Performance tyres are built and designed to maximise the way a car responds to the road surface, with a high speed rating and durable build. They often have a lower profile when compared to standard tyres and are made with a unique soft rubber compound with more solid interior construction to support stability and optimum handling. Drivers will generally notice a difference between the two tyre types in terms of how good the grip is when accelerating, and how smooth cornering and braking is. Performance tyres support shorter braking distances but can sometimes be noisier due to the reduced flexibility and the lower profile structure of the tyre.
Premium tyre brands often make the best performance tyres, supporting excellent handling and balancing safety and speed with tyre durability, though you will also find some performance tyre models in the mid-range market.
Some of the best performance tyres available include the Michelin Pilot Sport 5, Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tyres, Pirelli P Zero tyres, Hankook Ventus S1 Evo tyres, Continental SportContact 7 tyres, Bridgestone Potenza tyres, and Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres.
This depends largely on your speed and style of driving. Performance tyres support high speed driving and maximise handling at high speeds, which can cause the tyre tread blocks to be put under more intense pressure. The rubber compound is often softer to facilitate excellent dry and wet grip, which can become worn more quickly.
Tyre maintenance and regular inspections are essential to keep track of tyre tread depth, to ensure tyres become worn at an even rate, and to maintain good balance.
The UHP tyre market is more limited and consists of tyre brands that are commonplace in F1 and other racing circles. Pirelli is the official tyre sponsor for F1, with Falken and Continental also highly regarded in the ultra-high performance market.
Some popular models for ultra-high performance driving include the Pirelli P Zero PZ5 tyres, Falken Azenis FK460AS tyres, and Continental SportContact 7 tyres with superior balance and handling in wet and dry conditions.
Yes. Performance tyres are typically more expensive to purchase and will also need replacing more regularly than standard tyres, due to the increased rate and speed of wear. This means the cost of keeping performance tyres on your vehicle is higher.
When maintained properly, performance tyres can last anywhere between 20,000 and 40,000 miles – just like standard tyres. It is advisable to check them more regularly to ensure that they are still in good condition, owing to the variable rubber compound and the lower sidewall that gives the tyre less cushioning when navigating bumps in the road.
There are a diverse range of performance tyres available from select tyre brands, including those that are suitable for 4x4s and off-road vehicles. Falken WildPeak is an example of a high-performing off-road tyre, with other models including the Maxxis Bravo Series, the BFGoodrich All Terrain tyres, and Yokohama Geolandar tyres.
Requiring more maintenance checks, and sold at a higher price, you might be wondering if and when performance tyres are actually worth it.
Performance tyres are a good option for drivers who want to maximise the speed capabilities of their vehicle, pushing it to the limit of its handling functionality and stability while reducing the risk of aquaplaning when braking and accelerating. These tyres keep the vehicle safe at higher speeds and are considered more responsive and supportive – even if they’re not always as comfortable.
Tyre size for your vehicle doesn’t change, no matter what type of tyre you fit. From winter tyres to summer tyres, all-season tyres and performance tyres, the correct new tyre size can always be found in the vehicle handbook or printed on the original fitment tyres.
Learn more about tyre comparison, the different levels of tyre performance, and local tyre fitting over in our Knowledge Hub.
