Tyre Buying Guide

Make life easier for yourself and let us explain the nuts and bolts of everything you need to know about tyres.

Aspect Ratio

The aspect ratio of a tyre is also often referred to as a tyre’s ‘profile’. This is the height of the tyre sidewall expressed as a percentage of the tyres width. To better understand this you need to recognise the meaning of the size markings on the sidewall of a tyre. For instance a typical tyre size used today is 205 / 55 R 16 and this size can be broken down into 3 specific areas:

205 - This is the width of the tyre expressed in mm.

55 - The aspect ratio, or profile of the tyre, in this case 55% of the tyre width.

16 - Diameter of the rim size that the tyre is designed to be fitted to (expressed in inches).

In this case the tyre sidewall height would be approximately 113mm (205 x 55%).It can be stated that the smaller the aspect ratio, the wider the tyre in relation to its height. Aspect ratios for cars will typically range from 80 series (e.g. 175/80R14) through to 25 series (e.g. 335/25R19).

Tread

A tyre’s tread compound is the part of the tyre that makes contact with the road. Both the tread design and tread compound are major factors in determining tyre performance. The ideal compound is one with maximum grip but which still maintains durability and heat resistance.

A "mix" or combination of raw materials is used in the manufacture of the rubber compound. By varying the percentage or the composition of the materials applied, manufacturers can produce different tyres for various purposes & with different performance characteristics.

Silica

Green Tyres, Fuel Saver Tyres, Low-Rolling Resistance Tyres – This terminology primarily refers to the performance advantages gained by adding silica to the tread compound of tyres. One of the key advantages of silica is the ability to reduce fuel consumption whilst maintaining performance critical qualities such as wet grip. The use of silica can also improve wet skid performance without compromising the tread wear.

Tyre Mileage Tips

The condition of your tyres is important for driving safety. By following these simple rules, you can help ensure top mileage, safe performance and a longer useful life for your tyres.

• Rotate the positions of your tyres between the front and rear axles after every 10,000 kilometres as the tyres wear differently in different positions.
• Remember to check tyre pressures when changing tyres.
• Drive smoothly, panic braking and side-slips shorten the useful life of tyres.

Why Pay More?

We pride ourselves on providing quality tyres at great prices. There is no need to pay extra on tyres when our trained sales staff can provide you with tyres that match your driving needs at factory prices.