Top Tips On Getting the Best Tyres for Your Car

Replacing tyres on your car is an inevitable thing as even the best tyres only last for so long.  When you visit a Dorset tyre fitting garage, there are plenty to choose from – but how do you know which ones are best for your car?  Here’s our quick guide to choosing tyres.

Understanding tyre size

The place to start is with the tyre already on your car.  By looking on the wall of the tyre, you will see a code that tells you the size and other information you need to know when purchasing new tyres.  An example might be

195/50 R15 92H

This code breaks down into various pieces of information.  It starts with the ‘195’ which is the width of the tyres in millimetres, so this tyre is 195mm wide.  The ‘50’ refers to the aspect ratio, also known as the profile.  This is a ratio of the tyre’s width to its height, shown as a percentage.  A low profile offers a firmer ride and better handling but tends to be noisier and also cost more than a higher profile tyre.

The ‘R15’ is the diameter of the rim which is given in inches.  And the ‘92’ refers to the load rating, the maximum load each tyre can support.  The final letter is a speed code with the ‘H’ in this example being 130mph.

Cost of the tyre

Armed with the details of what size tyre you need, you can next look at the cost of the tyre as there can be big differences.  All tyres sold on the UK market have to meet a certain standard so there’s no worry they are below par.  However different costs do indicate a longer lifespan or extra benefits.

Premium quality tyres

Brands such as Bridgestone, Continental, Michelin or Goodyear are premium quality tyres that use high quality construction and materials.  There’s a lot of research goes into them and this shows with things like improved stopping distances, better grip in poor weather conditions and low road noise.  They will often last for 15,000-20,000 miles.

Mid-range tyres

Mid-range tyres include brands such as Nexen Tyres and offer a great balance of quality for a more affordable price.  There’s still research work involved, and these tyres can have a good lifespan under normal conditions that makes them good value for money.

Budget tyres

When you want tyres that will do a good job but that don’t cost too much, budget brands will work for you.  They usually have a lifespan of 7,000 to 8,000 miles which makes them good for low mileage drivers.

Getting help with your tyres

Choosing tyres is an important part of keeping your car in good road condition.  Plus the condition of your tyres is a part of your MOT when it is due.  But you don’t need to make the decision alone.  Our mechanics can help you get the right tyres for your car and for your budget, no matter what type of car it is that you drive.