Police tires – in pursuit of performance
By: Discount Tire
You’ve seen them in movies, on TV, in-person and maybe even in your rear-view mirror. The seemingly unstoppable cars and SUVs that law enforcement agencies across the country use to do their duty have a number of hallmarks:
- More powerful engines and upgraded drivetrain components
- Aftermarket or upfitted modifications
- Heavy duty suspension components
Here we’re going to examine an overlooked part of the modern patrol car – its tires.
Maybe you’ve never thought about the tires police use, but you might be surprised to learn that you can purchase the exact same (or civilian version) tires that most police agencies across the country trust to help their officers chase down the bad guys (and keep the peace).
Police-issue tires have to keep up with the improvement in performance of the vehicles they go on. No, they are still not bulletproof – but they are markedly more fuel-efficient. With the current increase of hybrid vehicles on the streets, Ford is even producing hybrid police interceptors in the current Explorer and “Responder” variant of their interceptor line. Made for comfortable cruising and quiet patrolling, these tires can also handle the strain and bumps of high-speed pursuit. In fact, most pursuit-rated tires carry the speed rating of W – meaning they’re approved for speeds up to 168 mph.
These are used on all of these vehicles currently:
- Chevrolet Caprice 9C1
- Chevrolet Impala 9C1
- Chevrolet Tahoe PPV
- Dodge Charger
- Ford Crown Victoria
- Ford Police Interceptor (Taurus)
- Ford Police Interceptor Utility (Explorer)
Here are two of the more popular pursuit-rated tires that are dependable and well-balanced all-season or winter-weather performers.
Goodyear Eagle RS-A
Let’s start with the Goodyear Eagle RS-A.
Made for high performance use all year long, its W speed rating means it can reliably catch up to most other cars on the road if they need to (while still boasting a long-wearing lifespan).
Rolling from the factory assembly line to your local law enforcement agency on most police vehicles as the original equipment tire, the RS-A is a workhorse and racehorse combined into one performance all-season.
Goodyear Eagle Ultra Grip GW-3
For regions that see a lot of snow and winter weather, the Goodyear Eagle Ultra Grip GW-3 are often equipped on law enforcement vehicles that can’t afford to be down during whiteout conditions.
The Eagle Ultra Grip GW-3 is for severe winter conditions. Being able to navigate efficiently through an intense storm or blizzard is ideal for those anywhere that gets extreme winter weather.
Despite being made purposely for the demands of law enforcement, law enforcement agencies aren’t the only ones that can buy and get the most out of these tires.
These tires can work for the civilian trim of the following vehicles, among many others:
- Chevrolet Impala
- Chevrolet Tahoe
- Chevrolet Suburban
- Dodge Charger
- Dodge Durango
- Ford Crown Victoria
- Ford Explorer
- Ford Taurus
- Lincoln Town Car
- Mercury Grand Marquis
Even if you have a middle-of-the-road daily driver, it doesn’t mean you should settle for middle-of-the-road tires. This is where the Goodyear Eagle RS-A or the Goodyear Ultra Grip GW-3 will make high performance a new standard for your commute – because you don't have to drive a police vehicle to have the same performance standards.
You can cruise on superior handling, durability and comfort on these tires from Discount Tire – and if your local law enforcement agency needs tires, get in touch with our fleet department. Many of our stores also offer discounts to first responders.
Wait less time in-store when you buy your tires and book your appointment online!
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