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Buying tyres can be a confusing process, particularly for new drivers who have little prior experience. Trying to learn which tyres are best, or best suited to your particular vehicle, and which are the most cost effective can be overwhelming at the best of times. The great majority of people will look at the price tag first and foremost, but noise, grip and fuel efficiency are also important factors.
These can be judged of equal importance when it comes to making a decision as to which tyres to actually purchase. The good news is there are a number of tips that can help new drivers and young drivers make the right choice of tyre for their vehicle.
Tyre size
The first thing you need to do is examine your vehicle’s manual to see the kind of tyres that are specified for it. It is inadvisable to use types of tyre that are not specified, as that can affect handling and reduce control, as well as potentially invaliding your warranty. Examine the tyres that are already on the car and then try to get the same kind. The tyre wall will also reveal the size of the tyre that your vehicle requires, including section width, rim diameter and speed rating.
Tyre labelling
The UK government has introduced new legislation intended to help buyers purchasing tyres make the right decision, by forcing tyres to be correctly labelled with the noise ratings, fuel efficiency and wet grip of every tyre. The fuel efficiency of a tyre is measured by its rolling resistance, and comes in grades A-G, with the most efficient type of tyre being those graded A. The same rating system applies to wet grip, and is based on the ability of the vehicle to brake in a straight line in wet weather. There are three categories of exterior noise levels, with decibels measuring the noise level (dB).
Price and quality
After you are certain you know the size that your new tyres should be, the quality of tyre that will be best suited to your requirements should become your next concern. All tyres sold in the United Kingdom have to meet with strict safety standards, but tyres that are of a higher quality will not only offer a better driving experience, but also last for considerably more miles on the road.
Premium tyres under normal usage last between 15,000 to 20,000 miles, due to the high quality materials and construction utilised in their manufacture. Premium tyres benefit from improved fuel economy, lower noise levels, stopping distances and grip, particularly in wet weather. Mid-range tyres can offer excellent value for money and can have a very long life, depending on the nature of your driving and the technology used in their development. Budget tyres tend to last between just 7000 and 8000 miles, and while they can perform similarly to premium tyres in good weather, they tend not to do so well in wintry or wet conditions.
