Buying New Tyres & Things To Consider

Not all tyres are equal, just as not all tyres are suitable for any kind of vehicle. If you’re buying new tyres for your car, there are several important factors you need to consider so you make the right choice, so you don’t compromise on safety or spend more than you need to.

What tyres are best for city driving?
The main types of roads on which you usually drive, as well as the climatic conditions of where you live, can influence what sorts of tyres are most suitable for your car. If you drive mainly on dry roads, mainly wet or a mix of different roads, that will influence the type of tyre you should buy. Tyres with a symmetrical tread pattern are great for city driving as they are quiet, smooth to drive on and can be used every day.

What tyres are best for 4WDs?
There are four main types of tyres for 4WDs: mud terrain; all terrain; highway terrain; and light truck construction. Which type will suit your 4WD best will obviously depend on the kinds of terrain you’re taking your 4WD on, and choosing one type over another will give you pros and cons on certain criteria.

Is it better to change all tyres at once?
If you are changing one tyre because it is worn down or has worn unevenly, it is likely that you will need to replace more than just one tyre. It is a good idea to replace all of the tyres at the same time so that they all have the same level of wear. It can also be much cheaper to buy a set of four tyres at once, rather than just an individual tyre.

How to tell if it’s time for new tyres?
All modern tyres have depth indicators which are small pieces of metal embedded in the tyre. When the tyre has worn down and the surface of the rubber is flush with the indicator, then it’s time for the tyre to be replaced. Another sign is if you find that the handling of your vehicle seems compromised, such as skidding when turning corners or in wet weather, or if you feel the steering wheel shuddering when driving, which could be caused by wheels out of alignment or uneven wear on the tyres.

Should I buy new tyres or re-treads?
Re-treading is a process where a new surface is added to an old tyre. This is usually done to tyres used for trailers or commercial vehicles and their grip is not as strong, so they aren’t recommended for use as the main tyres on a car. While it can be cheaper to buy re-treads, you can also compromise on safety, making them not worth the risk.

What are the benefits of using a mobile tyre service to purchase tyres?
The main benefit is convenience, as you don’t need to drive somewhere to have your tyres fitted, which is particularly handy if you’re pressed for time or are working from home. If you need to purchase tyres quickly, such as after an incident or damage to the tyres, the benefits of having a mobile tyre service come to you are obvious.

How long will it take to fit a tyre?
It should take around thirty minutes to fit a single tyre, although it will often depend on the size of the tyre and where it is being fitted (eg. on the side of a road versus in a driveway). Jim’s expert tyre fitters can even balance your tyres on the spot, saving you the hassle of taking your car elsewhere afterwards.