Choose by the roads you drive
Which tire type fits your driving?
Touring, performance, all-terrain: these describe different priorities. Start with your everyday driving, then compare the tradeoffs.
Touring vs. performance tires
Touring tires generally prioritize a quiet, comfortable ride and everyday wear. Performance tires put more emphasis on steering response and cornering grip. There can be tradeoffs in noise, comfort, and tread life, but the category alone cannot tell you how a particular model performs. Compare tires in the correct size and season for your vehicle.
Highway, all-terrain, and mud-terrain tires
Highway tires suit trucks and SUVs that spend most of their time on pavement. All-terrain tires balance paved-road use with dirt and gravel capability. Mud-terrain tires use large, widely spaced tread blocks for demanding loose surfaces. That more aggressive tread can mean extra road noise and a less refined highway ride. Choose around the roads you drive most, rather than the toughest trip you can imagine.
Tire type and tire season answer different questions
Type describes driving priorities; season describes weather use. A performance tire can be summer or all-season. An SUV can use a touring tire, and an all-terrain tire is not automatically a winter tire. Confirm the vehicle’s requirements first, then compare the exact model’s season, snow markings, comfort features, and warranty.
Run-flat, directional, and asymmetric tires
Run-flat tires allow limited driving after pressure loss within the tire maker’s stated distance, speed, and load limits. Directional tires must rotate in the direction marked by an arrow. Asymmetric tires have different inner and outer tread areas and must be mounted with the marked side facing out. These describe construction or mounting requirements, not separate seasons; confirm compatibility before replacing them.
Your quick reference
| Type | Shopping priority | Check next |
|---|---|---|
| Touring | Everyday ride comfort | Season and treadwear warranty |
| Performance | Steering and handling response | Season and speed rating |
| Highway | Paved-road truck/SUV use | Load and towing requirements |
| All-terrain | Mixed pavement and unpaved use | Noise, load, and winter markings |
| Mud-terrain | Loose-surface capability | Road-use tradeoffs and fitment |
Tread illustrations and category descriptions are schematic. Model-specific designs and performance vary.
Common questions
Is an SUV tire always an all-terrain tire?
No. SUV describes a vehicle application. An SUV can use a road-focused touring or highway tire, or a suitable all-terrain tire, depending on the approved fitment and intended use.
Does performance mean summer-only?
No. Performance tires are offered in different seasons. Read the model’s season designation separately from its performance category.
Do I need mud-terrain tires for occasional gravel roads?
Not necessarily. Start with how much pavement and unpaved driving you do, the surfaces involved, and the approved fitment. A suitable highway or all-terrain model may meet your needs with less noise than a mud-terrain design. Compare the manufacturer’s intended use for each model.
Remember
Choose for the driving you actually do most often. Compare individual models before deciding.
Sources & further reading
- Continental: tire types and driving priorities ↗ (opens in a new tab)
- Michelin: mounting, run-flat, and replacement questions ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Use this guide to understand the terminology. Follow your vehicle’s owner’s manual, tire placard, and the tire manufacturer’s instructions for your exact application.