The Bridgestone Potenza S007A is an example of a high-performance tyre.
Most motorists are quite content with how their cars perform.
Then there are a select few who enjoy modifying their rides for greatly improved performance and handling.
But if you want enhanced performance without burning a hole in your bank account, then get a set of high-performance tyres.
Even if all you did was buy a set of 18-inch high-performance tyres (and didn’t change your wheels), you would probably still spend under $1000.
Here are 3 reasons why upgrading your tyres can do so much for your car.
1) HIGH-PERFORMANCE TYRES GIVE YOU ENHANCED GRIP.
Slap on a set of sporty tyres and you’ll find that your humble runabout now grips the road tenaciously.
Of course, there is a trade-off in terms of ride comfort, but those stiffer sidewalls also enable you to take corners faster.
You’ll definitely appreciate the roadholding when it starts raining, too.
The Yokohama Advan A052 is another example of a high-performance tyre.
2) ENHANCED BRAKING POWER.
Thanks to their enhanced grip compared to regular tyres, high-performance tyres shorten your braking distances, too.
You can expect shorter stopping distances, which is even more critical in wet conditions.
Some drivers even report that their brake pedal will feel “stiffer” and more positive after swopping their rubber. Again, this is down to the tyres’ better grip and stiffer sidewalls.
However, do not take this as an opportunity to speed.
The Pirelli P Zero is often fitted to sporty and powerful European models.
3) BETTER RESISTANCE TO AQUAPLANING AND SKIDDING.
High-performance tyres are also designed to cut through standing water as efficiently as possible.
Most high-performance tyres have four drainage channels to quickly displace water.
By being able to channel water away quickly, the risk of aquaplaning and/or skidding is greatly reduced.
Having better grip in wet weather doesn’t mean you can or should drive at high speeds.
On the contrary, you should still exercise caution.
Remember that the additional performance and handling is just an added buffer or cushion.
At the end of the day, these have to be complemented by good judgement and driving skills.
