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Versatile” tires
These versatile tires are used to equip low and medium-power city cars, sedans and minivans for all types of use (urban, rural, motorway) which are used for short journeys or occasionally. They offer very good value for money for all those who do not necessarily wish to fit the latest generation tyres.
“performance” tires
These tires have been developed for heavy or powerful cars (road or small sports cars). The carcass benefits from specific technologies to distribute different types of tires the tensions and consequently improve contact with the road.
The rubbers are also more elaborate than for general-purpose tires in order to collect greater efforts both during acceleration and braking.
In the small dimensions, these tires are more typical of “comfort”. In large dimensions they are rather typed “sport”.
The latest generations developed by Premium manufacturers make it possible to reduce consumption while maintaining a very high level of safety.
“high performance” tires
Specifically developed for sports and ultra-sports cars, this type of tire uses the most sophisticated technologies. They benefit from lessons learned directly from the competition.
They must also provide the best possible compromise between sportiness-comfort-silence.
Trackday tires
These are almost competition tires but benefiting from homologation to run on open roads. They are aimed at amateur athletes, either for competitive use (regional rallies for example) or for leisure use (track days or rallies on circuits). The interest for amateurs is that they can join a circuit by road without changing equipment.
Some manufacturers homologate them as standard for their extreme vehicles.
Although their level of grip is exceptional, including on wet pavement, their very little cut-out and almost slick profile should encourage the greatest caution on wet pavement.
4×4/suv tires
There are now four main categories of 4×4 tyres: performance, road, mixed and all-terrain tyres. Some 4×4 tires have a specific M+S marking which means they can be used in snowy weather (S=Snow) or off-road (M=mud).
On a 4×4, it is imperative to mount the same type of tires on all 4 wheels to preserve the balance of the 4×4 and its mechanics.
For vehicles in 4 wheel drive, the change by 4 is mandatory.
For 4-2s or 2-2s, replacing all 4 tires at the same time is recommended, if the difference between the wear rate of the front and the rear is significant (please refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations ).
“high performance” tires
Developed for modern and powerful SUVs, this category of tires uses the same technologies as High Performance passenger tyres. Fitted as standard up to 22 inches, they benefit from higher load indexes enabling them to support the heavy weight of these vehicles.
Road tires
Very efficient on the road, they are fitted to the majority of 4x4s and SUVs and have the same qualities as passenger car tyres. Generally very quiet, they also have a good lifespan.
Mixed tires
Generally labeled A/T (All Terrain) they are the most versatile. While remaining relatively comfortable and quiet, they provide good traction on soft ground (mud, grass, sand, etc.). They are intended for leisure or professional use. To this end, new dimensions have been developed to equip the SUVs initially designed for the city or the road in order to provide them with greater versatility.
Off-road tires
Robust, they benefit from reinforcements and protections to avoid cuts and tearing. They present a different “road” and “off-road” distribution according to the models and brands. Their use on the road is limited: because of the large studs, their handling is less good on asphalt and they are noisier.
Truck/utility tires
They are recognized by the letter C inscribed on their side. They have high load indexes suitable for vans and small utility vehicles. These tires sometimes benefit from thicker sidewalls to protect them from friction against pavements in urban use.
Since modern vans are extremely high-performance, some tires have characteristics close to those of passenger tires: road holding, comfort, handling, braking.
Others, to meet professional uses (site approach, agriculture) are developed with more cramped profiles.
Some manufacturers offer a specific version for motorhomes recognizable by the CP marking. The sides are stiffened to limit the balance generated by a center of gravity and they support greater pressure.
Caravan/campervan/camper-car tires
For motor homes, a new marking has appeared in recent years. All factory-built motor homes since 2003 are fitted with tires bearing this new CP brand . More resistant and supporting greater inflation pressure, it is recommended to use this type of tire specially dedicated to motor homes.
If for the same size, you have the choice between C tires and CP tyres, there is no hesitation in having, take CP tyres.