on the inner and outer sides of the tire, which improves grip and handling. Directional designs are meant to spin in just one direction, enhancing a tire's wet traction and stability.

• Tread Depth

  Proformance tire tread depth is measured in 32nds of an inch. A deeper tread depth means more grip on the road surface, while a shallow depth provides less traction. Proformance tires typically have a tread depth of 10/32 to 12/32, giving them the performance and handling needed for high-speed driving.

• Rubber Compound

  Proformance tires are made from various rubber compounds ranging from soft to hard. Softer compounds provide better traction and grip on the road surface but wear out faster. Harder compounds offer less grip but are more durable and long-lasting. Tire manufacturers often use a combination of different rubber compounds to achieve the right balance of performance and durability.

Maintaining proformance tires is essential for optimal vehicle performance, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Here are some tire maintenance tips:

• Check Tire Pressure

  Regularly checking tire pressure is essential for performance tire maintenance. Properly inflated tires provide optimal grip and handling, improving vehicle performance. Underinflated tires can cause sluggish acceleration, reduced braking performance, and decreased cornering stability. Overinflated tires can make the ride uncomfortable and lead to uneven tire wear.

• Rotate Tires

  Rotating proformance tires regularly is critical for even tire wear and optimal vehicle performance. Uneven tire wear results in reduced traction, affecting vehicle handling and stability. Tire rotation ensures all tires wear evenly, maintaining consistent grip and performance. Rotating the tires also extends their lifespan, making them more cost-effective.

• Wheel Alignment

  Getting the wheels aligned is essential for proformance tire maintenance. Proper wheel alignment ensures even tire contact with the road, improving grip and handling. Misaligned wheels can cause uneven tire wear, affecting traction and stability. Wheel misalignment can result from hitting potholes or curbs or regular driving on rough roads.

How to Choose Proformance Tyres

Choosing the right proformance tyres for a retail business is not an easy task. There are various factors to consider because the tyres are designed differently to suit different car models and driving conditions. Below are some of the factors to consider:

• Vehicle type: Consider the performance of the vehicle when choosing proformance tyres. For instance, if the car is a sports car, opt for high-performance tyres that offer superior grip and handling at high speeds.
• Weather conditions: Consider the typical weather conditions of the area before choosing proformance tyres. In areas with warm or dry conditions, buyers can opt for summer tyres that provide excellent handling and braking on dry roads. In contrast, all-season tyres are a good choice for areas with moderate weather conditions.
• Size and specifications: Check the vehicle’s owner’s manual or the driver’s side door jamb for the tyre size and specifications to use. Ensure the tyres have the right size, load capacity, and speed rating that is compatible with the vehicle.
• Driving style: Consider the driving style to choose the right proformance tyres. If the customers are aggressive drivers who love quick turns and high speeds, opt for ultra-high-performance tyres that are designed for such driving styles.

How to DIY and Replace Proformance Tyres

Before going into the steps of DIY and replacing performance tires, here are some tools that are needed for the operation:

• Jack
• Jack stands
• Lug wrench
• Torque wrench
• New tires

Here is how to DIY and replace proformance tyres:

• Step 1: Remove the wheel cover or wheel trim if the vehicle is equipped with it. Use a flathead screwdriver to pry it off.
• Step 2: Loosen the lug nuts with a lug wrench. Turn counterclockwise to loosen the nuts. Do this step when the car is still on the ground.
• Step 3: Place the jack under the vehicle's jacking points. Then pump the jack handle to raise the vehicle until the tire clears the ground.
• Step 4: Once the car is raised, place jack stands under the vehicle to provide additional support and stability. This ensures the car doesn't fall while changing the tire.
• Step 5: Completely loosen the lug nuts and remove the wheel.
• Step 6: Mount the new tire onto the wheel hub. Ensure proper alignment with the brake rotor and wheel hub.
• Step 7: Hand-tighten the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern to ensure even tightening.
• Step 8: Lower the vehicle off the jack stands using the jack. Then, use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specified torque.

Q&A

Q1: What is the difference between performance tires and other tires?

A1: The difference lies in the structure and performance of the tires. Performance tires have a larger road contact area, which can improve the car's handling and braking performance on the road. Compared with performance tires, all-season tires have a smaller road contact area, and their performance in wet and slippery roads is not as good as that of performance tires.

Q2: Can SUVs use performance tires?

A2: Of course, SUVs can use performance tires. High-performance tires can provide good grip and handling for SUV vehicles, improving driving stability and safety. This is especially important for high-speed driving or driving on winding roads.

Q3: How long do performance tires last?

A3: The service life of performance tires is affected by many factors, including driving habits, road conditions, tire maintenance, etc. Generally speaking, the mileage of performance tires is about 30,000 to 40,000 kilometers, which is lower than that of all-season tires. This is because performance tires provide better grip and are made of softer rubber.