Your vehicle's tyres are very important, as these are the only part of a car or truck that actually touch the road. If the tyres are not in good repair or are not the right type for your vehicle and everyday driving conditions, this can increase the risk of the vehicle skidding and sliding when you hit the brakes or turn a corner. To ensure you have the right type of tyres on your vehicle, note a few features of different types of tyres, and this will help you choose the best ones for your car or truck.

Asymmetric tyres

Asymmetric tyres may be able to handle the most variations when it comes to road conditions. The tread of these tyres will vary across its face; on the outside, these tyres will have large tread blocks, to help with cornering and turning. Inside the tyres, smaller tread blocks will help with dispersing water and pushing it away from the tyre. The middle of the tyre will usually have a straight tread line, to help keep the tyre straight and steady during highway driving. If you tend to drive in a variety of road conditions, choose asymmetric tyres.

Directional tyres

Directional tyres will have an angular tread pattern that is meant to better help disperse water, mud and soft soil, so these are the best choice of tyres for when you consistently drive in inclement weather. Note that these tyres will have an arrow pattern worked into the tread, pointing in the direction the tyres should face. Be sure you mount these tyres with that arrow pointing to the front; mounting them with the wrong side on the inside of the car can mean poor traction and drag, and excessive wear on the steering and transmission systems.

Winter tyres

Winter tyres will usually be made of a softer rubber that remains pliable even in very cold temperatures, when normal rubber would get brittle and stiff. This softer rubber can make it easier for the tyre to grip the pavement through snow and ice and will reduce the risk of sliding and skidding when you apply the brakes. This improved grip will also mean that the vehicle is less likely to slip on the ice when you turn a corner.

However, this softer rubber may not work so well in summertime, when heat begins to soften tyre rubber. If you live in a cold climate, winter tyres are a good choice, or you may want to swap out your regular tyres for winter tyres once the cold weather arrives.