High performance tyres for the road and track.
High performance tyres can usually be affiliated with high-end performance vehicles or after-market upgrades but this does not mean you must drive a Lamborghini. These days, your Hyundai i30n, BMW M series or Golf GTI come standard with performance tyres.
Tyre companies spend millions of dollarrie doo’s on research and development for high performance tyres, but really, what is the difference? We would all like high performance tyres on our car, but do we really need them?
Let's take a look at the pros and cons.
Pros
- Grippier
- Enhance driver confidence
- Better cornering and braking
- Increased handling across most conditions
- Higher speed rating
Cons
- Higher price tag
- Much shorter lifespan
- Fuel consumption increase
- Not ideal for long distances
High performance tyres are designed to thrill and excite the driver behind the wheel. Driving from the world of motorsport, high-performance tyres are designed to aid in pushing the limits of your vehicle. Ultra sensitive rubber compounds allow the driver to really feel what is going on with the car's handling on the road or track.
Ultimate Grip
One of the most notable attributes of the high performance tyre would be its grip. A combination of tyre compounds and tread design give the tyre an increased ability to stick to the road.
They are typically designed with deep longitudinal grooves for ejecting water from the tyres under-surface. However, most manufacturers suggest avoiding water pooling on the road as this can typically lead to aquaplaning.
How fast can I go?
These days tyres have additional information on the tyre’s sidewall, including its speed rating. The speed rating is your guide to the performance of your tyre. So, an ultra-high-performance tyre has a speed rating of 240kmph or greater.
With many modification options out there on the market today it’s easy to get lost in the world of turbos, suspension and engine mods but if these power upgrades can't be translated to the road due to inappropriate tyres, you’re wasting your money. High performance tyres should be up there at the top of your modification list.
Great on the road but not so much on the back pocket.
Now, when it comes to the negatives of high performance tyres it can basically be narrowed down to one thing, money. At a much higher price and shorter lifespan you can expect to be paying a lot more for performance tyres throughout the year.
Fuel consumption is another big talking point when it comes to high performance tyres. With more rubber on the road and a softer compound, the rolling resistance is increased, costing you a little more at the pump.
These days, a lot of sporty cars on the market come with high performance tyres such as the Golf GTI and Hyundai i30N, but maybe you're in the market for something with a much higher price tag.
The new Bugatti Chiron is right up there among the elite hypercars of the world, so you might not be so shocked to find out a new set of tyres will set you back around 45k. Oh, and they will need to be replaced every 4000km. Yes, every 4000km. That’s a full set of Michelin Pilot Cup Sport 2 (designed specifically for the Bugatti Chiron) tyres for around $48,000.
Like all tyre purchases, it's best to talk to an expert. The team here at Tyrepower Kogarah knows everything when it comes to performance tyres, including the full range of Pirelli P Zero tyre range.
Come in today or call us on (02) 9587 3366 to discuss your next set of tyres.
