Here’s a list of the tyre performance criteria terms that you’ll normally come across when looking for a new tyre and what they mean.

Cornering Grip

Definition: How well the tyre holds when taking corners

When is it important?: When you’re driving on winding roads

Rolling Resistance

Definition: How easily a tyre rolls across a surface

When is it important?: If you’re trying to reduce your fuel consumption

Performance

Definition: A general term describing a vehicle or tyre’s braking, accelerating, handling and traction

When is it important?: All the time

Handling

Definition: How your tyre responds to steering and braking

When is it important?: All the time

Aquaplaning Resistance

Definition: The ability of a tyre to shed water and retain its grip on wet roads

When is it important?: When you’re driving in the rain or on wet roads

RunOnFlat Tyre

Definition: A tyre that allows you to keep driving after a puncture or flat tyre, for up to 80 km at a maximum speed of 80km/h

When is it important?: When you get a puncture or flat tyre and need to continue driving on to a safe place to change the tyre

Wet Grip

Definition: The tyre’s road adherence and braking ability on a wet surface

When is it important?: For steering, stopping, and overall control of your vehicle on wet surfaces

Dry Grip

Definition: The tyre’s road adherence and braking ability on a dry surface

When is it important?: For steering, stopping, and overall control of your vehicle on dry surfaces

Comfort

Definition: A tyre’s ability to absorb shocks and bumps or other irregularities on the road

When is it important?: When you want to feel the car, not the bumps on the road

Noise

Definition: The external noise a tyre produces contributes to noise pollution in the surrounding environment. A tyre that produces low internal noise will keep things quieter inside the car

When is it important?: When you want a quiet journey for you and those around you

Braking Distance

Definition: The distance it takes for a vehicle to come to a complete stop after brakes are applied

When is it important?: On all road surfaces

Mileage

Definition: An indication of the usable life of a tyre. A “high mileage” tyre is typically longer lasting

When is it important?: All the time