Tires are one of the critical elements in a car's design, according to a "Car and Driver" article. Manufactures consider many differences when selecting a tire to match the car. Factors considered are size of the tire, the desired ride the tire will produce, fuel economy and replacement cost.

On the Other: You Cannot Substitute Certain Tires

When manufacturers select tires, according to "Car and Driver," they do not consider just the tire. Instead, they incorporate the tire with the vehicle to see how the tire works with the overall performance of the car. By putting in any random tire, your may make the car perform better or you may make it perform worse.

Bottom Line

Not only does the type of tire affect performance, the condition of the tire makes a difference, too. Proper air pressure is very important, according to Edmunds.com. In addition, all-season standard or stock tires have more trouble starting and stopping on icy conditions than studded tires. A studless snow tire, though, performed just as well in an Edmunds.com road test as a studded snow tire. Mismatched tires will negatively affect a car's handling, as will worn-out tires.

Source:

"Car and Driver;" Tires and Testing--Column; Larry Webster; December 2006

Edmunds.com: Tire Safety: Don't Ignore the Rubber on the Road