The type of tyre you will need for your car depends on the type of car, the weight of the car and the type of driving you do.
In Australia, the cost of new tyres depends on the tyre brands, type of tyre, size, and quality.
The most popular type of tyre is the radial tyre. It is made up of steel belts that are placed at a 90-degree angle to the direction of travel. This type of tyre is used on most vehicle tyres for passenger cars.
The second most popular tyre is the bias ply tyre. This type of tyre is usually used on vans and trucks.
Another type of tyre is the off-road or 4-wheel-drive tyre. It is designed for vehicles that drive off-road or in difficult conditions, such as mud, sand, or snow.High-performance tyres are designed for vehicles that need to stop quickly or corner at high speeds. They are usually made of softer rubber compounds and have special treads for increased grip. A basic set of passenger tyres sized 185/65R15 may be priced from around $75 per tyre.
If you have a standard car with no special features, you will need all-around tyres. These are suitable for normal driving on roads in Australia. If you have a 4WD or light truck, you will need tyres that are designed for off-road driving. These tyres have a thicker tread that allows them to grip the ground better when driving on rough surfaces.
If you drive in winter conditions, you will need tyres with a good grip on ice and snow. There are several types of winter tyres available, so you should speak to a tyre specialist to find out which type is best for your car.
If you drive a heavy vehicle or a car with a lot of power, you will need performance tyres. These tyres offer better grip and handling on bends and curves and can also withstand higher speeds.
The first number (215) is the width of the tyre in millimetres. The second number (65) is the height of the tyre as a percentage of the width. The last number (15) is the diameter of the wheel in inches.
So, in this case, the tyre is 215mm wide, 65 per cent of that width is 128.25mm high, and the wheel is 15 inches in diameter.
Alternatively, to find the right product conduct an online tyre search. By entering certain vehicle details in online tyre size calculator portals, you can know the size of the new tyre suitable for your car. Some details include vehicle type, registration number, make and model.
A third option that will help you to know the right size of car tyres is driving into a tyre shop in your location. Technicians at fitment locations offer expert advice based on the vehicle's wheels, the tyres fitted, vehicle type, and usage.
In addition to guiding you on the right tyres for your vehicle, they have in-depth knowledge and benefits of the tyre brands and car tyres prices to help you save a few dollars. If the right price is a huge consideration for you, the fitment centre can sell you second hand tyres or cheaper but quality tyre brands.
After fitting your car with new tyres, they also offer old tyre disposal services.
The tread is the rubber that is used to grip the road. It is important that the tread is in good condition, as it helps prevent skidding when you apply brakes, avoiding loss of control. Tread depth ensures maximum traction, which lowers the chances of an accident when cornering in wet, slippery, or snowy roads.
The depth of the tread is measured in millimetres and is usually shown as a percentage of the total width of the tyre. So, if a tyre has a tread depth of 10mm, that means the tread is 10% of the total width of the tyre. The right tyres, brands with good treads ensure improved fuel efficiency and driving safety.Tread can also be categorised by its type:
Cross-country tyres have deep, aggressive treads for better grip on difficult surfaces.
All-weather tyres have grooves that run in different directions to help evacuate water and slush from the tread. This helps to improve traction in wet conditions.
Winter tyres have a special tread pattern that helps grip the road when driving on icy or snowy surfaces.
Radial tyres are made up of steel belts that are placed at a 90-degree angle to the direction of travel. This type of tyre is used on most passenger cars. Bias-ply tyres have cords that run at an angle to the direction of travel. This type of tyre is usually used on vans and trucks. There is also an option to have tyres with "Run Flat" technology fitted - this is where the tyre can be driven on if it gets punctured without being fixed in place by a spare wheel. This enables you to continue your journey in most cases when you get a flat tyre.
There are certain considerations when fitting run flat tyres, which should be discussed with your wheels repairs mechanic or tyre supplier before fitting them.
Ensure the car has been updated with the correct suspension and drivetrain modifications required for RFT fitment as other components such as the braking system and steering can be adversely affected.
Always use a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) when running RFT tyres as over-inflating or under-inflating them will cause damage and possible failure.
Check the sidewalls of the tyres for any signs of damage; if they are worn down too low, or you have any other concerns - it is best to replace a tyre before it fails completely.
This will depend on the type of tyres, the size, and the tyre brand. You can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1000 for a set of four tyres. You can bargain for quantity purchase discounts by buying an entire set of tyres instead of buying just one tyre. However, this does not include the cost of labour or any additional services that may be required (such as wheel alignment). Some fitment shops offer free wheel alignment and balancing deals for purchases of a certain value or number of selected tyres.
Wheel balancing is done on wheels to counter the effects of tyre quality and use. As a tyre wears down in the long run, it becomes unbalanced with the wheel that it is rotating on - this can cause vibrations in the car when driving at higher speeds. It may also cause damage to other components such as drive shafts or brake discs, so regular wheel balancing is important for your safety and that of your passengers.
There are many factors that affect how long a set of new tyres will last.
The type of vehicle you have
How often you drive it
Road conditions
Generally, most auto makers recommend replacing your old tyres every 6 to 8 years. However, this may vary depending on the individual circumstances. It is always best to consult with a tyre specialist to get an accurate estimate.
Looking to recycle or dispose some old car tyres? The NSW Government has some handy tips.