What Are the Differences Between Good and Bad Tires?
4 Answers
The differences between good and bad tires mainly lie in the tire's color, production date, etc. Here are the specific details: Methods to identify good and bad tires: Observe the tread pattern, color, and gloss of the tire. In terms of the tread pattern, generally, due to the irregular processing of inferior retreaded tires, the grooves are relatively shallow. In terms of color, inferior retreaded tires appear bright and shiny, while genuine tires look relatively darker. Retreaded tires tend to have dull colors and gloss. The importance of good tires: They transmit traction and braking torque, ensuring good adhesion between the wheels and the road to improve the vehicle's power, braking, and off-road capability. Together with the vehicle's suspension, they cushion impacts during driving and dampen resulting vibrations. They prevent severe vibrations and early damage to vehicle components, adapt to high-speed performance, reduce driving noise, and ensure safety, handling stability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
The difference between good and bad tires is really noticeable, and I always pay close attention to this when driving. The most crucial aspect is safety during rainy conditions. Good tires have strong wet grip, reducing skidding by over ten meters compared to ordinary tires during emergency braking in the rain—this distance can be life-saving in critical moments. Tires with excellent grip also provide much more stability when cornering. Once you've driven a car with good tires, you'll feel much more secure, without the worry of sudden skidding or loss of control. Another factor is noise—good tires produce about half the noise of regular ones, which is especially noticeable on highways. Long drives become much more comfortable without the ear fatigue. If you frequently drive long distances or on mountain roads, don’t skimp on cheap tires—regretting it after an issue arises will be too late.
As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I truly believe the quality of tires lies in the details. Good tires use premium formulas with higher proportions of natural rubber, providing more reliable wet road grip. The number of rubber layers makes a huge difference in wear resistance - some budget tires need replacement after just 20,000 km, while the ones I'm using still show clear tread patterns after 50,000+ km. Sturdy sidewalls prevent bulging and blowouts when crossing bumps. Tread pattern design significantly affects drainage capability - faster water dispersion means less hydroplaning risk. Once during emergency braking, I realized my previous budget tires would have caused a collision. Always consider actual driving conditions when choosing tires - prioritize superior drainage if you drive frequently in rainy areas.
Good tires are not only safer but also save you money in the long run. I've compared tires of the same size—standard tires cost nearly 0.4 yuan per kilometer, while premium tires, though more expensive upfront, cost just over 0.2 yuan per kilometer when factoring in their extended lifespan of 30,000 extra kilometers. Well-designed low rolling resistance tires improve fuel efficiency; my real-world tests showed a saving of half a liter per 100km on the same route. High-grip tires provide exceptional stability at highway speeds, reducing the need for constant steering corrections and making driving much more relaxed. Thicker sidewalls offer better puncture resistance, especially useful for off-road or construction site driving with rough terrain. Many assume all tires perform similarly, but the difference becomes strikingly clear after switching.
