tires for suv

Sports utility vehicles (SUVs) are built for durability on all types of roads. While SUV models can vary, your SUVs are designed to withstand the natural wear and tear on and off-road. However, the strength and durability of your SUV depend on its parts, including its tires. So how can you ensure that you’re choosing the right tires? Several points to consider for your SUV tires include the sizes and tire types. While there’s no single best type of tire, there are some criteria to consider when shopping around for the best tires for SUVs. 

 

All-Season SUV Tires

 

All-season tires are your general tires that work well throughout the year. By default, your SUV should come with all-season tires, though premium sporty SUV cars may come with all-season tires that boast additional features like better performance and weather traction. 

 

The good thing about using all-season tires is that they’re more affordable (compared to specialized tires) and are best for all-around performance. However, they can lack traction and power when driving in specific weather or terrain. So if you rarely go off-road or require more robust tires, all-season tires are best for everyday use.

 

All-Terrain SUV Tires

 

Also known as off-road tires, these SUV tires take you down the road less traveled. You can identify all-terrain tires from their deeper treads that make it easier to gain traction on dirt, rocks, and uneven paths with little to no damage to your tires, wheel alignment, and connecting parts.

 

All-terrain tires are built for on-and-off-pavement driving. Their thick and heavy-duty build makes them tougher to wear, especially in extreme cases. Their treads are wider and more aggressive than your all-season tires, allowing your tires better traction when driving through uneven and unstable terrain. However, they can be more expensive and noisier, especially everyday driving on regular roads. While some all-terrain tires are built for winter traction, regular tires aren’t built for the snow as well as winter tires.

 

Performance SUV Tires

 

A subset of all-terrain tires, performance tires are often used on premium SUVs built for the most extreme types of terrain. Its treads are made for precision and traction, as it can maximize the power your engine puts on your tires.

 

With performance tires, you can expect these tires to withstand harsh terrain. So if you’re the adventurous type looking to go on an off-road adventure, this may be your best option. However, don’t expect your tires to last long; they can wear out fairly quickly when used for extreme terrain and in high-horsepower drives.

 

Winter SUV Tires

 

Winter tires have sharper and more pointed edges that are optimized for snow and icy roads. Unlike the rubber in regular tires, winter tires are made with special rubber that does not harden in extremely cold weather. This prevents damage from the cold while maximizing grip and traction on the road. 

 

True to its name, winter tires are best for the winter season. However, if your area has longer cold climates, the temperature-durable features can be beneficial. If you opt not to switch to specialized tires in the winter, all-season tires can work fine. However, you’ll need to ensure they’re in good condition before icy roads begin to form. You’ll also have to wait for roads to be cleared of snow and avoid driving through snowstorms. 

 

Summer SUV Tires

 

On the opposite end of winter tires, summer tires offer more stable and durable options during the hot summer months. Summer tires have firmer rubber material that’s less prone to damage and offer better grip on hot roads. 

 

Like winter tires, however, summer tires are only best for the hotter months of the year. In the winter, their firm composition makes it harder to gain traction on icy roads, and they do not have the flexibility to adapt to colder temperatures.

 

Dan the Tire Man Is Your Shop for the Best Tires for SUVs

 

The best tires for SUVs can really depend on your lifestyle’s needs. For general use, a set of all-season tires can provide you with the longevity and performance you need for everyday driving. However, for certain seasons, terrain, and off-road activities, there are a number of tire specifications that are better suited for your trip.