Tyres are your vehicle's only contact with the road, affecting safety, handling, fuel economy, and comfort. Choosing the right tyres involves understanding specifications, tyre types, and matching them to your driving style and conditions.
Understanding Tyre Markings
Every tyre sidewall contains essential information. Understanding these markings ensures you choose compatible, legal, and appropriate tyres.
Example: 205/55 R16 91V
- 205 = Tyre width in millimeters
- 55 = Aspect ratio (sidewall height as percentage of width)
- R = Radial construction
- 16 = Wheel diameter in inches
- 91 = Load index (maximum load capacity)
- V = Speed rating (maximum speed capability)
Width (First Number - 205)
The tyre's width from sidewall to sidewall in millimeters. Wider tyres generally provide:
- Better grip: More contact patch with road
- Improved cornering: Especially in dry conditions
- Increased fuel consumption: More rolling resistance
- Higher cost: More material and often premium pricing
Aspect Ratio (Second Number - 55)
The sidewall height as a percentage of the width. A 55 aspect ratio means the sidewall height is 55% of 205mm.
- Lower profile (40-50): Sharper handling, harsher ride, more vulnerable to damage
- Higher profile (60-70): Comfortable ride, better pothole protection, softer handling
Construction (R)
Almost all modern tyres are radial construction (R), where internal cords run radially across the tyre. Some older vehicles may use bias-ply (indicated by D or B), but these are rare.
Rim Diameter (16)
The wheel size in inches. Must match your wheel exactly - this is non-negotiable. Common sizes range from 13" to 22" for passenger vehicles.
Load Index (91)
Indicates maximum load capacity per tyre. The load index must meet or exceed your vehicle manufacturer's specification.
Common Load Indices
Speed Rating (V)
Maximum speed the tyre is designed for when properly inflated and loaded. Must meet or exceed your vehicle's top speed.
Common Speed Ratings
Types of Tyres
Different tyre types are optimized for specific conditions and driving styles.
Summer Tyres
Best for: Temperatures above 7°C, dry and wet conditions
Characteristics:
- Optimized rubber compound for warm weather
- Excellent grip in dry conditions
- Good wet weather performance
- Longer tread life than winter tyres
- Lower rolling resistance = better fuel economy
Limitations: Harden in cold weather, poor performance below 7°C, dangerous in snow and ice
Winter Tyres
Best for: Temperatures below 7°C, snow, ice, and cold wet conditions
Characteristics:
- Special rubber compound stays flexible in cold
- Deep tread patterns with sipes for snow/ice grip
- Significantly shorter stopping distances in cold/snow
- Better traction in all cold weather conditions
- Marked with 3PMSF symbol (mountain with snowflake)
Limitations: Wear faster in warm weather, higher rolling resistance, noisier than summer tyres
View our winter tyre range
All-Season Tyres
Best for: Moderate climates, drivers wanting year-round convenience
Characteristics:
- Compromise between summer and winter performance
- Adequate performance in light snow
- Convenient - no seasonal tyre changes needed
- Marked with M+S (Mud and Snow)
Limitations: Not as good as summer tyres in summer, not as good as winter tyres in winter. "Jack of all trades, master of none"
Explore all-season options
Performance Tyres
Best for: Sports cars, enthusiastic driving, high-performance vehicles
Characteristics:
- Maximum grip in dry and wet conditions
- Precise steering response
- High-speed stability
- Often wider with lower profile
- High speed ratings (V, W, Y)
Limitations: Shorter tread life, higher cost, harsher ride, increased road noise
See our performance tyre selection
Run-Flat Tyres
Best for: Vehicles without spare tyres, added security
Characteristics:
- Reinforced sidewalls support vehicle when deflated
- Can drive 50 miles at 50mph after puncture
- No need for immediate roadside tyre change
- Requires TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System)
Limitations: Harsher ride, more expensive, cannot be repaired after running flat, limited availability
Learn about run-flat technology
Premium vs Budget Tyres
Tyre prices vary significantly. Understanding the differences helps you make informed decisions.
Premium Brands
Michelin, Continental, Bridgestone, Pirelli, Goodyear
Advantages: Excellent performance, shorter stopping distances, longer life, better fuel economy, quieter, advanced technology
Cost: Highest initial price but often best value over tyre lifetime
Mid-Range Brands
Falken, Kumho, Nexen, Hankook, Toyo
Advantages: Good performance, reliable quality, reasonable lifespan, good value for money
Cost: 20-40% less than premium, good balance of price and performance
Budget Brands
Various lesser-known brands
Advantages: Lowest initial cost, meets legal requirements
Considerations: Longer stopping distances, shorter lifespan, noisier, may not handle as well in adverse conditions
Our Recommendation
For most drivers, mid-range tyres offer the best balance of performance, safety, and value. Premium tyres are worth considering for high-performance vehicles or if you drive in challenging conditions. Budget tyres may be suitable for low-mileage, second vehicles, but remember - tyres are your only contact with the road. Safety should be the priority.
EU Tyre Labels
Since 2012, tyres sold in the EU must display a label rating three key performance areas:
Fuel Efficiency (A-E)
Rolling resistance affects fuel consumption. A-rated tyres can save up to 0.5L per 100km compared to E-rated
Wet Grip (A-E)
Braking performance on wet roads. Difference between A and E can be 18 meters stopping distance at 80km/h
External Noise (A-C)
Road noise measured in decibels. A is quietest, C is loudest (but still within legal limits)
Matching Tyres to Your Driving
Consider your typical driving conditions and style:
Mostly Motorway Miles
Choose tyres with high fuel efficiency rating, low noise, and good high-speed stability. Premium or mid-range touring tyres ideal
Urban Driving
Prioritize wet grip and durability. All-season tyres work well. Consider run-flats for added security
Country Roads
Good wet grip essential. Higher profile tyres better for pothole protection. Consider all-season for versatility
Performance Driving
Premium performance tyres worth the investment. Maximum grip and precise handling crucial
Winter Conditions
Dedicated winter tyres essential if you regularly face snow/ice or temperatures below 7°C
When to Replace Tyres
Don't wait until tyres are illegal. Replace when:
- Tread depth reaches 3mm (legal minimum is 1.6mm, but safety compromised below 3mm)
- Visible damage - cuts, bulges, or exposed cords
- Uneven wear patterns indicating alignment or suspension issues
- Age - tyres over 6 years old should be inspected annually, replace at 10 years regardless of tread
- Vibration or handling changes
Important Considerations
Critical Rules
- • Always fit tyres that match or exceed manufacturer specifications
- • Fit identical tyres to the same axle (same brand, model, and size)
- • Never mix radial and cross-ply tyres
- • If fitting two new tyres, put them on the rear axle (regardless of drive type)
- • Have wheels balanced when fitting new tyres
- • Check alignment if replacing tyres due to uneven wear
Expert Tyre Advice at IQ Tyres
Confused about which tyres to choose? Our experienced team at IQ Tyres can recommend the perfect tyres for your vehicle, driving style, and budget. We stock premium, mid-range, and budget options from all major manufacturers, and offer professional fitting, balancing, and alignment services.
Conclusion
Choosing the right tyres involves understanding specifications, considering your driving conditions, and balancing performance with budget. While it may seem complex, our team at IQ Tyres is here to help you make the right choice. Remember, tyres are a critical safety component - invest wisely and maintain them properly for optimal performance, safety, and value.