subject: Beginner's Guide to Finding New Car Tyres [print this page] Beginner's Guide to Finding New Car Tyres
Though often neglected by many drivers, your car's tyres are one of the most important things to consider when it comes to assessing your vehicle's performance and safety. By law, all car tyres in the United Kingdom must have at least 1.6mm of tread across a minimum of 75% of the tread pattern. Tyres with less than this must be replaced. In addition to this, bald patches, bulges, splits and cracks in the surface of the tyre or damage that exposes its internal construction also mean that fitting a replacement is long overdue. Indeed, it is usually better to replace your tyres long before this level of wear and tear occurs to avoid them becoming a serious safety hazard.
In the past, buying new car tyres has often been quite challenging due to the apparent visual similarities between premium tyres and budget versions to many motorists, one monolithic black rubber tyre looks much like another. New EU labelling which is due to become effective in 2012 should make buying tyres easier as it will help to raise awareness of the different performance factors to consider.
Car tyres tend to be categorised by three main criteria; their size, load index and speed rating. Size refers to the width and diameter of the tyre and the aspect ratio the height of the tyre sidewall as a percentage of the width. Wider tyres tend to result in more surface area, which can equate to more grip and traction. Load index refers to the weight of vehicle the tyre can support many tyres suitable for larger vehicles tend to be bigger as well as having a larger load capacity. Finally, speed rating is a measurement of the maximum speed a tyre can effectively maintain. High performance tyres frequently have a higher speed rating.
As a general rule, most motorists will want to opt for tyres similar or identical to those on their car before. This reduces the chances of having to have the entire set rebalanced and ensures that performance will be in line with previous experience. Those seeking improved durability may wish to invest in more expensive car tyres, as the greater initial investment may well pay off financially in the longer term thanks to more hard-wearing materials being used in the construction of the tyre.
Those living in areas that frequently experience harsh winter weather, including heavy snowfall, sub-zero temperatures, ice, freezing fog and black ice should strongly consider investing in a set of specialised winter tyres for their car. These tyres have a larger surface area, giving the car more grip and traction in the snow and reducing the chances of the vehicle becoming stuck, as well as treads specially designed to help with braking in slippery conditions, reducing the chances of serious accidents. Motorists living in areas where snow is a certainty rather than a likelihood can invest in snow chains and other equipment.
If in doubt when buying new car tyres, it is best to stick to something similar to your last set and to ask a specialist if in need of help or advice.
