Four steps to the best tyres for you and your vehicle
So, you need new tyres, do you? It had to happen sometime. It may be that the noise your tyres are making is telling you to replace them, or you’ve spotted those bald patches and bulges developing. Whatever the reason, now comes the hard bit. What tyres should you buy? There appears to be an endless array of tyres on the market. Different types of rubber compound. Different treads. Low profile. Then there is the size to consider. And what about load ratings?
In this article, you’ll learn how to make the best choice of new tyres for you and your car. These simple tips will ensure that the tyres you buy give you a comfortable drive, reduce fuel consumption, and, most importantly, keep you as safe as possible.
Tip #1: Know what your tyres are needed for
One of the most important things to tell a tyre dealer when you are buying new tyres is what type of driving they are needed for. These are the types of question you should answer:
- Do you drive at high speed?
- Are the roads you drive on mostly highways and motorways?
- Are most of your driving done on urban streets?
- Do you drive in wet conditions?
- Do you want a tyre that reduces road noise and operates well on wet and dry roads?
Tip #2: Match the tyre size to your car and driving style
The best way to size a tyre is to follow two rules:
- Buy the size recommended by your car’s manufacturer
- Buy the size that is best for your driving habits and requirements
Most commonly, a car manufacturer will recommend several sizes. Among these, you will find the best fit to both the above rules. Your tyre dealer will help you with this.
Tip 3: Gen up on your tyre knowledge
Before you go to the dealer, it’s worth spending a little time researching. Read trade magazines or surf the internet to find reviews, expert tyre tests, and ‘real people’ comments. When reading reviews and tests, remember that they should relate to your needs and driving habits. So, drill down to the details that are most relevant, rather than basing your own conclusions on the overall rating of a tyre.
Also, don’t forget that most tyre reviews in magazines will have been conducted over a few hours or days. A customer review made after months of use may be better. Tyre manufacturers’ own tests are also made over a long period of time, so although you might consider them biased, they could be more accurate than magazine reviews.
A half hour of research will help you make a more informed decision. It will help you acquire enough knowledge to understand what the dealer is talking about when they discuss your needs.
Tip #4: Don’t be afraid to ask questions
The tyre dealer may choose a tyre for you or offer a choice of different brands. Before selecting, ask for an explanation of the pros and cons of each. If the dealer gets too technical (it’s something that we do when we get carried away – we do love our tyres!), don’t be afraid to tell the dealer to slow down and explain what they mean. Especially, ask about the benefits that each feature of a tyre gives you, in your car, on the roads you use, and in the way that you drive.
In a few words – if in doubt, shout!
Always buy the best tyres for your vehicle
If you follow these four tyre tips, you will always buy the best tyres for you. They will suit your driving habits, your vehicle, and the roads on which you drive. This means you will benefit from longer tyre life, lower fuel consumption, and a more comfortable and safer drive.
To get a great tyre deal in Brisbane, from friendly and expert technicians, contact Darra Tyres.
Keeping you safe on the roads,
Kevin Wood