Understand the Types of Car Tire Compounds to Find the Suitable One

There are various types of car tire compounds. Each type has its own character and pluses and minuses. It is necessary to have an understanding of the types of tire compounds in order to determine which one is most suitable for the vehicle being used.

Choosing tires for your car should not be done carelessly. Many factors must be considered. One of them is related to the tire compound because the type can determine performance, comfort and suitability for the vehicle used.

What Actually is a Tire Compound?

In simple terms, tire compound is the basic material used to make tires which is the result of a mixture of various materials ranging from natural rubber, polymers, carbon, oil, silica and other chemicals. The actual form is the rubber layer on the tire starting from the tread, walls, and the inside and outside of the tire.

Mixing is done deliberately to produce special tire characteristics. Usually manufacturers aim for a certain level of tire elasticity which will determine tire performance. The mixing is done in a mixer at temperature and time according to the type of compound you want to produce. 

The choice of materials mixed to make a tire compound really determines the characteristics of the tire. For example, a tire compound mixed with silica will produce tires with low rolling resistance. This is preferred because it can support fuel savings, so it is often applied to Eco tires.

Therefore, every tire manufacturer competes to create its own tire compound mix. The aim is to produce tires with a certain level of elasticity that are able to provide the desired performance.

Types of Tire Compounds on the Market

There are various tire compounds. However, in general, the types are only divided into three, namely soft, medium and hard tire compounds.

â— Soft Tire Compound

As the name suggests, this is the softest type of tire compound. The dominant material comes from soft rubber so the tire feels soft when used. It's not surprising that many people like it because they feel it increases vehicle comfort.

However, the advantages of soft tire compounds are not only related to comfort. This type of tire is able to grip the road surface optimally. In this way, vehicle control will be easier.

However, soft compound tires are more easily worn and eroded. Therefore, compared to other types of tire compounds, soft compounds will break down more quickly. This is an obstacle when you want to use it in a car that is used as a means of daily transportation.

â— Hard Tire Compound

The opposite of soft compound tires. This type of compound is made from hard basic materials. As a result, the tires really feel as hard as the name suggests.

Hard compounds like this are known to be tough. Tires will be able to be used to pass through rocky roads and potholes. Not surprisingly, users of hard tire compounds are vehicles for extreme activities such as SUVs used off-road.

Apart from being tough, hard tire compounds are able to make tires last longer. Tires will erode longer than all other types of compounds. 

However, this advantage comes with the consequence of a reduced level of driving comfort. Hard tire compounds will feel hard with a high level of shock. When you encounter a hole in the road, you will feel it even more. 

Apart from that, the sound that comes from the tires is quite loud, making the tires seem noisy. Again, this can reduce the feeling of comfort in the car.

â— Medium Tire Compound

This is a tire compound whose hardness level is in the middle between a soft tire compound and a hard tire compound. As a result, its characteristics are a cross between the other two types of compounds.

For example, medium tire compounds are known to have good traction. However, this tire also has good durability, meaning that it is less easily worn or eroded compared to soft compound tires.

Therefore, medium compound tires are recommended for use in daily vehicles. The tire's performance is adequate with good traction and comfort. However, this is offset by fairly high durability.

Those are the three types of tire compounds. To identify it, look at the markings printed on the tire wall. There will be codes S, M, or H which refer to the soft, medium, and hard compound types. Determine which one is most suitable for your vehicle.