If you need to be spot on about the tires for a hybrid vehicle, you need to either do an online search at our tire store, or you can visit us any day for a hands-on experience in picking the right tire. It doesn't matter whether you need them for an electric or hybrid vehicle; both require special tires.
Let's clarify the confusion between the 'why can't I use regular tires for my hybrid?' and then we'll hit the hybrid tire-buy guide.
Standard & Hybrid Rubber - The Difference?
Regular pneumatic tires come in a variety of standard & specialized treads for optimal use in SUVs, coupes, sedans, hatchbacks, sports, etc. That further breaks down to fuel-efficient, energy-saving, & enhanced sports traction types. The only thing common is that these are designed for vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICE).
Sure, the tires are tough, but not enough for a hybrid, which carries a duality of powertrains & sources. It doesn't matter if the tire is advertised as reinforced rubber with metal cord mesh & helium; if it's rated for an ICE vehicle, it's not supporting anything else optimally.
Hybrids are, emissions-wise, cleaner cars, but they pack in an ICE and batteries (to put it bluntly!). That accounts for excessive vehicular weight, longer braking distance, lowered fuel efficiency, early tire weathering, inertial instability & high rolling resistance - if you use regular tires. That's why hybrids have special tires.
The Hybrid Tire Buying Checklist
1. Vehicle Load Index:
All tires have a weight limit for driving performance. You need to search in the reinforced XL category specific to your hybrid choice. If you own a 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV Hybrid, you will need 215/50R17 XL tires. We have OEM & replacement varieties.
2. Rolling Resistance:
Hybrids need a bit of a thrust to get moving from rest, which can strain the tire tread & lead to early wear & tear. Low rolling resistance tires are designed especially for hybrids to allow optimal driving grip. It also aids in overcoming inertial momentum at ignition. That saves you a lot of fuel and boosts your hybrid's range.
3. Braking Distance:
Hybrids experience longer braking distances because of increased inertia, making them a cautionary hazard on the road. With aptly fitted hybrid rubber, there is sufficient traction to aid with the prompt deceleration of your vehicle. If LRR gets you rolling, LRR can aid with stopping sooner too. Never forget to consider this feature when you go tire hunting!
4. Noise Reduction:
Hybrids still have an ICE along with the battery, so there is some noise variation as the vehicle switches between both powertrains, so you need a buffer to cut down the noise. If you are looking into an LRR tire, you are guaranteed to get the noise control qualities.
5. Reinforced Polymer
Try to weigh a regular tire & a hybrid tire; you might find the former denser in a smaller size, while the hybrid tire is sturdy & lightweight. Ensure the sidewalls are taller & the treads are like winter tires (except don't buy winter tires!), and you are well on your way with an optimized hybrid!
At Bill Holt Chevrolet, serving McCaysville, GA, you can get both your hybrids and EVs serviced or fitted with new or replacement tires. If you feel this is your lucky day, go hybrid with the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV & enjoy a minimal carbon emission drive. You can also have us find you the right tires for your hybrid vehicle.
Get in touch with us today & let's find you some hybrid LRR tires!
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