How To Choose Tyres For Your Vehicle

Quality, reliable tyres are essential for the safety and smooth running of your vehicle, so it is worth giving some thought to what tyres you want to use. Read our guide for some tips on how to choose tyres for your vehicle.

Tyre Size

You need to find out what size tyres your vehicle requires. You can find this either by looking on the tyre itself or in your vehicle’s handbook. There are a number of measurements used to determine the size of the tyre required for your vehicle.

Section width: the width of the tyre in millimetres

Aspect ratio: the ratio of the tyre’s width to height as a percentage. Low-profile tyres are generally more expensive and less comfortable than regular profile tyres, but some people prefer how they make the car look and perform.

Rim diameter: the diameter of the rim to which the tyre is fitted in inches.

Load rating: the maximum load that the tyre can support

Speed rating index: the maximum speed at which a tyre can carry the load as specified by its load rating.

Tyre Quality

Tyre quality varies, so it is important to weigh up the benefits and drawbacks of choosing higher or lower quality tyres. Premium tyres are the most expensive, but they can be expected to have a lifespan of up to 20,000 miles. They are recommended for use on vehicles with a high annual mileage, and provide shorter stopping distances, better grip and more comfort than cheaper tyres. Mid-range tyres offer a compromise between performance and budget, so are good for people who are on a budget. Budget tyres are cheap, but they cannot be expected to last as long as premium or mid-range tyres. Typically, they can be expected to last around 7,000 – 8,000 miles, making them only suitable for drivers with a low annual mileage.

Vehicle Type

Different types of vehicle require different types of tyre, so be sure to select a tyre that is suitable for your vehicle type. Cars, 4x4s, vans and campervans all require different types of tyres.

Season

Some drivers opt for all-season tyres or change over to winter tyres to improve the performance of their car in cold, icy weather. Switching to winter tyres during the colder months can also prolong the life of both your summer and winter tyres as they are only used in the conditions to which they are best suited. However, most drivers in the UK use summer tyres all year round.

Looking For Tyres In Hook?

At Hook Xpress, our mechanics are experienced tyre fitters who can advise you on which tyres are best for your vehicle and circumstances. We fit tyres from the leading tyre manufacturers including Bridgestone, Continental, Dunlop, Goodyear and Michelin.

Our experienced tyre fitters can complete a free tyre inspection so you don’t have to judge whether your tyres need to be replaced. To book your free tyre inspection, visit our Tyres In Hook page or call our team on 01256 224876.