Choosing the right tyres for your car doesn’t have to be a daunting experience, even if it’s your first time replacing them.
You do not need to know every technical detail and result from every tyre test to make a selection.
Here are some things to consider before making a decision.
1) Determine what your priority is when it comes to tyre performance.
For many car owners, choosing the “right” tyre often comes down to what they want from it.
For some, it is comfort. For others, it is better fuel economy. And as we all know, keen drivers are willing to sacrifice everything else for the sake of sporty performance.
2) There is no such thing as a tyre that “does it all“!
Some car owners think that they can have a tyre that delivers comfort, efficiency, grip and handling.
As far as we know, no such tyre exists. So instead of trying to find this impossible tyre, look for a good “all-rounder” or touring tyre instead, such as the Bridgestone Turanza T005A.
If comfort is a priority, check out quiet tyres like Yokohama’s Advan dB V552. There are also tyres geared towards fuel efficiency, such as the Yokohama BluEarth-A AE-50.
If sporting performance is the priority, you’ll be spoilt for choice. There’s the Pirelli P Zero, Bridgestone Potenza S007A and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S, just to name a few.
3) Never buy the cheapest tyres!
We all know of someone who always insists on getting the cheapest tyres for their car.
It is our job to try and educate them as to why this is a horrible and potentially fatal decision.
Getting the right tyres for your car doesn’t mean splurging on the most expensive set that fits. It means finding out what your needs are and getting the most appropriate tyres from a decent brand.
And while we’re at it, never buy used tyres. You should never use mixed tyre brands and types on your car either.
4) Get the same set that your car came with.
If the myriad of tyre choices is just too confusing, you can always take the “easy” way out. Ask your dealer to fit the same type of tyres that your car came with.
Now, if you bought your car from a used car dealer, ask the brand’s authorised agent for the type of tyres that came with the car when it was new.
5) Ask a petrolhead for advice!
If the dealer/s cannot help, turn to one of your enthusiast friends for advice.
Chances are, they are very into tyres as well. They should be able to help you get the right tyres for your car.
High performance or sporty tyres: 3 benefits for keen drivers
