Goodyear Dunlop offers SUV tyre advice
Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) are becoming increasingly popular and having been around now for some while, as they get older, what were affordable to but a few are now affordable to many. As a result, there is the risk that owners may try to ‘economise’ by fitting inappropriate tyres. It is therefore important to understand the requirements for SUV tyres and the reasons why specific SUV tyres should ideally be fitted.
The introduction and popularity of this relatively new form of passenger transport has required the development of tyres to suit the unique features of the SUV. Not all SUVs are 4×4 but while specific 4×4 tyres in some cases and passenger car tyres generally may be able meet an SUV’s legal requirements there are other important considerations.
For this reason Goodyear and Dunlop have developed tyres specifically for SUVs that not only meet all the necessary legal requirements but also provide the best solutions in terms of noise, comfort, mileage and fuel economy.
“Fitting incorrect tyres can not only have safety and legality implications but also can be false economy as well as affecting performance and passenger comfort,” said Steve Lynch, Marketing Manager of Goodyear Dunlop Ireland. “Goodyear and Dunlop have developed SUV tyres that specifically address not only the technical requirements for such vehicles but also factors like the ride, interior noise and fuel consumption.”
Most SUVs are heavier and have a higher centre of gravity than a standard car. This makes the dynamics of handling and braking very different to that of other passenger vehicles. The SUV tyre is designed for such differences and one typical example of this is the ability to cope with body-roll when cornering. Passenger tyres can be fitted to SUVs, provided they are the correct size, speed and load rating, but they may not offer some of the performance benefits of SUV tyres, which are tailored to the needs of this type of vehicle and its typical driver’s needs.
Generally SUV tyres have a higher rim, are wider, have a higher aspect ratio and therefore a higher load index than other tyres. And of course, if there is any requirement for off-road driving, then the driver needs specific on-off road SUV or 4×4 tyres.