Shop Performance Tires at Best Prices + Free Shipping
Set of (4) Used 275/65R18 Michelin Defender LTX M/S 2 116T - 8.5-9/32
Shop Performance Tires at Best Prices + FREE SHIPPING
The easiest and most effective way to upgrade your car is to buy a set of performance tires! They will make the driving style more sporty, increase the traction force with the surface, and make driving more controllable during maneuvers. Keep reading to find out more about the properties of this type of tire, and to choose the best new or used performance tires in the Utires.com catalog. All our tires are carefully checked, with a warranty plus free delivery!
What are performance tires?
Performance tires are tires with improved properties that can significantly change the behavior of a vehicle.
- First, you can drive faster with these tires than with regular tires. The speed rating of performance tires is not lower than T (118 mph max). You can find it at the end of the 9-digit size code on a tire’s sidewall
- Second, they provide better steering response and precise handling when braking, cornering, and other maneuvers. Let's see what technical features provide these capabilities.
If you have a high-performance vehicle, it is definitely worth it to ride on performance tires.
4 fundamental differences between performance tires and conventional tires:
- The composition of the rubber. Thanks to special silicones and other additives, performance tires are more sticky than conventional tires and therefore provide better contact with the road surface. Since most performance tires are summer tires, they are characterized by increased tread strength and durability, even when in contact with hot surfaces.
- Low profile. It allows better contact with a surface during active driving. So with a lower profile, you can be even quicker on the corners.
- Thinner and stiffer sidewalls. The thinner the wall, the larger the size can be used. So the contact patch will be wider, which also improves grip and stability on the road.
- Tread patterns with longitudinal grooves. It minimizes rolling resistance, increases directional stability, and reduces the level of reproducible noise. Tires with a predominance of longitudinal grooves (with medium grip characteristics) are optimal for high-speed movement on hard surfaces.
3 drawbacks of performance tires you have to be aware of
- Performance tires are not convenient for the winter weather conditions. These kinds of tires were made for the dry roads, but can also handle wet conditions. But it is dangerous to use this type of tire at a low temperature because the rubber becomes too stiff and the tread pattern doesn't work well on icy or snowy surfaces.
- You can get stuck off-road on performance tires. There’s tread too bold for the challenging dirty road.
- Performance tires are more expensive than ordinary tires. But you can buy a good used set on Utires.com cheaper than standard new tires.
TOP 5 best selling used performance tires: UTires customers’ choice:
- Goodyear Assurance CS Fuel Max
Set of 4 used tires (255/65R18) Goodyear Assurance CS Fuel Max 111T with tread depth 6-7.5/32 cost at Utires.com $295.54.
For the set of 4 used tires (245/60R18) Bridgestone Dueler HL 422 Ecopia 104T with tread depth 7.5-8.5/32 the price is $223.94.
Set of 4 used 235/55R19 Michelin Defender LTX M/S 105H with almost perfect tread 10-10.5/32
cost at Utires.com $426.10.
For the set of 4 used 275/55R20 Hankook Dynapro ATM 113T with tread depth 8-9.5/32 the price is $460.04.
Set of 2 used 265/65R17 Yokohama Geolandar H/T G056 110T with tread depth 8-8.5/32 cost $134.68 at Utires.com.
Pro tips about choosing performance tires:
- Summer performance tires are better for the dry conditions, all-season tires can behave well on wet roads and even during soft winter.
- If you want to put different performance tires on your car, some on the front axle and others on the rear, make sure they have the same tread wear and tread pattern. Otherwise, tires may behave unpredictably.
- Of course, the usual American and European top brands make excellent tires of good quality, worthy of their high price. But if you want to save some money, take a look at Asian brands like Yokohama, Hanok, Kumho. They also make excellent performance tires that rival the quality of the top-5 but will cost you less.
Thinking about higher speeds?
If your car can handle higher speeds, then 118 mph, and your driving experience allowed to try your hand at sporty driving, consider the more advanced sport tire categories:
- Ultra High-Performance Tires with a speed rating V (149 mph).
- Max Performance Tires can handle up to 168 mph (index W).
- Extreme Performance Tires. They made for the sports cars and can reach the highest speed rating ever — Y (up to 186 mph).
All kinds of performance tires you can find in Utires.com catalog, many items come with rebates, solid warranty, and free shipping. Choose the right tire model, check the accessibility, and enjoy the ride!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a standard tire and a performance tire?
Performance tires have a higher speed rating (T—up to 118 mph). They are made from improved rubber compound, providing better grip and stability, responsive handling, better braking and cornering, than ordinary tires.
Can I use performance tires in winter?
It depends on the climate in which you live. Most performance tires are made for 3-season use and are not suitable for winter. If you live in the northern states, be aware that the use of performance tires in winter is not recommended. it is better to buy winter tires.
How to install performance tires?
Performance tires need to be properly installed and carefully balanced, so have a professional tire fitting. If the tires are poorly balanced, uneven tread wear is possible, which will shorten the tread life.