How surprising is it that cars were once capable of driving at 25 mph? Well, it is not a myth at all, it is a truth specific to the 1880s-1890s. Back then, no one could even imagine that in a few decades, the car manufacturing industry would build racing vehicles able to handle over 200 mph. With the ongoing development of this industry, tire manufacturers figured out that tires should be adjusted so that they resist the nervous and agile spirit of racing driving.
Here at Neotires, we like to believe that tires are the most crucial component in car construction. Some might say that it is the engine, others that it is the suspension system. But in fact, tires are the key components for establishing contact with the road and ensuring the vehicle performance in various conditions.
History shows us that the tendency to improve the performance and quality standards of tires increased with the development of the car manufacturing industry. Today, performance vehicles easily reach 300 mph and this is also due to the tires' reliability in supporting their dynamics and tenacity. 1
Moreover, tire makers have never stopped only at speed performance. They have always kept in mind superior comfort, noise control, as well as fuel efficiency. Having said that, it is not wrong to state that tires have a real science behind them that is constantly developing. In this article, we will talk about this science in more detail, namely the science of Ultra-High Performance Tires.
UHP Tires Quick Overview
Each tire has a certain speed rating. The speed index indicates the maximum speed a tire can handle before affecting its performance. Lower speed ratings (such as A8 or B) will mean that the driver won't have high control or balanced car handling at highway speeds. Conversely, higher speed ratings, like H or ZR, can handle far beyond a normal highway speed.
Many mistakenly believe that the speed rating indicated on the tire shows the speed potential of the vehicle. But in fact, it indicates the maximum capacity that the tire (and not the car!) can support in terms of speed. For example, a tire with a "T" rating effectively supports a speed of up to 118 mph. Technically, the driver can exceed this speed because the car's engine allows it. But in this case, the tire will begin to undergo the heat build-up process, among other things, which might impact its performance and physical condition.
In this context, manufacturers build UHP tires specifically for vehicles supporting UHP driving. This means that speed ratings for UHP tires range from Z rated 240+ km/h to W, Y, and (Y) for 300+ km/h so drivers can certainly test their vehicle and their driving skills. These tires have a specific construction and rubber formula to resist stress without compromising performance, safety, and handling. 2
What Makes An UHP Tire Different From Others?
The UHP tire segment has a specific clientele. Motorists driving on UHP tires usually demand performance at any cost. They are ready to pay exorbitant prices so that their cars and tires meet the highest performance standards. Manufacturers, on the other hand, invest plenty of technologies and advanced compounds to make these tires as performant and enduring as possible.
To meet the agile nature of performant vehicles, UHP tires are crafted somewhat differently from regular tires. The difference refers to the specific construction, rubber components, tread design, and specific flexibility. Let's take them one by one.
UHP Tires' Specs
Tire engineers take into account the specifics of UHP vehicles when building such a tire. For a UHP tire to meet the basic performance requirements, the tire maker implements the following features:
- Low Tread Depth
A UHP tire usually has a tread less deep than a common tire. This type of design is not the most optimal for the longevity of the tire. However, longevity is not one of the priorities of UHP tires. So, tire makers sacrifice it in favor of speed, agility, and high performance. The tire with a less deep tread offers less resistance while rolling. As such, it is more dynamic and responsive, complementing the overall vehicle tenacity.
It is important to mention that the engineers produce both summer and all-season UHP tires. Obviously, the thread depth of the all-season one will be deeper because the tire has to cope with changing weather conditions as well as offer longer durability. This is because longevity is a priority for all-season tires, even if it is a UHP version.
- Softer Compounds
Unlike a traditional tire, the UHP one will have stickier components in its formula. These components are beneficial for increasing traction. Softer compounds also increase the grip on the road, which is crucial for a sporty tire. The bad part is that softer components wear faster, but again - longevity is not the number one priority for UHP tires.
- Rayon Compounds Instead Of Usual Polyester
An essential difference in UHP tires is the presence of rayon components. While regular tires contain polyester, the rayon in the UHP ones increases their tenacity and agility at high speed. This component is nothing more than a purified cellulose material. Its properties include but are not limited to dimensional stability, wonderful thermal resistance which is essential at high speed, and great vigorous performance. 3
Additional Performance Profile
Apart from the above-mentioned fundamentals, UHP tires have additional attributes that enhance their strength and spirited nature, making them more dynamic than other tire segments.
For example, all-season tires are crafted to provide weather versatility. For this, the manufacturers add special components so that they remain as efficient and safe as possible in any weather.
As for UHP tires, in particular, engineers especially draw attention to their ultra-endurance to high speed and their safety in agile, dynamic, and sometimes aggressive maneuvers. To meet these capabilities, tire manufacturers consider the following techniques applied in UHP tires:
- High Concentration Of Silica Compound
Matter-of-factly, almost all tires contain silica compounds in their composition. However, the UHP tires have a maximum concentration. This component is essential to provide agile and short braking, especially at high speed and in wet conditions. In addition, this component is beneficial for tread conservation so that it does not get worn extremely quickly.
A summer UHP tire has the highest concentration of silica for superb performance in hot conditions. However, this tire becomes hard as the temperature drops, which compromises performance. In this sense, engineers produce All-Season UHP tires to provide temperature versatility. These tires have a somewhat lower concentration of silica than UHP tires. However, the engineers make sure that the concentration is sufficient to deliver higher performance ratings than a regular All-Season tire.
