What is the Difference Between Soft Tires and Hard Tires?
1 Answers
Tire hardness refers to the softness or hardness of the tire tread rubber. Professionally speaking, soft tires typically refer to hot-melt tires and semi-hot-melt tires, which are primarily used for racing on tracks. More details are as follows: 1. In the realm of general household vehicles, tires with softer tread rubber are often referred to as soft tires, while those with harder tread rubber are called hard tires. Soft tires are quieter, more comfortable, and offer better grip, but they have lower durability, are less wear-resistant, and more prone to scratches and abrasions. Conversely, harder tires are more wear-resistant, durable, less likely to be scratched, and sturdier. However, they produce more noise, have greater vibration, and offer poorer comfort. 2. Tires are elastic rubber products installed on the metal rims of vehicles to support the car body, cushion external impacts, and ensure smooth driving by maintaining contact with the road surface. During driving, tires bear the weight of the vehicle and must perform under various road conditions while withstanding high temperatures generated by friction. Therefore, tires must possess good load-bearing, traction, and cushioning properties, as well as wear resistance and high-temperature resistance, while also reducing driving noise. 3. The softer the tire, the better its grip, allowing the car to enter its optimal working state earlier—meaning quicker and smoother starts—and providing better shock absorption and cushioning during driving. However, softer tires wear out more easily and have poorer durability, which is why ultra-soft tires are generally used in professional car qualifying races.
