Choosing the right tyres for your vehicle depends on several factors, including your car's specifications, driving habits, and environmental conditions. Here’s a guide to help you make the best choice:
1. Check Your Vehicle’s Specifications
- Owner’s Manual or Door sill: Look for the recommended tyre size and specifications in your car’s owner manual or the sticker on the driver’s side door frame.
- Example: 205/55R16 91V
- 205: Tyre width in millimeters.
- 55: Aspect ratio (sidewall height as a percentage of the width).
- R: Radial construction.
- 16: Rim diameter in inches.
- 91V: Load index (weight capacity) and speed rating (maximum speed).
2. Identify Your Driving Needs
- Daily Commuting: You could look for all-season tyres, which offer a good balance of comfort, durability, and performance.
- Performance Driving: You might like to opt for performance or summer tyres for better grip and handling.
- Off-Roading: If you frequently drive off-road, consider all-terrain or mud-terrain tyres.
- Winter Conditions: Travelling aboad? Then use winter tyres for snow, ice, or very cold weather (below 7°C/45°F), this is mandatory in some EU countries during Oct and March each year.
3. Determine the Right Type of Tyre
- All-Season Tyres: Suitable for most weather conditions (mild winters, rain, and dry roads).
- Summer Tyres: Offer superior grip and handling on dry and wet roads but don't perform as well as All Season tyres in cold conditions.
- Winter Tyres: Specifically designed for icy, snowy, or cold conditions.
- All-Terrain Tyres: Best for mixed on-road and off-road use.
- Run-Flat Tyres: Allow limited driving even after experiencing a puncture. However, not all vehicles can have Run Flat tyres fitted.
4. Consider the Tyres Performance Ratings
- Wet Grip Rating: Indicates grip on wet surfaces (grades: A to E).
- Fuel Efficiency Rating: Depends on the tyres rolling resistance (grades: A to E).
- Noise Level Rating: This is the external rolling noise generated by the tyre, measured in decibels.
5. Match Tyres to Your Budget
- Economy Tyres: Affordable options for basic driving needs.
- Mid-Range Tyres: Good balance of price, durability, and performance.
- Premium Tyres: High-end tyres offering the best performance and durability.
6. Buy From a Reputable Brand
Some brands include:
- Premium brands: Michelin, Bridgestone, Goodyear, Continental, Pirelli
- Mid-range brands: Hankook, Falken, Kumho, Yokohama, Avon.
- Budget-friendly brands: SuperValue
7. Ask a Professional
- Visit one of our centres to get advice from our team of experts who will recommend the best tyre based on your vehicle, driving habits, and budget.