Typically undervalued in a car’s anatomy are the tyres. Car Tyres is an often overlooked component of car maintenance and should only get changed under extreme circumstances. Yet because every braking, accelerating, and steering force gets transmitted through the little patch of rubber in touch with the road, it’s crucial to check on their condition and make informed purchases.
How frequently should I get new tyres?
A tyre’s structure may be degrading and rendering it unfit for use in the eyes of the law if there are any lumps or bulges in the tread, which is not simply something to think about when the tread depth is getting close to the required minimum of 1.6mm (across the centre of the tread). Similarly to this, it’s important to change the tyre right away if any of the internal metal cables are visible.
Although it’s ideal to replace all of your car’s tyres at once, this is rarely feasible since, depending on your automobile, the wear rates of the front and rear tyres might vary. To extend the life of your tyres, you can think about rotating them halfway through their lifespan by switching the front and rear tyres, but make sure they are all the same size first.
Start shopping for replacement tyres when the tread depth hits 2-3mm since a tire’s traction, particularly in wet circumstances, will begin to decline far before it reaches the minimum acceptable tread depth. A brand-new tyre typically has 8mm of tread depth, while specialty performance tyres often have much less.
Nevertheless, which new tyres should you buy?
But which brand-new tyres need to you buy? There are a few factors to think about, but your car’s manual may help you choose the right size.
Winter or summer tyres?
In the UK, summer tyre are usually installed on cars as standard equipment. They have their best grip levels in warm, dry weather, but they may also be safely used in damp situations. With their all-around performance, they will be the standard option for the majority of drivers.
But, you might want to think about purchasing specialized winter tyre if you’re replacing your tyres throughout the winter. They are actually made of a new type of rubber that maintains its flexibility at lower temperatures. Winter tyre often perform better than summer tyre in terms of overall traction below 7°C.
Winter tyres also include tread blocks with sipes, which are tiny cuts. These sipes greatly increase grip on both snow and ice and will provide more control in the slickest circumstances.
Therefore, it is worthwhile to switch back to summer tyre when the temperature climbs over 7°C because they not only perform better at higher temperatures but also wear out much more quickly.
The emblem of a mountain and snowflake identifies winter tyre. For more information, consult our winter tyre guide.
All-seasonal tyres
All-season tyres generally fill the gap between summer and winter tyre by providing better performance in icy and slick conditions without sacrificing summer performance. In contrast to specialised summer and winter tyres, their performance levels won’t be as high in extremely hot or cold conditions.
For instance, the majority of all-season tyres are inappropriate and do not exceed performance criteria where winter tyres are necessary by law during the colder months (such as Germany).
Run-flat tyres
Run-flat tyre are becoming more and more common. A run-flat tyre employs a strengthened sidewall to maintain the vehicle’s weight in the event of a puncture, allowing you to continue travelling for another 50 miles or more at a top speed of about 50 mph. The objective is to avoid having to change or repair the tyre on the side of the road by getting you to your neighbourhood tyre store.
There are several indications, such as DSST, RFT, ROF, and RunFL, that might suggest your tyre is a run-flat tyre.
It is not advisable to use standard automobile tyre with run-flat tyres on the same vehicle as it may impact the handling and ride.
Run-flat tyres should not get installed on vehicles without a tyre-pressure monitoring system, which can notify you of a deflation or puncture, according to experts.
Somewhat worn and used tyres
We don’t believe the danger is worth it to save money by purchasing secondhand or partially worn tyres.
Part-worn, or used, automobile tyres may get sold by garages in the UK as long as they are safe and clearly labeled. They must not only be devoid of flaws (such as cuts and bulges) that would render a tyre unfit for use but also:
- Demonstrate all of the original marks appropriate to their kind and design, including as speed ratings and load indices.
- Include the phrase “part worn” in capital letters with a minimum height of 4mm
Some retailers offer partially worn tyre that do not adhere to these requirements, which means they may have internal problems and may be hazardous. We thus urge you to stay away from them.
The kind of automobile you drive and how you utilize it will also affect the tyre brand you choose. In order to maximize traction at the sacrifice of tyre longevity, a powerful sports vehicle will require high-performance tyre with a higher speed rating and a usually softer substance. Several sports car manufacturers turn to premium tyre companies like Pirelli and Michelin, who specialize in high-performance tyres.
High-performance tyres can be expensive overkill for a regular family automobile. Mid-range versions often offer greater value for the money through lower fuel consumption (due to lower rolling resistance), decreased wear rates, and cheaper initial costs.
Conclusion
Choosing the right tyres for your car is crucial for your safety and driving experience. To determine when to replace your tyre, check for bulges, lumps, and visible metal cables, and start shopping for new ones when the tread depth reaches 2-3mm.
Consider rotating your tyres to extend their lifespan, but make sure they are all the same size. When choosing new tyre, refer to your car’s manual to determine the right size. In terms of type, summer tyre are the standard option, but you may want to consider winter tyres for improved performance in colder conditions.
All-season tyres offer better performance in icy and slick conditions without sacrificing summer performance, while run-flat tyre allow you to continue travelling after a puncture. Avoid purchasing secondhand or partially worn tyres, and consider the type of car you have and how you use it when choosing a tyre brand. High-performance tyre may be unnecessary for regular family cars.