Tyres information
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TYRES BY VEHICLE TYPE
4x4/SUV Tyres
The SUV is becoming much more of a popular choice when it comes to purchasing a vehicle and this is a trend that will continue to increase.
Choosing the correct 4×4/SUV Tyres to buy for your vehicle can be a bit of a minefield, with so many brands out there it’s difficult to make the right decision. You need to make sure that the tyres are fit for purpose and most importantly safe to drive on.
At AAA tyres, Manchester, using our knowledge and expertise we can guide you into making the right decision and can offer a wide range of brands to suit your pocket.
Are the tyres fit for purpose?
When choosing the correct 4×4/SUV tyres AAA tyres you need to consider how you will use the vehicle.
Most medium SUVs are fitted new with tyres that are built for driving on roads, however if you plan on using your vehicle for off-road driving then you need to consider tyres that are built for the change in terrain including, rugged surfaces and mud.
4×4 tyres were built for off-roading more so than driving on a standard road surface however that has shifted over the years and usage on standard roads exceeds 75%. Driving on roads however, can cause your tyres to wear much quicker and therefore it is advised that if you are planning to drive on and off road, you change your tyres to match the terrain.
Regardless of vehicle type and usage, there are tread patterns available to suit even the most rugged of terrains.
Original Equipment
When you purchase your 4×4/SUV from new they will mostly be fitted with Original Equipment tyres from a manufacturer. The tyres are designed to enhance the capabilities of your vehicle specifically including superior braking and handling. As such prices can be a little higher for an OE tyre due to them being manufactured for a specific vehicle.
At AAA tyres in Manchester, we have a large stock of 4×4/SUV tyres from many popular brands. Not sure which tyres to choose, ask one of our experts for some help and advice.
Car Tyres
We stock a large range of Car tyres to suit every budget at AAA tyres, from cheap tyres to the more high-end premium including Bridgestone, Continental, Goodyear, Michelin, Pirelli and many more, we’ve got you covered.
Our range of car tyres covers you for any season including Summer, Winter, All-Season or High Performance. We can supply and fit your Car tyres and have you back on the road in no time.
Choosing the most suitable tyres for your car?
As with any vehicle, it is important to ensure that you choose the correct tyres. With so many brands out there, making the correct decision can often be confusing. Here are a couple of factors to consider:
Vehicle Usage
Seasons are starting to change with harsher winters and hotter summers, and we are starting to see an increase in the All Season/Winter tyre market with more manufacturers creating tread patterns suitable for different seasons.
You might only drive locally around Manchester to the shops and back or to work so if your mileage is low investing All Season/Winter tyres may not be worth the extra money for you, however, if you drive for work or regular long distances then All Season may well be your tyre of choice.
Our range of Summer, Winter and All-Season tyres are equipped with the latest advanced technologies. No matter your budget or requirements, our trained technicians here at AAA tyres are here to help you make the right decision.
Performance
Performance tyres are best suited to sports cars and other high-performance vehicles; these types of tyres provide better traction on roads and improved handling. With unique tyre tread patterns specifically geared towards performance, you can expect an enhanced driving experience at high speeds with a smoother ride and excellent handling on corners.
Why choose us?
Van Tyres
Designed with reinforced sidewalls, van tyres are built to withstand heavier loads compared to standard car tyres.
The type of van and load that it will carry will determine the type of tyre required. For most smaller vans extra-load (XL) tyres will be suitable, however for larger commercial vehicles you will require C or LT tyres which are specifically designed to withstand heavy loads for longer journeys.
How can I identify what tyres I have fitted to my van?
You can easily identify what type of van tyre is fitted by looking at the tyre sidewall.
As an example, you will see something like this:
- 235 width of the tyre in mm
- 65 height to weight ratio of the profile
- R indicates that the tyre is radial
- 16 diameter of the tyre in inches
- C for a commercial van (designed to carry heavy loads up to 3.5 tonnes)
Instead of C you might see:
- XL (Extra Load) – designed to carry heavy loads but should only be used on a small van
- LT – for small to medium vans
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TYRE BY USAGE
- Quick Naviagtion:
- All Season Tyres
- Performance Tyres
- Run Flat Tyres
- Winter Tyres
All Season Tyres
How do I know if my tyres are all season?
All season tyres come with specific markings which can include M + S (for mud and snow) or they will have the 3 Peak Mountain Snow Flake or 3PMSF symbol.
This can also identify the tyre as winter, the best way to check is to get the pattern name from the side of the tyre e.g. CrossClimate 2 and search for it in Google. Some patterns can make it more obvious e.g All season, AS, 4S, 4Seasons, CrossClimate etc.
Are all season tyres affordable?
When you purchase an all season compared to a standard summer or winter tyre the price can be higher, however by purchasing all season you are avoiding the need for a tyre change every six months which can save you money overall.
Performance Tyres
Performance tyres were originally designed for use on racetracks, with sports cars and high-performance vehicles becoming more popular they are now built for the road with inspiration from the track.
When you have performance tyres fitted to your car, you’ll notice better handling and traction. High performance (H/P) and ultra-high performance (UHP) are popular with owners of sports cars and other high-performance vehicles, delivering an enhanced driving experience with uniquely designed tread patterns, special rubber compounds and rigid sidewalls.
