Safety on the road is paramount. Your tyres play a significant role in reducing the risk of danger for you and your family while driving. They are the only contact point between your car and the road, so they need to be well maintained. Tyres in poor condition lose their ability to grip surfaces, respond to braking, and reduce the vehicle’s overall comfort.

If you think it might be time for new tyres on your car, it probably is! But, with so many tyre manufacturers out there, it can be difficult just knowing where to start. What type of tyres do you need? How much should they cost? That’s why we are here to provide you with some helpful tips and get you back on the road safely.

When should I replace my tyres?

Although there are exceptions to the rule, generally you should replace your tyres at least every 5 years. However, there are a few visual checks you can perform to ensure your tyres are in good condition:

·         2mm thick tread – all tyres have a treadwear indicator which is a small block of rubber located within the tread at certain points. As the tyre wears, this block gets thinner. So, you should regularly check the indicator, and if the rubber block is getting close to the tyre, then it’s time for new tyres.

·         Uneven wear – your tyres may be more worn on one side. This can be caused by a wheel alignment problem, worn suspension, or driving with deflated, or over-inflated tyres. Regularly rotating your tyres from front to back may reduce the instance of uneven wear.

What are the right tyres for my car?

Your tyres should suit the type of car you have. The code imprinted on your tyres will provide you with all the information you need to buy your next set:

·         Brand – for example, Goodyear.

·         Type – this will be a letter such as P for passenger and 4WD, or LT for a light truck.

·         Width – this number is the width of the tyre in millimetres.

·         Build – the next letter indicates how the tyre is constructed, and will usually be R for radial.

·         Diameter – this number is the size of the tyre measured in inches.

·         Load – this number shows how much load an inflated tyre can take.

·         Speed – this letter indicates the top speed of the tyre before it will break apart.

How much should I pay for my tyres?

How you use your car will greatly influence how much you should be paying for your tyres. There are tiers of tyre pricing depending on brand and grip. If you live on a sealed road, have a small to the medium-sized car, you can be comfortable choosing a more affordable tyre model. Conversely, if you often drive on gravel roads, with a higher performance vehicle then you should consider a top-quality tyre.

When more than just your tyres need an upgrade

Sometimes, your car reaches a point of no return. And not even new tyres can rescue it. At Freedom Cars we are here to get you back on the road quickly and without the stress of a new car purchase. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you.