- Small Apex And Stronger Sidewall
The construction of the UHP tire will always differ from a traditional one. Tire makers pay attention to the smallest details to improve their performance. In this sense, a UHP tire comes with a pretty small bead reinforcement (small apex) and reinforced sidewall. Altogether, these changes increase vehicle handling when at the limits. The point is that such adjustments make the tire act as one whole piece with its rim, which significantly improves handling.
- More Rigidity
Comparing Summer UHP tires with All-Season UHP tires, the first ones will always be stiffer. Their tougher tread pattern favors the dry braking of passenger vehicles. The All-Season treads are a bit more malleable as they are meant for longevity and light snow performance. So, the malleability allows them to wear slower and provide enough traction and grip in light snow conditions.
Below you have the difference between a Summer UHP tire and an All-Season UHP tire illustrated. As you can see, the tread structure differs enormously, including sipes for snow traction in the All-season UHP one. By the way, the treads in the image belong to UHP Summer Yokohama and UHP Yokohama All-Season tires. 4
When Should You Consider UHP Tires?
Generally speaking, UHP tires are a great option for when you want some extra performance boost. But you also have to take into account the type of your vehicle because not all cars are compatible with UHP tires. As a rule, these tires are compatible with vehicles featuring powerful engines, sport-tuned suspension, and powerful brakes. We recommend you consult an expert to confirm that your vehicle is compatible with UHP tires.
What Changes Do UHP Tires Bring Compared to Regular Ones?
UHP tires can upgrade the overall car performance. They are built according to a specific design and with various materials to improve the grip of the vehicle as well as the cornering, braking, and accelerating properties. In addition, they are much more capable of dissipating heat at high speed. This is a major benefit as the tire can resist better speed without undergoing the heat build-up process. And as you know, heat accumulation is the fiercest enemy of any tire.
What Are the Disadvantages of UHP Tires?
The biggest drawback is their early wear compared to regular tires. The priorities of UHP tires include tenacity, dynamism, and maneuverability. To offer these benefits, tire makers have to sacrifice their longevity by making them from more easily degradable components. Either way, an all-season UHP tire has a higher tread mileage than a summer UHP tire.
Another shortcoming of UHP tires is their higher price than regular ones. The engineering and special technologies in them increase their value and respectively the price. This aspect is a dealbreaker for many drivers, especially considering their relatively short longevity. In this sense, UHP tires are an option for spirited drivers who want optimal performance at any price.
What Cars Are Matching With UHP Tires?
This type of tire fits like a glove with vehicles with a sporty spirit. These include but are not limited to sporty coupes, sporty cars, or racing vehicles. In addition, tire makers offer UHP tires for all those who favor responsive handling and grip over wear and touring comfort.
UHP Tires: FAQs
What is The Difference Between HP and UHP Tires?
Both types of tires have high performance in their DNA. However, what makes them different is their longevity. UHP tires place more emphasis on agility and grip and less emphasis on wear resistance. On the other hand, high-performance tires balance both grip and traction as well as higher tread life. In general, a UHP tire is a bit more tenacious and balanced when at the limit, but its tread wears faster. The HP tire provides great grip and traction but yields easily to the UHP ones. However, its tread life is longer. 5
How Long Do UHP Tires Last?
The lifespan of UHP tires is relatively short compared to other types of tires. On average, they serve around 30,000 miles. The reason for the short longevity lies in the special composition of UHP tires. For them to be maximally efficient, the manufacturers use fairly soft rubber. It provides excellent grip, traction, and balance, but does not resist much wear and tear.
Are Ultra High-Performance Tires Worth It?
It all depends on the drivers' priorities. UHP tires are the best choice if the driver is ready to sacrifice the longevity of the tires in favor of agility and excellent performance. UHP tires are the most tenacious, safe, and balanced when at the limit. If the driver loves pushing the limits while benefiting from superior performance, UHP tires are the right way to go. Still, he will have to sacrifice with short tire lifespan and pay pretty much for them. UHP tires are not the cheapest tires.
What Are the Advantages of UHP Tires?
When used for their purpose, UHP tires provide superior safety while reaching the highest performance levels. These tires have impressive braking capabilities, superior balance when at the limit, impressive lateral grip, and phenomenal acceleration capabilities. In addition, these allow the driver to handle the vehicle safely as they behave very intuitively and are precise in responsiveness.6
Are Ultra High-Performance Tires Good in Snow?
If we are talking about harsh snow conditions, it is best to choose specialized winter tires. UHP all-season tires cope decently well, but only if it's about mild winter conditions. A UHP all-season tire is recommended when the temperature is relatively warm around zero degrees Celsius, more or less. Many UHP all-season tires have the "M+S" marking on their sidewall, which means "mud+snow". This marking can mislead many drivers. In fact, the marking says that the tire is viable for LIGHT snow conditions, not the harsh ones.
Why Trust Us?
The activity of the NeoTires team is not limited to tire deals. In fact, we are a team that is fully involved in everything rubber means. This means that we test tires, review them, develop ourselves in tire science, and keep up with all the news and trends in the industry.
With this in mind, we have a large team of specialists that includes but is not limited to mechanics, testers, content writers, specialists in the automotive industry, as well as experts with a broad background in tire production and repair. As such, we know a lot about tires and want to share our knowledge with the general public.
Every specialist in the NeoTires team takes his work seriously to deliver the most truthful and validated information, review, or tire recommendation. The industry partners we collaborate with help us offer quality services and products. In the 5 years of NeoTires activity, we managed to become loyal allies of thousands of drivers both through our tire deals and through the professionalism of the assistance services we offer.
