What you need to know prior to purchase
Buying tires doesn’t have to be a daunting experience. So, before we discuss the differences between touring tires and performance tires, let’s talk about what each one is.
What are touring tires?
Touring tires are meant for minivans, SUVs, sedans and passenger vehicles. They offer balanced handling and a quiet comfortable ride. They are designed for four seasons and provide great traction in both dry and wet road conditions. These tires are great if you drive a lot or are planning a cross-country road trip with the family.
Most touring tires have a relatively wide tread allowing for more road surface contact. Those sold in North America are all-season tires which means they’re designed for both wet and dry conditions including snow.
What are performance tires?
Performance tires are meant for coupes (ie, Camaro, Challenger), exotic cars (ie, Porsche, Maserati), and sports cars (ie, Supra, Mustang). These tires are great for tight cornering and reduced stopping distances. They are specifically designed for summer’s wet and dry conditions and provide enhanced performance. Unlike touring tires, performance tires aren’t as good on gas mileage and road noise, but their lifespan is great.
Performance tires have unique tread patterns, rubber compounds, and construction to enhance the driving experience. They improve cornering and stopping distances in any weather condition.
Touring Tires vs. Performance Tires
So which tires are best for your vehicle and your needs? The first thing to do is check the vehicle manufacturer guidelines. Next, think about your driving needs.
Do you want sporty responsiveness? If so, a performance tire is the way to go. If you want a comfortable ride, get the touring tire.
Do you need versatility year round? Although both function well with all road conditions, touring tires are better.
Is gas mileage a factor for you? With today’s gas prices, gas mileage is probably a deciding point. For maximum savings at the pump, touring tires are better. Performance tires don’t do as well on gas mileage.
Do you want a super smooth ride? Touring tires are definitely better for a smooth ride due to the increased surface contact with the road.
Does the life of the tire matter? Again, touring tires would be best because its tread usually lasts longer than performance treads.
How important is supreme handling and responsiveness? Performance tires are better with handling and performance such as braking and corner turns.
As you can see, you may have to forfeit one thing or another depending on which tire you pick. It all depends on what type of performance you want from your car.
For an expert opinion on quality used tires for your vehicle, you can trust the experts at Hooper’s Tire Outlet in Rochester, NY and Syracuse, NY. They know all there is to know about tires and can help you make a sound decision for your driving needs. We’ll save you money by offering you a good deal - and that’s a promise.