Choosing the correct tyres for your car is essential for ensuring your safety, and it will also support the performance and longevity of your vehicle. As there are various types of tyres available in various sizes, it can be tricky to figure out which tyres are right for your car. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to make the best-informed decision, so that you can maximise your vehicles performance.
First, let’s take a look at the common types of tyres that are available on the market. Tyres are manufactured for different types of vehicles and also for the different seasons. Before deciding, you should take your driving style and requirements into consideration.
When winter arrives, temperatures drop and the driving conditions on the roads can change drastically. Ice and snow make it particularly difficult for conventional tyres, which is why opting for tyres that are suited to winter driving are a much better (and safer) option. Designed to grip onto slippery surfaces and improve steering precision, these tyres have broad tread grooves and additional ribs to provide a stable grip, even under harsh conditions.
Known for operating best in temperatures around seven degrees Celsius, summer tyres or ‘standard tyres’ have a much softer rubber compound to enhance stability and grip. They also have a particular tread pattern that provides resistance against aquaplaning.
Ideal for those that don’t want the hassle of regular wheel maintenance, all-season tyres don’t need to be switched out with the changing seasons. They can cope with temperature fluctuations and are particularly well-suited to European climates. The perfect balance between winter and summer tyres, all-season tyres have unique characteristics that allow them to be suitable for many weather conditions.
Created to protect you on the road if you suffer a puncture while driving, run flat tyres have thicker sidewalls than regular tyres, which enables them to continue working for a short distance after a puncture.
Specifically built to reduce fuel consumption, energy-saving tyres have low levels of rolling resistance to result in a better fuel economy payoff and decrease in CO2 emissions.
Optimised for enhanced grip and the ability to cope with high speeds, high-performance tyres are designed to provide quick responses, impressively short braking distances and precise handling.
Off-road tyres are designed for use on rough and uneven terrains - such as mud, gravel and other rocky surfaces. With tread patterns that provide excellent grip and traction, they’re ideal for off-road driving.
The short answer, yes! There are various reasons why you should have your tyres fitted in pairs. Having uneven tyres on the same axle on your car will create an uneven, unstable drive. This is why it’s important to have the same tyres on each side of the axle – that being both the same size and the same brand, so don’t think you can mix winter and summer tyres either!
When it comes to finding the correct size tyres for your car, there really is no ‘one size fits all’ answer. Your car’s tyres will have been sized to fit the actual rims they’re mounted on. So, in theory, if you changed the size of your rims then you could change the size of your tyres - as long as the overall diameter of the wheel stays the same.
Never mismatch your tyres and remember that if you are struggling to find your tyre size, you can check by looking for the sticker that’s usually found on the inside of the driver’s side door jamb. If not, your current car tyres will also tell you what size the tyre is with their markings.
Top tip: be careful if your car is second hand - there may be a possibility that the previous owner fitted the incorrect tyres.
Cross-section width – the first three numbers tell you the section width of the tyre.
Aspect ratio – this number refers to the height of the sidewall as a percentage of the section width. The bigger the aspect ratio, the bigger the sidewall.
Construction type – this letter stands for a specific type of construction. For example, the letter ‘R’ means the tyre is a radial construction, which most new car tyres are.
Rim diameter – the next two-digit number after the slash is the diameter of the wheel (in inches).
Load Index – the two digits following this represent the ‘Load Index’, essentially the maximum load the tyre is able to carry when inflated to the correct level.
Maximum speed – this final letter is the maximum speed the tyre can cope with under its maximum load. For example, the letter ‘H’ corresponds to 130mph.
To summarise, choosing the correct tyres for your vehicle will depend on several factors – including your driving style, the type of car you own, the conditions you’ll be driving in and your budget. If you’re an enthusiastic driver, then performance tyres will provide the best handling and grip, whereas if you’re a cautious driver, then all-season tyres may be a better choice.
At Eurorepar, we will ensure the tyre(s) offered to you are compatible with your vehicle. It’s important to also keep in mind that there will be premium and budget tyres available, but that it’s often worth weighing up paying extra money for a more premium tyre that will last twice as long. As when it comes to tyres, you really do get what you pay for.
We hope that we’ve answered some of your burning tyre questions in our guide. Remember that buying the right set of car tyres is crucial for your safety on the roads and to preserve the longevity of your vehicle. If you’re looking for a specialist to fit your new tyres or to help you figure out what tyres you need, book online to find your nearest garage.
