Important Tire Performance Terms & When They Matter
When you are surrounded by car enthusiasts reminiscing about their car’s performance, you might have heard 'my car is noise-free', or 'the rolling resistance is quite low on my car'. Not just these two terms, you would probably have heard a lot more than you could remember. Therefore, in this article, we will be discussing essential terms related to performance.
For the time being, this article is only limited to performance terms related to the tires and not the whole vehicle. Moreover, after discussing each term or phrase, the article then explains when these terms matter the most. Hence, the next time you find yourself surrounded by car enthusiasts; you will not feel left out.
List of Important Tire Performance Terms and Why They Matter?
Noise
When used in the context of cars, it refers to the noise produced by the tires. The noise not only contributes to noise pollution but can be extremely uncomfortable when the sound finds its way into the vehicle's cabin. Ideally, a tire must produce minimal noise.
When It Matters the Most?
It matters when you want a quiet, noise-free journey for yourself and others around you. Since, it is what most people would want all the time, the term matters all the time. Some countries even levy fines on drivers when their vehicles are producing too much noise.
Handling
Handling refers to how well the tire responds when you are steering or applying the brakes.
When It Matters the Most?
Handling is essential all the time, and there is no opposing opinion about it. Therefore, it matters the entire time that you are driving.
Aquaplaning Resistance
Also known as hydroplaning resistance, it refers to the tire’s ability to disperse water from under the tire’s footprint and maintain traction on wet roads.
When It Matters the Most?
Aquaplaning resistance does not matter if you are driving on dry roads. However, while driving on wet roads, it is vital for your safety and car's performance.
Braking Distance
It refers to the distance a vehicle requires to come to a complete halt once the brakes are applied. The lesser the distance, the more ideal it is considered.
When It Matters the Most?
Irrespective of the road conditions, braking distance matters in all types of situations. It should be as minimal as possible.
Mileage
The mileage is also known as the durability and refers to how long the tire can be driven for. Once the tire moves beyond its durable life or mileage, it must be replaced. Therefore, the higher the mileage, the longer the tire will last.
When It Matters the Most?
Good mileage/durability matters all the time.
Cornering Grip
The term 'cornering grip' refers to the tire's ability to maintain grip or traction while taking corners. If the tire holds excellent grip despite cornering at high speeds, the tires are considered to be of good quality.
When It Matters the Most?
When you are driving on roads with a lot of turns and twists, the cornering grip is considered very important.
Rolling Resistance
The term is quite widespread, but very few people actually know what it means. The term is used to describe the energy taken by the tire to roll along the surface, i.e. the road. Low rolling resistance means that the tire requires less energy, which is an ideal situation.
When It Matters the Most?
Low rolling resistance means that the car will take less energy, i.e. fuel to roll along the surface. Therefore, if you are trying to improve your fuel efficiency, rolling resistance matters the most.
Performance
Although the term itself has no specific meaning, it is an overarching term for tire’s braking, handling, accelerating, and traction.
When It Matters the Most?
It matters all the time.
RunOnFlat Tire
It is a remarkable innovation in the tire industry and allows you to keep driving even after the tire has completely lost air pressure. However, the tire can be driven for a maximum of 80 km, and the maximum speed possible is 80km/h.>
When It Matters the Most?
It matters when your tire experiences a sudden loss of air pressure, and under the circumstances, you cannot immediately change your tire. It allows you to drive to a safe place, where you can safely change your tire.
Wet Grip
It is the tire’s traction on wet roads. Stronger the wet grip, the better it is for you.
When It Matters the Most?
It matters when you are driving in wet conditions. Wet grip determines the vehicles braking distance and overall control on slippery surfaces.
Dry Grip
It is the tire’s grip on dry surfaces.
When It Matters the Most?
Dry grip matters when you are driving on a dry surface. It determines the overall control of your car on a dry surface.
Comfort
It refers to the tire’s ability to efficiently absorb shocks, potholes, and any other bumps in the road. It improves the overall comfortability of your drive.
When It Matters the Most?
It matters the most when you want to enjoy a comfortable and peaceful drive.
Final Words
This sums up our article on important tire related performance tires and when they matter the most. PitStopArabia hopes that the above information will prove useful for you and that you can use the information to your benefit.