Tires are tires… they’re all the same, right? Very wrong. Sports cars should use tires specific to performance driving, while SUVs and trucks should use tires that can handle the loads of towing and hauling. An electric vehicle should utilize the tires that come with the vehicle. Why? Because the automaker, such as VinFast, has worked with tire companies to engineer tires that are best for road noise, ride quality, longevity, heavy loads, and efficiency.
Noise, Vibration, Harshness
Electric cars, like the VinFast VF8, have less overall harsh noises when driving than a standard gas-powered car. Since there is no engine, exhaust, etc., an EV is quieter. However, tires inherently invite harsh sounds into the cabin through vibrations. The reason being that they try to mellow out the driving surface for optimal comfort and performance. Because an EV is quiet, tire manufacturers have had to engineer tires that do not emit as many harsh tones into the vehicle’s cabin through new advancements in tire tech called Noise Reduction Technology. This typically involves tire companies insulating the tire so that it’s less hollow and/or different tread patterns, therefore reducing vibrations.
Should You Buy UHP Tires?
When looking for new tires for your VinFast, be careful of performance-oriented EV tires. While some electric vehicles benefit greatly from having tires that are called Ultra-High Performance (UHP), many EVs simply don’t need them, as they will destroy the efficiency of your car through extra rolling resistance. Most hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and non-performance-oriented EVs rely heavily on low-rolling-resistance tires to maximize the vehicle’s fuel mileage or electric range.
Always Look at the Load Rating
One thing to also keep in mind as you are looking for tires is that EVs are typically about 10% heavier than a gas-powered car, meaning that they can wear through tires more quickly. According to some data, an EV can go through tires up to 20% faster than a standard car, which is why you want to make sure you are buying the right tires for your car’s load rating. New High Load (HL) tires are becoming part of the new standard tires for certain EVs in order to handle the extra overall vehicle load, meaning its curb weight plus the amount of weight it can carry inside the vehicle, i.e., passengers, luggage, etc. The VF8 has a tire load index of 103, which means that each tire when filled to its max psi, can carry 1,929 lbs per tire. Time that by four, and you have tires that can handle 7,716 lbs. The VF8 weighs about 5,800 lbs, which means it can carry an extra 1,916 lbs worth of people and stuff. But be careful because that adds up quickly.
Which Tires Are Best for Your VinFast?
Ultimately, it is best to stick with the same tires you already have on your VinFast when looking for a new set of tires. That is unless you’re willing to spend a bunch of money going through different sets of tires every few months to know which ones you prefer.
Why You Should Choose Ewing VinFast
At Ewing VinFast of Plano, we have the best prices on dozens of new VinFast EVs and used cars. Our well-educated sales staff and finance department will happily assist you with your EV questions and needs. Our fantastic service department will ensure your vehicle stays in the best condition.
We look forward to serving you.