How to Choose A Right Tyre?

Selecting the right tyres for your vehicle can indeed be a challenging task, but these seven tips can simplify the process and help you make a more informed decision.

TIP 1: FIND OUT IF YOU NEED NEW TYRES

Driving with worn tyres can be dangerous for you, your passengers and other road users. It's crucial to maintain the proper tread depth on your tyres. Tyres are considered unroadworthy below 1.6mm tread depth, and you should replace them when they reach this point. The following are guides for the minimum tyre tread depth required in different environments.

In wet conditions, tyres with 3mm or less tread can significantly reduce wet traction, increasing the risk of accidents.

In snowy conditions, tyres with less than 4.75mm tread depth may lose traction and struggle to grip the snow.

Irregular wear necessitates early tyre replacement.

TIP 2: DETERMINE HOW MANY TYRES YOU NEED

1. Replacing Tyres in Pairs:

Replacing tyres in pairs, especially on the same axle, helps maintain balanced handling and traction. This is because new tyres have better grip and performance compared to worn ones. If you only replace one tyre, it can lead to uneven wear and reduced stability.

2. Tyre Rotation:

Regular tyre rotation is essential to ensure even wear on all four tyres. It helps extend the lifespan of your tyres and maintains proper alignment. Most mechanics recommend rotating your tyres every 6,000 to 8,000 miles or as specified in your vehicle's owner's manual.

3. Placement of New Tyres:

The recommendation to put new tyres on the rear for front-wheel-drive cars and on the front for rear-wheel-drive cars is all about safety and maintaining control.

Placing new tyres on the rear of a front-wheel-drive vehicle helps prevent oversteer, which can lead to a loss of control in wet or slippery conditions.

In rear-wheel-drive cars, placing new tyres on the front helps improve steering and traction when accelerating.

TIP 3: DETERMINE THE TYRE SIZE

Many individuals opt to replace their old tyres with the same size that came originally fitted on their vehicle. This is generally a sensible choice. However, if you find yourself unsure, you can always consult your owner's manual, the tyre placard (located on your door or glovebox), or examine the tyre itself for additional information.

You can also change your ride and performance by changing tyre size.

Changing your tyre size can lead to several noticeable differences:

Improved Handling with Lower Profile Tyres: If you opt for tyres with a lower profile, like replacing 155/80R-13 with 175/70R-13, you'll experience significantly enhanced vehicle handling. The wider tread provides better grip on the road, while the proportionally lower sidewall maintains the tyre's original height, preventing any major changes in ride height.

Plus Sizing for Better Response and Handling: When you choose to plus-size your tyres, you'll maintain the same overall tyre height but with a shorter sidewall. This alteration results in improved tyre response and handling, making your vehicle feel more agile and responsive.

Upsizing for 4WD and Trucks: Upsizing is a common choice for 4WD and truck owners. This involves selecting taller and wider tyres, which can bring various benefits:

Improved Performance: Larger tyres can enhance your vehicle's off-road performance and provide better traction on challenging terrains.

Ride Quality: Upsizing can lead to a more comfortable ride by cushioning bumps and offering a smoother overall driving experience.

Increased Load Carrying Capacity: Larger tyres can often handle heavier loads, making them suitable for hauling or towing.

Enhanced Appearance: Bigger tyres can give your vehicle a more imposing and rugged appearance.

It's important to note that changing your tyre size can affect other aspects of your vehicle's performance, such as fuel efficiency and speedometer accuracy. Consulting with a professional or referring to your vehicle's manual for guidance on suitable tyre size changes is advisable to ensure that your chosen size aligns with your specific needs and driving conditions.

TIP 4: ANALYSE YOUR DRIVING HABITS

A tyre professional can help you make the best choice for your tyres based on the conditions in your city or town (or state/region, should you drive long distances). For example, a person living in Cairns will typically make different tyre choices compared to a driver living in Melbourne.

If you’re keen to make the choice yourself, the aspects you should consider include:

When making a decision about tyre size and type, it's important to consider various factors that pertain to your specific driving conditions and preferences. Here are some aspects to take into account:

Road Conditions: Consider the typical road conditions you encounter throughout the year. Do you primarily drive on dry roads, frequently experience mixed wet and dry conditions, or encounter mostly wet roads? Your choice of tyre should be suitable for the prevailing road conditions.

Seasonal Extremes: Think about the seasonal extremes you face in your region. Are you dealing with heavy snowfall in the winter, scorching heat in the summer, or frequent rain? Selecting tyres that can handle these seasonal variations is crucial for safety and performance.

