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How to select the right tyre for my car?

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Badar Khan

Tyre Specialist

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Article Published: 25/03/2021

Tyres are a major component of your car’s safety

It’s important to ensure that your vehicle tyres are road worthy at all times for both safety reasons and the overall driving performance of your car. In New Zealand, that means that the tyre tread depth should be at least 1.5mm to pass a WOF.
If the tread of your tyres get worn too thin, there will be a significant reduction in traction on wet, slippery roads making driving your vehicle a potential safety hazard for you and your passengers.

Find out the specifications of your tyres

New vehicles have purpose built tyres designed specifically for the make and model of the car, so when it comes to replacing them most people will opt to stick with the same type of tyre.
However, if you prefer to look at different brands and compare prices then you can find the specifications for the type and size of your tyres in the manufacturer’s or owner’s manual. This is either stored in the vehicle’s glove box or can be found on the inside of the driver’s door, under the bonnet or on the tyre itself.

Choose the right tyre size for your vehicle

The size of your tyre will impact the quality and performance of driving your vehicle so it’s a good idea to talk to your tyre specialist first if you’re planning to change your tyre size and brand.
For example, a lower tyre profile will enhance the handling of your vehicle by increasing the tread and is a good option for small to medium sized cars. For 4WD’s or SUV’s, a larger tyre increases the width and subsequent performance of the vehicle, delivering greater stability in harsh or uneven terrain.
You can find the size of your vehicle’s tyre on the sidewall of the tyre itself. The specifications will be in Width (i.e. 205mm), Profile (i.e. 55) and Diameter in inches (i.e. R16).

Consider your normal driving conditions

The majority of tyres are designed for all seasons and ideal for travelling on New Zealand roads. However, for owners of 4 WD’s or RD’s that may do a lot of off-road driving on farms or in remote locations, then All-Terrain (AT) or Mud-Terrain (MT) tyres are more suited.
It’s important to note that the more aggressive the tyre tread, the less comfortable it will be to drive on urban roads.

Regularly check the wear and tear of your tyres

Over time, the tread on your vehicle’s tyres will diminish which can have serious safety impacts. There are a number of reasons for this including the way that you drive with hard breaking increasing the rate of deterioration.
Poor weather conditions and road surfaces also play a part so it’s important to regularly check the condition of your tyres, not simply when you have your WOF or renew your car registration.
If you are unsure what to look for, then take your car in to your local tyre specialist and they will be able to advise whether your tyres need replacing. It’s recommended that you replace tyres in pairs to avoid uneven wear and avoid any alignment issues.

Choose the best quality tyre you can afford

There are lots of different tyre brands on the market and it can be hard knowing which one to choose. Apart from selecting tyres that are the right size for your car, it’s equally important to think about the type of driving you do on a daily basis.
For example, are you mainly travelling on suburban roads at low speeds or on open motorways for long distances? A tyre’s road handling capability is tied to your vehicle’s speed rating so it’s worth considering this equation during the purchasing process.
As all brands will have their own features and benefits, including durability, road grip and driving performance, choose the best quality tyres that you can afford. Your local tyre dealer will be able to discuss your options with you and recommend the best tyres for your vehicle, your safety and optimum driving experience.
For expert advice on selecting the right tyres for your vehicle, contact Direct Tyres & Auto today.