Ensuring the longevity of performance tires is a critical component of luxury vehicle maintenance. Unless you happen to be a mechanic, though, you may not necessarily know what that entails. Thankfully, this handy guide will help. Here's what you should know about performance tires if you own a luxury vehicle (or plan on buying one soon). 

What Makes Performance Tires Different?

Performance tires are designed to facilitate maneuverability by providing total control over your vehicle’s handling. Their extreme responsiveness can be attributed to their unique tread patterns and quality construction. Unlike passenger tires, which aim to provide a relatively smooth ride with optimal handling at reasonable speeds, performance tires deliver ultimate control in virtually all conditions, including at high speeds and on wet roads. This is primarily because of their increased tread stability and lower rolling resistance. 

Performance tires are ideal for motorists who don’t just need to get from point A to point B but want to enjoy the ride along the way. You can expect to find them on all your favorite luxury vehicles directly from the manufacturer. You can also purchase them from a specialty tire shop if you want to upgrade your existing set of wheels for superior maneuverability. 

How Do You Maintain Performance Tires?

The first step of maintaining your performance tires is choosing the right ones. Outfitting your car with the correct components is the foundation of all luxury vehicle maintenance. When selecting among performance tires, make sure all four have the same speed rating and that they meet the manufacturer’s recommendations. 

As for ensuring their handling and longevity, check the tire pressure monthly, as well as after extreme fluctuations in temperature (like when the seasons start changing). You should also have the wheel alignment checked by a luxury vehicle maintenance provider as recommended in the owner’s manual. Inspect the tires visually every 3,000 miles or so to confirm the treads are still in good condition; have them rotated every 5,000 miles (unless your vehicle uses staggered sizing and has wider tires in the rear). 

From replacing performance tires to rebuilding powerful engines, the ASE-certified technicians at Reid Vann Luxury Import Specialists can perform all your luxury vehicle maintenance. Located in Saint Louis, MO, they’ve been servicing all the most popular—and rare—luxury vehicles since opening shop in 1973. Their knowledgeable technicians undergo more than 40 hours of training every single year to stay up to date on all factory-dictated maintenance. To schedule service today, visit their website or call (314) 968-4100.