Tyre Performance Criteria
Here’s a list of the tyre performance criteria terms that you’ll normally come across when looking for a new tyre and what they mean.
Cornering Grip
Definition: How well the tyre holds when taking corners.
When is it important? When you’re driving on winding roads.
Rolling Resistance
Definition: How easily a tyre rolls across a surface.
When is it important? If you’re trying to reduce your fuel consumption.
Performance
Definition: A general term describing a vehicle or tyre’s braking, accelerating, handling and traction.
When is it important? All the time.
Definition: How your tyre responds to steering and braking.
When is it important? All the time.
Definition: The ability of a tyre to shed water and retain its grip on wet roads.
When is it important? When you’re driving in the rain or on wet roads.
Definition: A tyre that allows you to keep driving after a puncture or flat tyre, for up to 80 km at a maximum speed of 80km/h.
When is it important? When you get a puncture or flat tyre and need to continue driving on to a safe place to change the tyre.
Definition: The tyre’s road adherence and braking ability on a wet surface.
When is it important? For steering, stopping, and overall control of your vehicle on wet surfaces.
Definition: The tyre’s road adherence and braking ability on a dry surface.
When is it important? For steering, stopping, and overall control of your vehicle on dry surfaces.
Definition: A tyre’s ability to absorb shocks and bumps or other irregularities on the road.
When is it important? When you want to feel the car, not the bumps on the road.
Definition: The external noise a tyre produces contributes to noise pollution in the surrounding environment. A tyre that produces low internal noise will keep things quieter inside the car.
When is it important? When you want a quiet journey for you and those around you.
Definition: The distance it takes for a vehicle to come to a complete stop after brakes are applied.
When is it important? On all road surfaces.
Definition: An indication of the usable life of a tyre. A “high mileage” tyre is typically longer lasting.
When is it important? All the time.
