Tires

Is your car mostly driven on country roads, at track days or on gravel roads and off-road terrain? Tires are your car's only contact with the road surface, and your choice affects grip, braking distance and comfort. This category includes street tires, performance tires and off-road tires in many sizes for both everyday passenger cars and off-road projects.

Street tires, performance tires or off-road tires?

The choice depends on where and how the car is used. Street tires for everyday driving typically prioritize comfort, low noise levels and long tread life. Performance tires often have a softer rubber compound and a stiffer sidewall, which can provide more grip and precise steering, but they can also wear faster. Off-road tires are available both as A/T tires, e.g. AMP Terrain Pro A/T, for mixed surfaces and as M/T tires, e.g. AMP Terrain Attack M/T, which typically have a more open tread pattern for mud and loose soil.

How to read the tire markings

Take, for example, Michelin X-Ice Snow+ 225/50R17 98H XL: 225 is the width in millimeters, 50 is the aspect ratio as a percentage of the width, R means radial tire, and 17 is the wheel diameter in inches. 98 is the load index, H is the speed rating, and XL indicates a reinforced tire. An LT in front of the size, as in LT275/55R20, means a tire built for light trucks and off-road vehicles, often with different tire pressure requirements.

How to choose the right tire

Look at several factors at the same time:

• size as well as load and speed index approved for the car
• usage: weather, surface, everyday driving or track day
• rim width – the tire must match the wheel
• the balance between grip, wear resistance and noise

Whether a tire is road legal depends on the tire and the car, so check the E-mark and approved size for the specific part number. If you also change wheels, the lug nuts and lug bolts must fit both the wheel and the hub. Regularly check tire pressure and tread depth; uneven wear can be caused by incorrect pressure or wheel alignment. The category includes tires from Michelin, Yokohama Tire, BFGoodrich, Kenda and Atturo Tire, among others.

Frequently asked questions

What does XL mean on a tire?

XL stands for Extra Load and denotes a reinforced tire that can carry more at a higher tire pressure. Whether your car requires XL depends on the load index stated in the car's registration documents or owner's manual.

Can I drive with a different tire size than the original?

It depends on the car and the tire. The size must be approved for the car, and the load and speed index typically must not be lower than required. Always check the approval and E-mark for the specific part number.

Can I use performance tires for everyday driving?

You typically can, but a soft rubber compound can wear faster, and grip depends on temperature and road conditions. If you drive a lot in cold, wet conditions or snow, the tire should be designed for those conditions.

How often should I check the tire pressure?

Ideally once a month and before long trips, while the tires are cold. Incorrect tire pressure can result in reduced grip, longer braking distance and uneven wear. The correct pressure depends on the car, the tire and the load.