With dozens of tyre manufacturers in the market, walking into any tyre shop to buy tyres can be a daunting task. You may be wondering whether to buy the same brand as the worn-out tyres or to choose a cheaper brand. Here's a guide on how to pick the right tyres for your car.

Choose the Correct Tyres

When buying tyres, you should refer to your car manufacturer's manual. Manufacturers thoroughly test tyres to ensure they have the right blend of handling, efficiency, braking, ride comfort, wear rate and road noise. The manufacturer's manual will give you details about the size, load rating, and speed rating of your car's tyres.

You are free to choose the brand of tyre you want. However, make sure the two front tyres and two back tyres are of the same brand to avoid driving issues. For example, having different brands for your front tyres can lead to poor handling.

Get the Right Tread Depth

The first thing you need to determine when buying tyres is whether you need new tyres. Driving with worn-out tyres is dangerous not only for you but also for your passengers and other motorists. There's a minimum tyre tread depth that you should have for different environments.

For example, tyres that have a tread depth below 1.5mm are unroadworthy. Driving with these tyres lowers your grip levels on the road and heightens your risk of sliding when travelling in wet conditions. Consult a professional to determine what type of tread depth is best suited for your car.

Tread Pattern

The three main tyre tread patterns are directional, symmetrical, and asymmetrical. Symmetrical tyres are the most popular because of their quiet performance. However, the design doesn't do well in the rain.

A directional tread tyre, which has a wide V-shaped tread and rotates in one direction, has the best rain performance. These tyres have a wider design and are good at dispersing water and offer a better road grip in wet conditions. However, these tyres are noisier than symmetrical tyres.

Asymmetrical tread tyres come with the benefits of both asymmetrical and directional tread tyres. These treads are made with half the surface suited for rainy conditions and another half suited for noise reduction. The correct tread pattern depends on your driving habits and needs.

Endnote

When it comes to choosing tyres at a tyre shop, you need to be careful because your choice will affect your driving experience. Make sure you choose the right type of tyre, tyre tread depth, and tyre tread pattern. If you're in doubt, consult a mechanic for guidance on selecting the right tyres. Contact a local tyre shop for more information.