One of our favorite topics on the eBay Motors blog is tires. That’s because tires (as well as wheels) can be the most direct way to modify the performance of your car. Tires are the basis of the suspension and have big impact on steering response, handling, and braking. So we reviewed our recent coverage of performance tires—and highlighted three pieces of advice that stood out from the details.
1. Invest in Two Sets of Tires, One for Each Season
An abundance of horsepower won’t do a driver much good if you can’t get that power to the ground. It may sound counterintuitive, but a car’s performance begins and ends with its tires. While all season tires satisfy many requirements, they are not the best choices for high performance. If you are willing to invest in two sets of tires—one for summer performance and a second for the winter—you will have the advantage of better ride and handling.
> Read more tuning with tires
2. Larger Tires Provide Better Traction
The idea of modifying original equipment with larger diameter wheels and low-profile tires goes back to the 1970s. Plus-sizing has become very popular—because it enhances both appearance and performance. In fact, many automakers include plus-sized options on their sportier models. Larger tires create a bigger contact patch with the ground for better traction. In addition, shorter sidewalls in combination with larger wheels are stiffer, enhancing steering response.
> Read more about tire plus-sizing
3. Match Your Rubber to Your Skill Set
When first getting involved with grassroots motorsports, it can be tempting to jump in with both feet and start modding your car right away for better performance. Typically, this leads to hours spent browsing eBay Motors in the search for go-fast parts. After you spend some time with other track rats, you’ll probably learn this supreme fact: the tires your car is wearing can make the biggest difference in your lap or autocross times. Yes, tires can transform your car from zero to hero in a way few other performance parts can. What they can’t do, however, is ensure that your driving skills keep up with their promise of more speed, more grip, and better braking.
> Read more about street tires versus R compounds
See Performance Tires for sale on eBay.
