Tyres are a vital part of a car’s mechanical layout. They’re the only point of contact between the vehicle and the road and play a key role in helping a car to steer, brake and move.
It’s why choosing the right tyres makes such a difference. Here at Prestige Cars Kent, we put each car through a rigorous 175-point check before it goes on sale to ensure that everything is just as it should be. But if you’re already driving about and need to replace your car’s tyres, what should you be looking for? Here are some key tips:
Price
Price is, of course, a big factor when buying car tyres. Depending on your circumstances you should be able to find a tyre which fits your budget, but we’d always recommend purchasing the best tyres that you can afford. While it might be tempting to opt for pre-worn tyres, these aren’t usually up to the same standard as ‘new’ rubber and could end up costing you more in the long run.
There are a number of online tyre comparison sites which allow you to quickly and easily compare prices from the comfort of your own home. Remember, you may have to pay a little extra to have them fitted, too, so factor this into your budgeting.
Measurements
Getting the right size of tyre is also vitally important. The good news is that it’s easy to find out what size of tyre you need, even if the markings on the sidewalls might initially seem a little confusing. However, let’s take this sample tyre size of 255/55 R18 91W.
255 - This refers to the tyre’s width, in millimetres
55 - This is the side profile of the tyre expressed as a percentage of the width
R18 - This refers to the diameter of the wheel that you’re fitting the tyre to. For instance, if your car has 18-inch alloy wheels, then it would be an R18.
91 - This is the load index of the tyre, or its outright load capacity
W - This is the speed rating of the tyre, which rates it to a maximum speed. W, for example, means that it is rated to be used at speeds of up to 168mph.
All you need to do is take these measurements off your existing tyres and search for new ones which match them.
Driving type
Tyres can also be focused on certain driving styles. For instance, if you live in an area prone to snow, then you might want to consider winter tyres during cold periods or all-season tyres for better traction in all types of conditions. Most drivers in the UK use summer tyres all year round, but winter-focused versions bring a significant improvement in traction when travelling in colder temperatures - so it might be worth considering the switch when things turn chilly.
You can now get tyres which are designed for electric vehicles, too. They offer improved rolling resistance with the same level of braking performance as a ‘regular’ tyre. This means that they can allow your EV to get the best possible range.
Maintenance
Once you’ve fitted your tyres, it’s a good idea to keep on top of maintaining them. Regularly you should be monitoring the sidewalls for any cuts or gashes, as these could lead to a blowout if left unattended. If you have any concerns, always consult with a professional.
You should also be making sure that your tyres are kept to the right pressures. You can find these in your car’s handbook, or they’re sometimes handily located behind the fuel filler cap. Once you’ve found them, make sure that your tyres are inflated to the right levels using a compressor at home or an air pump at a fuel station. If your tyres are properly inflated, then they’ll roll as efficiently as possible while ensuring that you’ve got the best performance available.
Here at Prestige Cars Kent we pride ourselves on making sure that each car we sell is finished to the highest standard - and that includes the tyres. If you’d rather switch your car than change tyres, head to our stocklist to see what we have on offer or get in touch to find out more.
