There are many different types of car tires. Which one you choose will depend on factors such as the make of car, driving style, where you live, the time of year, and how your car is used.

For example, if you spend much of your workday driving on highways, you’ll need a durable tire that doesn’t create a lot of noise. If you live in the country, a tire that provides better grip on muddy roads would be more suitable.

This article identifies five different types of automotive tires and highlights some of the differences between them:

1) Standard/All Season Tire

Your car probably left the factory with all-season tires. It is an average tire that is suitable for use throughout the year. It works equally well wet and dry.

The block tread pattern is designed to be quiet when used on standard roads, but allows adequate water dispersal for grip in wet conditions.

The rubber used is a harder compound to extend the life of the tire. This can include handling and cornering, but for most drivers it is not noticeable.

2) Performance tire

Also known as summer tyres, performance tires are designed to provide excellent dry grip. It is often used in fast cars or for a driver whose style requires higher driving performance. They can be used year-round if you live in a region with a warm climate and little rainfall.

A soft rubber compound is used which reduces the life of the tire but provides better grip.

It is important that car tires are kept in excellent condition. Driving in the wet is quite difficult on these tyres, but if there are any signs of wear it is virtually impossible to get good grip.

3) Winter tire

Winter car tires are designed to deal with the bad weather and difficult driving conditions that the winter season brings. They can handle snow and ice. Winter tires may have small metal studs embedded in the tread for increased grip in extreme conditions.

The tread block pattern on winter car tires is larger and more pronounced than on standard tires. This improves grip, but also increases the running noise of the tires.

These tires cannot be used year-round because in dry conditions they wear extremely quickly and damage the road surface.

4) All terrain tire

All-terrain tires provide good grip on loose surfaces like dirt and sand. Often used by off-road vehicles, they can be used on standard roads but are very noisy.

Like the winter tire, the tread block pattern is large to improve grip. The sidewalls of the tire are stiffer to deal with uneven surfaces and unexpected potholes.

Mud tires are an extreme type of all-terrain tire designed for use in mud and dirt. They have very large tread block patterns that are only suitable for driving on that type of terrain.

5) Run Flat Tires

Run flat tires are a relatively new concept, but are now becoming more common on new cars. They are designed to minimize the loss of handling that occurs after a puncture.

The car tire can run without air to allow the vehicle to continue to be driven. However, this is only suitable for a short distance and at low speed, until the tire can be changed safely.

For more advice, consult an automotive tire specialist who will give you unbiased advice on the best tires for your vehicle.