There are many types of tires on the market. When you need to change tires, do you have no idea where to start and how to choose a tire? In fact, the "quality" of tires is "hidden" in the tires.
1.Wear resistance, look at the "3T" index
When we choose tires, we first consider those that are durable, that is, those with strong wear resistance. The side of the tire is marked with Treadwear, Traction, and Temperature, which represent the wear index, traction index, and temperature index respectively, referred to as the 3T index. Among them, the wear index is a measure of tire tread wear performance and service life.
The "3T" index comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation. The U.S. government requires that all tires imported into the United States must be marked with parameters representing the main performance of the tire. This is a mandatory standard for unified tire quality rating.
The wear index is represented by a specific number. The larger the number, the better the wear resistance. The wear index is only a reference value calculated based on the standard tire quality system and does not represent the actual serviceable mileage of the tire.
For example, if a tire has a wear index of 400, it means that its wear resistance is four times that of a standard tire with a base number of 100. It does not mean that the tire can travel four times the distance of the standard tire.
2.Quietness, depends on the pattern
Silence is also one of the important factors when we choose tires. Tires with good quietness can provide us with a comfortable driving environment.
The main sources of tire noise are the noise generated when the tread pattern hits the ground, and the structural noise in the tires and wheels caused by the roughness of the ground.
Currently, the quieter tire tread blocks on the market are usually arranged irregularly, because orderly tread blocks are usually accompanied by greater tire noise. In addition, many tires have a variable-pitch design of tread blocks, which is also a pattern design that reduces tire noise.
3.Drainage, look at the grooves
The grooves and patterns on the tire work together to improve drainage, that is, water flows out of the grooves through the patterns on the tire.
The main trench (longitudinal trench) has the strongest drainage capacity. The deeper and wider the trench, the better the drainage performance. But as the width increases, the tire's grip will also decrease, so a balance point needs to be found.
The horizontal pattern grooves are for auxiliary drainage. Some tires are designed with sipes on the drainage grooves, which can cut through the water film when the vehicle is driving at high speed, allowing the vehicle to drive at a higher speed on water-filled roads.
4.Tire performance depends on material
The tire frame material determines the tire performance and is the main load and load-bearing component in the tire. Its function is to support the tire, bear the vehicle load, ensure the strength, air pressure, stability and safety of the tire, and prevent tire deformation.
The tire material is also displayed on the sidewall, and the materials of the crown and sidewall are displayed separately. Common tire materials include nylon, polyester, polyamide, and steel.
Of course, in addition to the above, the brand, price, and model of the tire are also factors we need to consider when choosing tires. Therefore, we need to choose tires from multiple dimensions based on our own needs.