A Guide For Choosing The Perfect Tyres for Your Car!
The choice of car tyres must be made carefully to optimize the safety of your car and improve its driving comfort. It must be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and taking into consideration various criteria such as weather conditions or the mark.
The characteristics of the tyres recommended by the manufacturer
To find the best tyre for your car, you must base yourself first on the dimensions recommended by its manufacturer. To do this, you can rely on the information provided on the wheel you want to change or simply consult the manual delivered with your vehicle.
The characteristics of a car tyre are expressed from combinations of numbers: 205/55 R16, 225/40 R18, etc. The first number indicates the width of the eraser; the second is a percentage of the width of the tyre, indicating its height from the rim. Finally, the number placed after the R informs you about the rim diameter to mount.
In case your car needs to be equipped with 225/40 R18, you need to choose a 225mm wide tyre with a height of about 90mm (40% of 225), which can be mounted on an 18 “rim.
Information about the dimensions is written on the side of the wheel, as are other important data such as maximum weight or maximum speed.
Determine the maximum speed and the weight supported
Unlike dimensions, to find the best Tyre, choose the maximum speed and maximum weight supported according to the use you make of it and the characteristics of your vehicle, without this time rely on the recommendations of the manufacturer. Nevertheless, be aware that it is strongly discouraged to fall below the indices recommended by the latter.
Information about speed and weight is usually placed after the dimensions on the side of a wheel. The first index expressed in figures tells you about the load that can be supported by the wheel: 60 (250 kg), 65 (290 kg), 70 (335 kg), 90 (600 kg), etc. If the manufacturer recommends the installation of a tyre that can support a weight of 600 kg, we recommend that you choose a model with a load index of 90 or more.
Regarding the speed, it is expressed in letters and is placed after the load index. It must be chosen according to the capabilities of your vehicle . For a passenger car, it is advisable to choose a tyre with at least a H speed index (210 km / h). If you are in possession of a sports car, the ideal would be to invest in a model with a speed index V (240 km / h) or ZR (more than 240 km / h).
Note that it is strictly forbidden to choose a tyre offering a speed index lower than that recommended by the manufacturer . Before any purchase, consult the manual of your car.
The weather conditions
In addition to the weight and speed dimensions and cues, you should pay particular attention to the type of Tyre chosen for the weather conditions that you will be subjected to when traveling.
Summer tyres
Summer tyres are those fitted on new cars. They are designed for driving in an environment with a temperature above 7 ° C and stand out for their exceptional performance on dry and wet pavements. They remain the best suited if you want to equip your car with tyres that can be used for most of the year . It is important to note, however, that the summer tyre loses its grip below 7 ° C.
Winter tyres and snow tyres
If you plan to invest in models specifically designed for cold seasons, turn to winter tyres. They are designed to ride at temperatures below 7 ° C and offer excellent handling on snowy and icy roads.
For more grip on the ice, you can choose studded models. In case you plan to leave the French borders, be aware that some European countries require the installation of specific tyres during the winter, to limit the risk of accidents.
4 season tyres
To avoid changing your wheels according to the weather conditions and, at the same time, to make significant savings, we advise you to opt for 4 season models . They can equip your car throughout the year and offer a handling of quality quite satisfactory, whatever the weather conditions. Compare their performance before choosing the best tyre for your vehicle!
