Types of Tires: A Complete Guide to Help Choose the Best Tires for Certain Terrains

The process of choosing the perfect tires goes much deeper than the type of vehicle you drive and the measurements of your wheels. Every driver has a unique situation, commute, and application for their vehicle. The tires you select need to account for everything including:

• The types of weather conditions you drive in.
• How climate changes throughout the year.
• The roads you typically drive on.
• The jobs you need to do.
• The driving experience you want.

Terminology

When you are buying tires, you need to understand the common terminology and how it relates to your needs. Here are the major terms to familiarize yourself with:

Tread

Tread is perhaps the most important factor differentiating various types of tires. The tread is the part of the tire that comes in direct contact with the ground. The pattern is designed differently based on the requirements of the vehicle, terrain, weather conditions, or application. Tire tread is made of rubber or rubber compounds. In general, tire tread is categorized by four geometric shapes.

1. Lugs

The lugs are the part of the tread that makes contact with the ground. Tread lugs work to provide stability, support, and performance capabilities based on the manufacturer