Time & Cost-Saving Tips When Selecting Car Tyres

An off-road vehicle with specialised tyres
An off-road vehicle with specialised tyres and a skid plate on the front.
Photo/Cars Kenya

For every car owner selecting a car tyre can be a tedious and long process, but it does not have to be. When selecting tyres, buyers look for those that will increase the efficiency of the vehicle on the road as well as pocket-friendly tyres.

They also select tyres that are going to last a long time and feel comfortable while you are driving.

However, buyers are faced with a wide pool of options from the brands to the sizes and the car types. There are factors to look into before buying tyres for your car.

A pile of new tyres
A pile of new tyres

Weather Conditions 

Different weather conditions including rain, heat, snow, and ice dictate the efficiency of your vehicle on the road. There is an option to get all-season tyres to avoid frequent replacement.

Understanding the varying seasons gives the car owner foresight into the type of tyres needed. To differentiate between varying season tyres, check the manufacturer's website for more information.

Summer tyres are more effective in sports cars, they offer good grip on the road while the car is at high speed during warm temperatures.

Tyres for the cold season have deeper treads and a special type of rubber compound to enhance efficiency.

Some familiar markings on the tyre include M&S (Mud & Snow) and A/T (All Terrain).

Timing

It is not advisable to rush to the car dealership in search of tyres. Monitor the lifespan of the tyres to know when to buy new ones. This will give you time to conduct proper research.

Planning ahead will help you save money as you will not be purchasing tyres to replace dangerously worn-out ones.

Cost

Consider the amount you are willing to spend on purchasing car tyres. This will save you time as you will look at cars in your price range.

Also, be sure to consider a warranty when buying tyres to save on costs.

Several worn-out tyres
Several worn-out tyres
File

Tyre Size

Choosing the wrong tyre size is a common mistake among car owners. To know more about the size of the tyre, check the numbers and letters on the tyre's sidewall. 

The speed rate is also indicated by the last letter, the rate shows the maximum speed when the vehicle is carrying the maximum tyre load.

Here is a list of some of the letters you may find on the side of the tyre: S (112 mph), T (118mph), H (130mph), V (149mph), ZR (149+ mph), W (168 mph), Y (186 mph) and Q (99 mph).

Type of Vehicle

Different vehicles require varying types of tyres. You may not use the same tyres for a truck as you would for a small vehicle.

It is advisable to refer to the manufacturer's guide to understand the required tyres for large vehicles.

If your vehicle is suited to drive on off-roads, select tyres that have increased tread to facilitate the grip. It will help navigate the mud, steep inclines, and loose gravel.