What To Think About When You Buy New Tyres
14th February 2017When you buy new tyres there can be many different factors to consider – what size are your tyres, do you need seasonal tyres, which type of tyre suits you and how much you want to spend on your tyres – and this can be very confusing!
Take a look at our guide for a stress-free approach to buying new tyres:
When Do I Need New Tyres?
Tyres wear with age and use, and can be susceptible to damage, so at some point they will need to be replaced. You should replace your tyres if:
- Tread depth has dropped below 3mm
- There are forms of damage such as cuts, lumps, bulges or tears which have been deemed irreparable by a tyre specialist
- The tyre sidewall has been damaged
- There are visible cracks signifying that the tyre has aged
- The tyre has gone flat due to a puncture or blow out
Tyre Size
You need to make sure that the new tyre(s) you purchase are the right size for your vehicle. You can find your vehicle’s tyre size in the vehicle handbook or on the sidewall of your tyre. It will be displayed as a string of numbers that looks something like this:
205/55 R18 92
205 – the width of the tyre in millimetres
55 – the tyre’s sidewall height displayed as a percentage
R – stands for the type of construction – most tyres are ‘R’ for radial
18 – displays the diameter of the rim in inches that the tyre is intended to fit
92 – is the maximum load each tyre can carry displayed as a numerical code
– relates to the maximum speed a tyre is capable of maintaining
Find out more about how to read tyre sidewall markings.
When you have found the tyre size that fits your vehicle you can use it to search for new tyres online.
Do I Need Seasonal Tyres?
When you start looking for tyres, you will find that they are usually divided in to ‘summer’, ‘winter’ and ‘all season’ tyres. Tyres are constructed differently to best cope with seasonal conditions, and you should choose the tyres which will keep you safe on the road in the weather conditions you see.
If you have the storage space, The Tyre Group would recommend using dedicated summer tyres from April – October and switching to winter tyres from October – April. This will enable you to safely face weather conditions all year round. If this is not a viable option for you, look into purchasing all season tyres.
Although not as effective in winter as winter tyres or all season tyres, you can use summer tyres all year round.
Premium Manufacturer or Budget Tyres?
When choosing new tyres cost is a large factor. Premium manufacturer tyres are significantly more expensive than either budget or mid-range tyres. However, this price tag reflects the materials, technology and meticulous testing that has gone into each tyre. Budget tyres do not share the same thorough manufacturing process, but they will meet safety standards by law.
Premium manufacturer tyres best suit drivers who enjoy high driving performance, enhanced road safety and frequently drive long distances or in rural areas. Budget tyres are suitable for motorists who predominantly drive in urban areas and tend to only drive short distances.
The Tyre Group would always recommend fitting budget tyres over part worn or second hand premium manufacturer tyres.
Which Tyre Style Suits Me?
When searching for new tyres you may come across different terms for different tyre styles. These are the three main categories when it comes to types of tyre:
High Performance Tyres
High performance tyres have been constructed with dynamic drivers in mind. They are optimised to offer agile handling at high speeds, exceptional cornering abilities and excellent traction.
Examples of high performance tyres include: Pirelli P Zero and Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2.
Eco Friendly Tyres
Eco friendly or energy saving tyres have been optimised to offer low rolling resistance to reduce fuel consumption. They are also designed to provide long tyre life and promote even wear so that they will last for longer.
Examples of eco-friendly tyres include: Bridgestone Ecopia EP150 and Hankook Kinergy Eco.
The EU Tyre Label
If you are struggling to decide between a couple of different tyres, the EU Tyre Label may offer a useful comparison point. Grading tyres on their wet grip, fuel efficiency and noise emissions, the EU Tyre Label provides a non-biased view.
For further guidance on choosing new tyres to suit your driving style, vehicle and budget, contact your local Tyre Group branch where one of our trained specialists will be happy to provide more information.
Buy new tyres online from The Tyre Group and arrange a fitting at your local branch at a time to suit you.
BACK TO ARTICLES
