Performance Tires

Until recently, performance tires were fitted mostly on sporty or luxury vehicles. Now they come standard on many everyday sedans, such as the Toyota Camry, and on some trim lines of economy cars, such as the Kia Rio.

Indeed, performance tires currently account for 21 percent of the replacement tire market and are often the best choice for more performance-oriented late-model cars.

The trade-off for higher levels of handling and grip achieved by performance tires, however, has often been tread life.

Performance all-season tires have a higher speed rating than standard all-season tires. They generally provide better handling and braking, and usually have a lower profile (shorter sidewall height) and a wider footprint.

Performance all-season tires come in two speed ratings:

H-rated (130 mph). The most common performance all-season tires on the market are designed to handle and grip better on wet and dry roads than conventional tires, without giving up much in ride comfort.

V-rated (149 mph). Generally, these tires are more tuned to performance than H-rated all-season tires.