Aug 25, 2020
On the market today are so many different makes and types of tyres, which makes it hard to know which ones you should be choosing for your car. This guide will help you find the right tyres to suit your driving style, environment and most importantly your car.
In the UK, there are codes printed on the side of every tyre and they follow a standard format.
We are going to break it down for you to help you understand what this means: Let’s take a code from a tyre found when conducting a google search for Fiat 500 tyres: 175/65 R14 T (82) - a Michelin Energy Saver tyre.
● 175 indicates the normal section wid of the tyre in millimetres (175mm)
● 65 indicates its aspect ratio - a comparison of the tyre’s section height with its section width (65 indicates the height is 65% of its width
● R stands for radial ply construction
● 14 indicates the nominal diameter of the wheel rim (15 inches)
● T (82) indicates the maximum load capacity and speed at which the tyre can be safely operated, subject to the tyre being in good condition, fitted correctly and with recommended inflation pressures. 82 represents a maximum load of 475kg per tyre; T represents a maximum speed of up to 118mph.
There are currently three different types of tyres that can be purchased depending on seasons which are:
Summer Tyres
Summer tyres have a simpler tread pattern on a summer tyre which is designed to perform best at temps above 7 degrees celsius on either wet or dry roads. Summer tyres are made from a softer compound giving reduced resistance and offer better fuel economy.
Winter tyres
Many people in the UK choose not to switch to winter tyres as severe snow conditions can be infrequent in different parks. Winter tyres help give better grip in those harsher conditions, if you are from a part of the UK likely to suffer extreme weather conditions in the winter, these tyres are best for you.
All Season tyres
Some people may use summer tyres all year round, despite them not performing as well in the winter. However, if you don’t want to switch between tyres and want tyres that offer the best of both worlds, all season tyres are your best option. They even have a groove pattern designed to avoid aquaplaning on wet roads.
Do I choose premium or budget tyres?
The next question we all face is do we pay more for premium tyres, or save some money and go for a budget tyre option. Some things to consider are premium tyres generally last around 20,00 miles so the additional cost can be a worthwhile investment.
When you choose a budget tyre, it may only last around 7,000 - 8,000 miles, as well as this you won’t get the best results when you combine low budget tyres with high performance cars.
The quality of the tyre you choose may also depend on the type of driving you do, if you are driving regularly in large amounts of traffic which requires you to brake more frequently this will cause more wear, meaning premium tyres could be better for you.
Want to know how much new tyres cost or need to discuss your tyre options with a professional? Why not get quotes from local garages in your area with MyCarNeedsA.com, the easiest way to gather quotes that can save you both time and money. Get your quote today!
