As much as we would like to keep the same set of tyres on our cars forever (mostly financial reasons as they are not cheap!), they will eventually need to be replaced due to wear and tear. External factors such as the weather and road conditions may contribute to the eventual break down of your tyres. As such, it’s just a matter of time before changing our car tyres as this is an essential part of maintenance that every driver has to face.
Choosing the right set of tyres can increase the entire performance of your vehicle, including fuel consumption and safety. The tyres you choose will also affect how well your car handles, the speed which you can drive at, and the conditions you can drive in. Let’s take a closer look at the 5 things to consider before purchasing the right tyres for your car!
1. Rim and Tyre Sizes
It is important to keep in mind that the size of the tyre is the same as that of the rim on which you want to install it on. A tyre that is too small for the rim of your car will decrease the height of the sidewall, leading to bad handling quality of your car.
The width of any given car tyre is shown in the first three digits of the tire label (e.g. P197/40/R15/V tyre signifies a 197 millimetres-wide tyre). Tyre width is important for grip. A wider tyre has more contact with the road, so it is safer to drive, especially on wet roads during rainy days.
2. Tyre Reliability
Aside from safeguarding you and your passengers, tyres should also be reliable to ensure comfort and ease of car handling. Therefore, buying your tyres from a reputed manufacture makes a lot of difference. Renowned tyre makers provide better quality material and make high standard products.
Pick a set of reliable tyres that are durable and reasonably long-lasting as they will not only save you money but possibly also your life! You may also consider checking reviews online to see if any given tyres can optimise your car’s handling and braking capabilities.
4. Speed Rating
Tyre speed rating is the last letter on the tyre label (e.g. tyre label of P197/40R15/V has a V speed rating). This letter will correspond to a certain speed on the speed chart (see below). A higher speed rating means a better grip and stopping power. However, it also means less durable treads. Thus, if you normally drive at high speed, you may want to consider getting tyres that handle a higher speed and replace them more frequently.
4. Manufacturer’s Warranty
You should never buy tyres that do not come with any warranty period. Manufacturers normally offer a warranty for their tyres. That being said, the coverage of the warranty on tyres can be quite limited.
So it is essential to take a closer look at the details of the warranty, and choose a brand that provides good coverage for you.
5. Premium, Value and Budget Tyres
Ultimately, it depends on your budget and needs as not all tyres are the same. Every tyre has its own strengths and weaknesses. Some last longer, some offer better grip, while others are quiet and smooth while driving on the road.
Remember, no single tyre can be the best in all aspects. Generally, better quality tyres (thus more expensive) will give you improved driving experience. So ask yourself what kind of driving experience do you prefer and do some research and comparisons of different tyres before investing in your next set of tyres!