Can you choose tires "by touch"?

Tire hardness has a significant impact on a vehicle's characteristics and its behavior on the road. Of course, one should not choose tires based solely on touch. Also, one should not overestimate tires with a soft tread. Like everything in a tire, this has both advantages and disadvantages. Here are several aspects that tire hardness affects:

Handling and traction: tires with a softer rubber compound provide better road grip, which is important for cornering, braking, and handling in general, especially as the tires heat up. However, they can also have higher rolling resistance, which can affect fuel consumption. Hard tires, on the other hand, may compromise on traction while being more fuel-efficient.

Comfort and smooth ride: soft tires absorb road irregularities better, which can contribute to a more comfortable ride. Tires with a softer rubber mixture generally have a smoother ride, but the downside can be a lower mileage. Hard tires, as a rule, have less wear.

Of course, it's essential to note that one should make an informed choice and not rely solely on tactile sensations on the store shelf. Tires are a complex product consisting of dozens of components, and during operation, new technical features and characteristics are revealed.