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High-Performance Tires Buying Guide

July 26, 2024  -  Wheels & Tires

2 People Found This Article Helpful

When upgrading your vehicle, you have all kinds of choices and many different ways to get better performance. Tires, though, can be the most important aspect when thinking about how to improve handling and acceleration. When you upgrade to high-performance car tires, you can take your vehicle to the next level and get a better overall driving experience. By knowing what to look for in high-performance tires and what models might be best for you and your vehicle, you can pick the right tires for your needs and the kind of driving you want to do. 

Understanding High-Performance Summer Tires

High-performance summer tires deliver excellent traction and a more responsive feel by offering higher rolling resistance and a better grip on the road. They do this by using a soft rubber compound that bends with the imperfections on the surface and grips the asphalt. They may also use asymmetrical and directional tread designs that keep contact with the road. These tread designs will also have fewer grooves than you would see in traditional tires, giving you a more responsive feel behind the wheel. 

One of the main benefits of high-performance tires is their stability at higher speeds. Unlike traditional tires, they are less likely to have blowouts at high speeds and maintain a better grip, so you can feel more in control. It is essential to keep in mind, though, that because high-performance tires are made of softer compounds, they will wear out faster, which means that they might not be the best choice for daily driving, especially if you are a commuter or regularly drive long distances. 

Top High-Performance Tires

Michelin Pilot Sport 4S Ultra-High Performance Summer Tire 

The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tire is an excellent option for those looking for something that will perform well in both dry and wet conditions. It features Michelin’s Dynamic Response Technology, which is designed to instantly adapt to different road conditions and give you the kind of performance you need on a moment-to-moment basis. The tire also has a nine-percent longer tread life than the Pilot Super Sport tire, which is excellent for drivers who want to get more time out of their tires. 

Toyo Tires Proxes Sport Max Performance Summer Tire 

When you need the best high-performance tires for high speeds and superior handling, the Toyo Tires Proxes Sport Max is your best option. These high-performance car tires use a soft silica compound that is adaptable to all kinds of road conditions. They also use a unique tread design that helps distribute pressure evenly around the tire. This enhances contact on the road and translates to better traction. 

Nexen N'fera Su1 High-Performance Tire

The Nexen N’fera Su1 line of high-performance tires uses three large grooves and a smaller semi-groove line to spread traction throughout the tire's width. Split surface siping also allows these high-performance car tires to provide excellent grip in wet conditions, which other high-performance tires usually can’t do. If you need a more versatile tire while still offering top-tier handling, these are a great choice. 

Cooper Tires Cobra Radial G/T High-Performance Tire

The Cooper Tires Cobra Radial G/T line is a fantastic tire that offers both excellent performance and functionality. These high-performance tires have a balanced tread pattern to help wick away water for all-season use. This tread design also promotes even wear, extending the tire's life and preventing blowouts at higher speeds. When you want the reliability of a traditional tire with a little extra grip and responsiveness, the Cobra Radial G/T will be your best option. 

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Choosing The Right Performance Tires

Getting the right high-performance tires is essential if you want to improve your vehicle’s handling, performance, and safety on the road. Your vehicle and particular driving habits will be significant factors when picking out a new set of tires, and you need to know what to look for. By knowing how to make the right choice, you can be sure that you will see the performance boost you’re looking for. 

Determine Your Needs

Before you do anything else, you should think about what you hope to gain by getting high-performance car tires. If, for example, you want tires that will give you both a solid grip on the road and reliability, a set of all-season high-performance tires will be your best bet. If you have a sports convertible and only plan on driving in warm weather, summer tires will give you the best traction and handling possible. 

Understand Tire Types

There are several different types of high-performance tires, each offering its own benefits and drawbacks. Ultra high-performance, high-performance, and max performance tires generally have different hardness levels and are more or less suitable for everyday driving. If you only plan on driving your car on the track, a set of minimal-tread track tires will be your best bet. Knowing what you plan to do with your vehicle once the tires are installed is a great way to narrow your search. 

Check Specifications

Comparing the different specifications and compounds of the various high-performance tire options is also highly recommended. Checking to see if a tire uses a symmetrical or asymmetrical tread pattern, a soft or silica-enriched compound, and the speed rating of a particular tire model will help you decide if it is right for you. Treadwear numbers are also significant, as the lower they are, the softer the tires will be, which means they will have better traction and be more suitable for high-performance driving. 

If you want the best performance with high-quality parts and accessories for your vehicle, no matter what kind of car you have or what problems you want to solve, JEGS has you covered. Browse our extensive product selection and have your items sent straight to your door.

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