Buying tires - Key requirements

There are a number of considerations when buying tires but lets start with some of the key points.

The first is what size is my tire? This can be found on the tire's sidewall information and will look something like 205/55R16.

The next important consideration is the tire's service description .This consists of  two important pieces of information which indicates the tire's maximum load and speed capability. This can be  found on the tire's sidewall usually directly after the size information, and consist of a number and letter. To determine the  actual load and speed capability figures then refer to industry tables.

There is also other information on the sidewall of the tire such as the tire manufacturer, pattern type and tread wear indicators.

Now we know the size and service description we now need to look at other considerations.

Tire sidewall information

There is a multitude of useful information that can be found on the sidewall of the tire:

For example a tire size of 205/55R16 indicates it has a  section width of 205mm (nominal), 55 an aspect ratio of 55% (ratio of tire sidewall height to section width H/S) and 16 the rim diameter in inches the tire can be fitted. 

Vehicle type & Application

What type of vehicle do I drive?

The type of tire required can vary with the type of vehicle to which it is fitted. The tire size and service description can, to some extent, determine the type of tire being fitted.

As the diversity in the different types of vehicles increases it becomes more important to ensure the correct type of tire is fitted. A tire will be designed to ensure it compliments the key characteristics of that type of vehicle with some of the different classifications being:

1) Compact class vehicles

2) Mid-sized and executive class vehicles

3) High Performance class vehicles

4) SUV´s

5) 4x4 and off road vehicles

6) MPV's and vans

7) Camper vans

8) Hybrid & electric vehicles

A tire may also carry an OE markings which are used to identify the homologated tires for vehicles and offer end-consumers an option when it comes to changing their tires.

It is always adviseable to consult a tire expert (tire manufacture or reputable tire dealer).

General Legal Requirements & Fitting of Used Tires

General Legal Requirements

In most European countries the legal minmum tread depth requirement for passenger cars is 1.6 mm. As an indication to the consumer,there are tread wear indicator bars in the main grooves of the tire that become level with the tread surface at approximately 1.6 mm of remaining tread.

In addition to acknowledging the above, We recommend that all passenger and light truck tires in highway motor vehicle application be removed from service at the following tread depths:

• summer / high performance tires, all season tires = 3 mm

• winter tires = 4 mm

These recommendations are based upon our testing as well as real world experience which shows that drivers can maintain the performance potential (e.g. wet grip) of their tires by replacing them before they reach the regulatory minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm . This applies especially to winter tires for which winter driving properties such as snow traction are significantly reduced at tread depths below 4 mm.