Choosing the Right Car Tyres for Your Vehicle

Five factors to consider:

1) Car Tyre Size

A good policy is to choose the same size car tyres as the ones that the car was manufactured with. If you are unsure of the vehicle manufacturer's recommended car tyre size, check the owner's manual or look for the information on the tyre placard (usually located inside the fuel flap, on the car door or in the glove box).

Changing car tyre size can improve a vehicle's handling and performance but be aware of the Government regulations before doing this. A car tyre specialist can provide advice on this matter.

2) Driving Habits

Certain car tyre brands are quieter than others, which is an important factor if you spend much of your time driving up and down motorways.

Driving on county lanes where the road surface can be muddy or slippery will require car tyres that can provide extra grip. This is usually determined by the tyre manufacturer's choice of tread pattern.

Or you may be a city driver who constantly has to brake and accelerate. Some car tyres are better suited to this style of driving than others because of the type of rubber compound used in their production.

3) Price

The saying "you get what you pay for" is true with a car tyre. But if you use your car infrequently don't buy the top of the range car tyres as economy tyres will be more than suitable for your needs.

If you use your car every day, spending extra on better quality tyres may prove more economical as they shouldn't wear out as fast as a budget tyre.

4) Car Tyre Type

Car tyres don't only differ by brand and price; there are different types of car tyres produced for a variety of purposes. Five common types are:

a) Standard/ All Season Tyre
An average tyre that is suitable for all year round use. It works equally well in the wet and the dry.

b) Performance Tyre
Designed to provide excellent grip in the dry. Often used on fast cars or for drivers whose style requires improved handling performance.

c) Winter Tyre
Winter car tyres are designed to cope with poor weather and difficult driving conditions. The tread block pattern on winter car tyres is larger and more pronounced than on standard tyres.

d) All Terrain Tyre
All terrain tyres provide good grip on loose surfaces such as dirt and sand. Often used by off road vehicles, they can be used on standard roads but are very noisy.

e) Run Flat Tyres
Run flat tyres are a relatively new concept but are becoming more common on new cars. They are designed to operate without air to enable the vehicle to continue being driven when it has a puncture.

5) Weather Conditions

The UK weather conditions can be very changeable. Summer can have temperatures in the high 20's. And then winter brings freezing temperatures, icy conditions and wet weather.

Cold weather car tyres are becoming a popular choice as they are designed to cope with the cold and wet weather of winter but with no significant downside if used during the summer months.

Standard or performance car tyres are suitable in countries with a warm and dry climate all year round.

Contact us at Merityre.co.uk for more advice.