How to choose the right tyres for your car
7th Aug, 2024
Your car’s tyres are one of those components that you may not think about that much on a day-to-day basis – but you’d miss them if they were gone. So by the same token, it’s always crucial to ensure that your car has the right tyres, and if you’re choosing them yourself, it can be a surprisingly big decision.
After all, your tyres are the only contact point between your vehicle and the road, so choosing the right ones is crucial for ensuring safety, performance, and fuel efficiency – helping you to avoid any scenarios where you end up prematurely scrapping your car.
If you’re sizing up your car for new tyres, then, here’s what you need to know.
What you need to know about tyre specifications
First off, we should start with the various tyre specifications that determine their suitability for your car. These specifications are usually indicated on the tyre sidewall and include dimensions, load index, and speed rating, so they’re something you’ll need to take note of.
Tyre dimensions: The size of a tyre is represented by a series of numbers and letters, such as 205/55 R16. It’s not hugely catchy, but all those digits play a role – the first number (205) denotes the tyre’s width in millimetres, the second number (55) is the aspect ratio (height to width), and R16 indicates the diameter of the wheel in inches. Choosing the correct size is vital for maintaining the car’s handling and performance.
Load index: This number represents the maximum weight a tyre can support. Obviously, it’s really important to select tyres that can handle the weight of your vehicle, especially if you frequently carry heavy loads. The load index is found next to the size markings and is usually a two or three-digit number.
Speed rating: The speed rating indicates the maximum speed a tyre can safely handle. It’s denoted by a letter (e.g., H, V, W) following the load index. Selecting a tyre with the appropriate speed rating is, again, essential for maintaining safety and performance, especially if you often drive at high speeds – say, if you find yourself mostly driving on motorways as opposed to residential roads.
Seasonal variations to consider
Here in the UK, it’s safe to say that we’re not widely known for our seasonal extremes. A fair proportion of our summers, for example, are often characterised by slightly warmer rain. But still, seasonal extremes can and do happen – it can get very hot in the depths of summer (eventually) and it’s not unheard of for it to snow in winter either.
Accordingly, different seasons require different tyre characteristics to ensure optimal performance and safety. In other words, matching your tyres to the prevailing weather is going to make it easier, safer, and basically more enjoyable when you’re behind the wheel.
In warmer weather, summer tyres provide excellent grip on both dry and wet roads, as their tread patterns are optimised for handling and braking in hot conditions. However, they become hard and lose traction in cold temperatures, making them unsuitable for winter use. On the other hand, winter tyres are (you guessed it) specifically designed for cold weather, featuring deeper treads and softer rubber compounds that remain flexible in low temperatures. These tyres provide better traction on snow and ice, ensuring safer driving during harsh winters. Winter conditions can be somewhat unpredictable here in the UK, so it’s never a bad idea to have a set of winter tyres handy.
Alternatively, all-season tyres are a versatile choice, designed to perform adequately in a variety of weather conditions. They combine characteristics of both summer and winter tyres, making them suitable for regions with moderate climates. However, they may not offer the best performance in extreme weather conditions compared to dedicated seasonal tyres. But again, given that our extremes in the UK tend to be relatively mild compared to other countries, you might find them perfectly suitable. Ultimately, it’s your decision!
Balance quality and cost
Finding the right balance between quality and cost is a crucial aspect of choosing tyres. While it’s naturally tempting to opt for the cheapest option, investing in quality tyres can save you money in the long run by providing better performance, longevity, and safety. Budget tyres are typically the most affordable option and can be suitable for low-mileage drivers or secondary vehicles. However, the flipside is that they do often have lower performance ratings and shorter lifespans compared to premium options.
Mid-range tyres offer a compromise between cost and quality. They provide better performance and durability than budget tyres without the high price tag of premium brands. That makes them a popular choice for many drivers looking for a balance between affordability and performance.
Premium tyres come from well-known brands and offer the best performance, longevity, and safety features. While they’re more expensive, premium tyres can provide better fuel efficiency, longer tread life, and superior handling. This makes them a worthwhile investment if you drive particularly frequently, especially for long distances.
Maintain tyre health
Of course, it’s not quite enough just to choose the right tyres – to get the most out of them, you also need to ensure you’re looking after them properly, especially since it can maximise your safety and fuel efficiency.
So then, that means you’ll need to regular inspect your tyres for signs of wear, damage, or uneven tread. Uneven wear can indicate alignment or suspension issues that need addressing. Additionally, checking for embedded objects like stones or nails that could cause punctures can prevent unexpected breakdowns.
What’s more, you’ll need to keep your tyres at the recommended pressure to maintain their safety, fuel efficiency, and maximise their lifespan. Under-inflated tyres can lead to poor handling and increased fuel consumption, while over-inflated tyres can cause a harsh ride and uneven wear. Check the tyre pressure monthly and before long trips, adjusting as necessary.
Proper alignment and rotation are also important. Regularly aligning and rotating your tyres can ensure even wear and extend their lifespan. Wheel alignment adjusts the angles of the wheels to the manufacturer’s specifications, preventing uneven tread wear. Tyre rotation involves changing the position of each tyre on the vehicle, promoting even wear across all tyres. Additionally, ensuring your tyres are properly balanced can prevent uneven wear and vibrations, leading to a smoother and safer ride.
That’s all the essentials covered! Of course, there may come a time when new tyres won’t be enough to fix long-term issues with your car. And when that happens, that’s exactly what we’re here for at Scrap Car Network. Our top aim is to help you get very best price on your car. All you need to do is enter a few details into our homepage, and we’ll provide you with an instant online quote! Curious to see how much your car is worth?
