Your tires are one of the most important parts of your car. When you are on the road, your tires impact your safety in a big way. Unfortunately, driving conditions do not remain the same year-round. To steer clear of driving issues that stem from driving in bad weather, consider investing in high-performance tires. High-performance tires are designed to remain flexible, which allows them to grip the road better. Here are some factors to consider when buying high-performance tires near you.

Though most manufacturers offer warranties on their tires, it is often quite limited and may not cover several damages. When buying tires, ask about the scope of coverage offered and the warranty period.

How many years will the tires last before aging out? Unfortunately, it's impossible to predict when tires should be replaced based on their calendar age alone.

To determine the age of a tire, you simply need to know its U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number. Tires made after 2000 have a four-digit DOT code. The first two numbers represent the week in which the tire was made. The second two represent the year. A tire with a DOT code of 1116 was made in the 11th week of 2016.

While tire life will ultimately depend on the tires’ service conditions and the environment in which they operate, there are some general guidelines. Some vehicle manufacturers recommend that tires be replaced every six years regardless of use. In addition, a number of tire manufacturers cite 10 years as the maximum service life for tires. Check the owner’s manual for specific recommendations for your vehicle. Remember, it is always wise to err on the side of caution if you suspect your vehicle has tires that are over six years of age.

Every tire has a speed rating which indicates the maximum speed it can safely maintain over time. The speed rating of a tire is the last letter on its label. Look for tires designed to handle increased speeds, torque, and g-forces. A tire with a higher speed rating can handle heat better and can provide more control at higher speeds, however, a higher speed rating also indicates that the tire might have a shorter tread life. Here is the speed chart:

   ● Q - Up to 160 kmph

   ● S - Up to 180 kmph

   ● T - Up to 190 kmph

   ● U - Up to 200 kmph

   ● H - Up to 210 kmph

   ● V - Up to 240 kmph

   ● W - Up to 270 kmph

   ● Y - Up to 300 kmph

   ● (Y) - 300 kmph+

When it comes to safety, the importance of choosing the right tire size for your car cannot be emphasized enough. An ill-fitting set does not just stress the heel, but can also come off while driving. To find the size of a tire, look at its label.

The size of a tire is printed onto its side in an area known as the sidewall. The numbers on the sidewall of a tire provide important information related to its size, performance, and type.

Type: If the serial number of your tire starts with P, it is a P-metric tire, meaning it was manufactured to certain standards within the country. Tires without any letters at the beginning are Euro-metric tires. Euro-metric tires and their P-metric counterparts have different load capacities. Refer to your owner’s manual to find out the recommended tire type for your vehicle.

Aspect Ratio: Aspect ratio can be defined as the ratio between the height of a tire’s cross-section and width. The two-digit number following the slash mark in a tire size is the aspect ratio.

Diameter: The diameter of your tire is the size it is intended to fit. If the size number of your tire is P215/65 R15, its diameter is 15”.

Load Index: The load index of a tire indicates the maximum load (in lbs./kgs) it can support. It is mentioned on the sidewall.  

Width: The width of a tire is indicated by the first three digits of its label. If, for instance, your tire’s label is P 215/40/R15/V, its width is 215 mm.

Can’t decide which tires are best for your car? Let the experts at Grand Prix Performance help. We are your one-stop-shop for car repair services, tires, and wheels. We have been proudly serving the Orange County community for more than four decades now. We are committed to helping drivers keep their cars in top condition. To schedule an appointment, call us at 949-829-4835.