Vehicle Type: If you drive an RV or a 4WD vehicle, you'll want to choose tyres that match your specific driving needs. All-purpose built tyres are often a good choice for these vehicles. However, be aware that these tyres come with trade-offs, including considerations for traction, highway ride quality, and performance.

Tread Design: Tread design plays a significant role in tyre performance. There is a range of tread designs available, from highway tread (HT) to all-purpose (AP), all-terrain (AT), and mud terrain (MT). The aggressiveness of the tread design affects factors like traction and off-road capabilities. Keep in mind that as the tread design becomes more aggressive (e.g., from HT to MT), your highway ride quality may decrease.

Driving Priorities: Consider your driving priorities. Are you more focused on comfort and smooth highway driving, or do you require off-road capabilities and enhanced traction for adventurous driving? Your personal preferences and priorities should influence your tyre choice.

Budget: Tyres come in a range of price points. Consider your budget when selecting tyres, but also keep in mind that quality and performance can vary with price. Investing in higher-quality tyres can often lead to better long-term value in terms of safety and durability.

Manufacturer Recommendations: Check your vehicle's manufacturer recommendations and specifications for tyre size and type. Following these guidelines ensures that your tyres are suitable for your vehicle's design and intended use.

TIP 5: BUY THE BEST QUALITY YOU CAN AFFORD

There are some methods for evaluating the longevity and value of your tyres to ensure you get the best return on investment (ROI). Here's a summary of these approaches:

Cost per Kilometer:

Calculate the total price of your tyre purchase.

Divide this total cost by the number of kilometers the tyres are expected to last.

This calculation provides you with the cost per kilometer, allowing you to assess the value of different tyre options. You'll likely find that higher-quality tyres offer better value in the long run.

UTQG Ratings for Tread Wear:

When comparing tyres within the same brand, refer to the UTQG (Uniform Tyre Quality Grading) ratings for tread wear.

Divide the tread wear rating by the price of the tyre.

The tyre with the highest resulting number represents the best value in terms of wear. This method is useful for comparing options within a single brand.

Traction and Temperature Ratings for Inter-Brand Comparison:

If you need to compare tyres across different brands, focus on the traction and temperature ratings.

These measurements are standardized and can provide a reliable basis for comparison.

Traction ratings indicate the tyre's grip on wet surfaces, while temperature ratings reflect the tyre's resistance to heat and its ability to dissipate heat effectively.

By employing these methods, you can effectively evaluate the longevity and value of different tyre options, enabling you to make an informed decision that aligns with your specific needs and budget. Additionally, these approaches can help you prioritize factors like wear, traction, and temperature resistance based on their significance to your driving conditions and preferences.

TIP 6: CONSIDER PERFORMANCE AND SPEED RATINGS

Selecting a tyre with the appropriate speed rating for your vehicle is indeed crucial for ensuring optimal performance, safety, and handling. Here's why it's important:

Handling and Performance: The speed rating of a tyre is an indicator of its maximum safe operating speed. It is represented by a letter (e.g., H, V, W, Y) and corresponds to a specific speed range. Tyres with higher speed ratings are designed to handle higher speeds and typically offer better handling performance, especially during high-speed maneuvers, such as sharp turns or emergency stops. Using a tyre with a lower speed rating than recommended for your vehicle may compromise its ability to handle and respond effectively, potentially leading to reduced control and stability.

Safety: Tyres are a critical component of your vehicle's safety system. When you choose a tyre with the appropriate speed rating, you help ensure that your vehicle can safely operate at its intended speeds. Using tyres with a lower speed rating can increase the risk of tyre failure, particularly at high speeds, which can have serious safety implications.

Handling Response: A tyre's handling response is typically commensurate with its speed rating. Tyres with higher speed ratings are engineered to provide better grip, responsiveness, and stability at elevated speeds. Choosing a tyre with a higher speed rating can enhance your car's overall handling characteristics, contributing to a safer and more enjoyable driving experience.

Legal and Insurance Considerations: In some regions, using tyres with a lower speed rating than specified for your vehicle may have legal implications, potentially resulting in fines or penalties. Additionally, it could affect your insurance coverage in case of an accident, as using tyres not rated for your vehicle might be considered a contributing factor.

It's essential to consult your vehicle's owner's manual or check the manufacturer's recommendations to determine the appropriate speed rating for your specific make and model. When replacing tyres, always aim to match or exceed the original equipment speed rating to ensure the best possible performance, safety, and handling capabilities for your vehicle.

TIP 7: CONSIDER TYRE TYPE

Each year, more and more car and light truck/4WD/SUV designs are introduced. As a result, tyre manufacturers are responding with specialised tyre designs. You can now choose tyres based on personal style preferences as well as performance for these vehicles.