Choosing the right tyre
Buying new tyres can be a confusing process.
To make the process easier, and ensure that you choose the right tyre, consider some of the points below.
What type of tyre am I looking for?
This is the first question you should ask yourself when looking for new tyres. The answer to this question all depends on your vehicle and the driving conditions. But don’t just think about the typical driving conditions, also consider the worst conditions you could be driving in.
Tyres for comfort and handling - choose a Touring Tyre
Provide excellent reliability in both wet and dry conditions. Offer a balance of a smooth, quiet ride with performance handling.
Tyres for handling and performance, or for sports car drivers - choose High-Performance Tyres
Designed for use at higher speeds in dry and wet weather. The softer rubber compounds improve grip, especially on high-speed cornering. (please note: legal speed limit should be observed at all times)
For SUV and 4x4 drivers, choose specialist tyres
4x4 tyres provide durability and traction when off-road. SUV tyres provide on-road comfort and are made to handle driving through dirt and mud.
For commercial vehicle drivers, choose Commercial Light Truck Tyres
Designed to cope with the everyday wear of commercial applications.
For driving in wet, icy and snowy conditions, consider Winter Tyres
Optimised handling and traction in wintery conditions but can be used in dry conditions as well.
Tyre Size
Your vehicle's correct tyre size can be found in your owner's manual or on the tyre label located in the vehicle, usually in a glove box lid, or fuel hatch. Alternatively, the sidewall of your current tyres contains all information relating to the size and load/speed rating of your tyres. Our simple guide to the tyre sidewall offers more information on understanding the sidewall markings.
It is also important to ensure your tyres can support the maximum load permitted (indicated by the load rating) at the vehicle’s maximum legal speed (denoted by the speed rating). Again, this information can be found on the tyre sidewall and in the owner’s manual.
Tyre Mixing
When buying fewer than four new tyres, there are some important rules about mixing different tyre types to observe.
- Mount new tyres to the rear axle if a full set is not being purchased to prevent oversteering
In this case, it is recommended that tyres should be replaced in sets of two. However, if you are replacing a single tyre, it should be paired on the rear axle with the tyre which has the biggest remaining tread depth.
- Never fit radial tyres to the front axle if rear tyres are non-radial
If different constructions are being fitted, always ensure any radial tyres are fitted to the rear axle. As a general rule, although it is not illegal, mixing different tyre constructions is not recommended at all. If it is necessary, ensure it is only for a short period of time and that speed is kept to a minimum.
- Never mix tyres of a different construction on the same axle
For example, radial tyres with crossply tyres; bias belted tyres with crossply tyres or radial tyres with bias belted tyres should not be placed together on a front or rear axle.