What Are The Differences Between Car, SUV, And 4x4 Tires?

Introduction

As the only part of the car in direct contact with the road surface, the tire is also the most susceptible to wear. Therefore, choosing the right tires is quite important. Using unsuitable, poor-quality tires might lead to unexpected dangers.

However, it is not easy for car owners because there are so many different types and brands on the market. In this article, we will share the most popular types of tires and what are the differences between car, SUV, and 4x4 tires.

Differences Between Car, SUV, And 4x4 Tires

Car Tires

Car tires are an important part, directly affecting the car's operation, so drivers always want to choose the type of tires that brings the best experience. Usually, they will select Original Equipment (OE) tires to make the car operate smoothly and run well on all terrains. This type of tire helps the driver to control the speed and brake in all situations.

Tires are designed to support the vehicle's torque, absorb road shocks, weight, transmit traction, and braking force down to the road surface, and maintain and change the direction of travel.

Tires are made of elastic rubber and filled with compressed air. The inner tube of a tire is used to maintain the proper air pressure, but it alone cannot hold the air pressure high enough to withstand the vehicle's load, nor is it durable enough to resist damage or shocks.

SUV Tires

Unlike conventional cars, SUVs require tires capable of operating in different weather and terrain conditions.

SUV tires are optimized primarily on asphalt and minimally in off-road situations. Therefore, it has flowers consisting of curved and not-too-hard grooves to increase grip on the flat surface of the asphalt.

The SUV tires has many similarities with conventional touring tires, with characteristics of multi-weather compatibility, improved cabin comfort, and often the longest life of all three lines.

Additionally, the large treads and the significantly stiffer tire material allow for a good grip on soft ground and gravel – pushing the car forward on any terrain.

4x4 Tires

Previously, 4x4 tires were made more for off-road than on-road use. However, they are intended to be used 80% off-road tires and 20% on-road tires.

These tires have a massive blocky tread pattern which gives excellent grip off-road, and reinforced sidewalks and tread cap, which allows you to climb over rocks safely without risk of puncture.

This tire also has a few on-road drawbacks, including noise levels and longer wet and dry braking compared to other tires. 4x4 tires are also prone to wear and tear because of frequent travel on bad terrain and increased friction on the rubber. Therefore, you should pay attention to the landscape when using this type of tire.

Which Is Better?

Choosing which tire is better isn't easy because each type will have its own characteristics suitable for that vehicle. Car tires are still the best choice because they have all the criteria of an ideal tire. With solid construction, good friction, and durability, this tire will give users the best experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can You Put Car Tires On An SUV?

SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) is a multi-purpose sports car featuring high ground clearance, which can be equipped with a full-time or part-time 4-wheel drive system to suit many different types of terrain and especially can go off-road light. With that feature, you can't fit car tires into an SUV.

Tires for this type of vehicle usually have a large wall thickness, hard and good grip. In addition, the rims and wall thicknesses are generally larger than those of small and medium-sized vehicles, with sizes ranging from R17, R18, and even R20. The more difficult the car is on the terrain, the smaller the size of the wheel is, and the thickness of the tire wall increases, said by Douglas Mercer - Automotive service manager at Stockton Wheels Service.

Can You Put SUV Tires On A Car?

You cannot fit SUV tires on a car. The best all season tires for SUV are built with all the features of a vehicle tire, but because they are significantly wider than regular car tires, they will not fit correctly in the wheel cavity. Your car's safety and driving capabilities are put at risk when you use tires that weren't made for it.

What Are Car Tires According To Seasonality?

When choosing tires, you should also consider their seasonality. There are three types of seasonal tires: summer, winter, and all-season.

• Summer tires are used for both cars and SUVs. This type of tire is used in hot weather over 7 degrees Celsius, even when wet or dry.
• Winter tires: Unlike summer tires, which become stiffer in the cold, they contain a softer, more elastic rubber compound that keeps them flexible in temperatures below 7 degrees Celsius. This ensures more traction during the winter months.
• All-season tires are a combination of both winter and summer tires. You can use this tire all year round because it provides smooth operation in all weather conditions. This is ideal for those who don't want to change their tires often.

Conclusion

This article has provided information about what are the differences between cars, SUVs, and 4x4 tires. Each type of tire is designed to suit different types of vehicles and terrain. When choosing tires, you should consider the type of vehicle and the purpose of use to make the best choice.