Tyre buying tips you mustn’t ignore
Here are five considerations to make before you put your hand in your pocket to buy new tyres.
1. What is your driving style?
How you drive affects your tyres and how long they will last. Do you drive slow and steady, or are you always running late with the need to put your foot down?
Different types of tyres will give you a different ride experience, as well. So you should consider if you prefer a firm feeling when driving or a softer ride.
You’ll find that different types and brands of tyres will give you different driving experiences, including noise from the road. If peace and quiet in the car is important to you, then you should veer toward low-noise (or quiet) tyres.
Finally, consider the load that you expect your tyres to carry. If you drive a truck with a load, then a passenger tyre won’t be man enough for the job.
2. What type of surface do you drive on?
Most people tend to drive the same type of road surfaces most of the time. The roads that you drive on will affect the life of your tyres. If you drive mostly on highways and good surfaces, your tyres will last longer. If most of your drive time is spent in the outback, or on heavily potholed back roads, you may do better to choose a sturdier tyre with deeper tread.
3. How important is fuel economy to you?
A tyre can help to reduce the amount of fuel you use – by as much as 15% to 20%, according to some industry experts such as Bill VandeWater of Bridgestone in North America. Low fuel consumption is a consideration for many – the right tyres could help you achieve this aim without affecting performance.
(Tip: maintaining your tyres at the correct air pressure will improve fuel consumption.)
4. What do the tyre reviews say?
Consumer reviews, such as those produced by Canstar Blue, can help you research the best tyres for you. Such reviews gather opinions from thousands of consumers, each of whom speak from experience.
Look for reviews that help you learn how each tyre affects fuel economy, braking distances, handling, noise, and so on. Build up a picture of which tyres perform best, and what qualities meet your needs most closely – for example, better fuel economy versus a little more noise.
5. What is your budget?
The final factor to consider is your budget. We always recommend investing in the best tyre your money will buy, but we also understand that most people’s range of choice will be determined by their budget.
Here’s a brief summary of the differences between premium, mid-range, and budget tyre brands:
- Premium brands are the most expensive tyres, produced by manufacturers who have ploughed hundreds of millions of dollars into research and development to deliver tyres optimised for specific uses and vehicles. These should provide the best and most balanced driving experience.
- Mid-range brands sit in the middle of the tyre market. They benefit from similar R&D advances as premium brands, but are not produced using the same-quality components and compounds. Therefore, mid-range tyres are sold at a lower price to premium brands.
- Budget brands often look very similar to premium brands. However, they are made from far lower-quality rubber compounds, which tend to adversely affect braking distances and the longevity of the tyre.
When you need new tyres in Brisbane and want to benefit from a personal service that will help you choose the best tyres for you and you car, and within your budget, contact Darra Tyres.
Keeping your family and fleet safe on the road,
Kevin Wood