Before purchasing high performance tyres from AAA tyres, here are some features and benefits:
Shorter braking distance
Performance tyres are built with wider surfaces and premium rubber compounds enabling a vehicle to stop quickly with less sharp braking and most importantly improving road safety.
Handling and Performance
The rubber on high-performance tyres is much softer than a standard tyre. This provides a smooth driving experience especially when driving at higher speeds. The rigid side walls provide better traction and grip on the road enabling your car to hug tight corners.
Precise steering
With the added grip of high-performance tyres, steering accuracy is greatly improved. This allows the car to react quicker, especially with newer car designs that use ABS Systems and highly sensitive steering and suspension systems.
Improved heat dispersion
Overheating can be a major cause of tyre failure especially when the tyre tread is beginning to wear High-performance tyres are manufactured using premium compounds which can resist heat build-up ensuring that tyres last longer.
Do I need high-performance car tyres?
Not every vehicle or motorist will suit these types of tyres. There are several things to consider before you make your purchase:
Cost
Compared to a standard car tyre, high-performance tyres can be costly, but if you want an enhanced driving experience then this might be worth your investment.
Season
If you drive on dry roads during the summer months and want the added benefits of high-performance tyres on your vehicle then these may be worth the investment, however, you need to consider changes in seasons and change your tyres to coincide.
Whilst they can perform well in different weather conditions it should be noted that the performance of the tyre can be affected during colder months. Most premium manufacturers now have treads for Winter and All-Season to cope with different weather conditions.
Fuel Efficiency
Run Flat Tyres
Run flat tyres help to carry the weight of your vehicle when a tyre starts to lose pressure. Designed with a reinforced sidewall a run flat tyre can be driven on for up to 50 miles at a lower speed of 30mph, allowing you to safely reach a garage without the need to change your tyre on the side of the road or worse a busy motorway.
Different manufacturers will state that run flat tyres can be driven for 30-50 miles, however this should only be done if you are unable to get to a garage, you must get your tyre inspected as soon as possible.
Driving this distance may not be possible depending on the extent of the tyre puncture and weather conditions can also affect this.
How do I know if my vehicle has run flat tyres?
- → Puncture Proof
- → Run on Flat
- → Self supporting
- → ContiSeal
- → Driveguard
- → DSST – Dunlop
- → HRS – Hankook
- → RFT
- → ROF
- → Run Flat
- → SSR – Continental
- → ZP – Michelin
Can I get a Run Flat tyre repaired?
This can all depend on the manufacturer however in most cases you will require a replacement tyre, it is much harder to repair a run flat tyre due to the reinforced sidewall, however some specialists can carry out repairs.
How will I know if I have a puncture with a run flat tyre?
Winter Tyres
Winter tyres are specifically designed for driving on colder surfaces below 7ºC, providing improved handling and grip even in the harshest of winter weather.
Winter tyres are easily identified by the tyre markings M+S (Mud and Snow) and 3PMSF (3 Peaks Mountain Snow Flake), some will have both. They are manufactured from rubber compounds which can quickly adapt to the cold, the flexibility and deep tread sipes provide a much better grip and optimised handling not to mention short stopping distances.
Here in the UK temperatures during the winter months can be mild one day and freezing the next. Winter tyres are designed to handle all driving conditions including Snow, ice, black ice and general cold road surfaces, giving you peace of mind no matter what the weather that your tyres will keep you safe.
When Should you change to Winter Tyres?
As soon as the temperatures start to drop below 7ºC it’s time to switch out your summer tyres to your safer winter tyres.
Unlike winter tyres, at colder temperatures summer tyres do not have the flexibility to adapt to the colder surfaces as they become harder meaning that they are unable to grip the roads.
What is the difference between Winter and All season tyres?
Both will provide you with improved grip and handling through the winter months, however for the remote areas of the UK where snowfall can be heavier, winter tyres are a better option otherwise All season can perform just as well on cold and icy roads.
When should I remove my winter tyres?
It is recommended that winter tyres are not used all year round as they are not as effective in the summer months, just like summer tyres are not equipped for winter. Leaving the tyres on can cause them to wear quicker and therefore much less cost effective.
Still, have questions? Don’t hesitate and contact us now.
POPULAR TYRES
Aptany Rp203 Tyres
The Aptany RP203 tires are known for their versatility and reliability, offering a balance of performance and safety for drivers in various weather conditions. These tires have received positive feedback for their quality and handling capabilities, making them a popular choice among budget-conscious consumers.
- Special symmetric tread pattern enhances road gripping ability in all weather conditions, including dry, wet, and winter weather
- Designed as a Touring Summer tire for Passenger Cars, offering a balance of dry grip, wet grip, and road feedback
- Four wide circumferential grooves on the tread contribute to improved performance and safety
Goodyear Efficientgrip Performance Tyres
- A-rated* wet grip
- Shorter braking distances for driving confidence
- Improved wet braking and lower rolling resistance
- Lower fuel consumption
A-rated wet grip
Rated A for wet grip performance, the highest rating awarded under EU regulations.
Improved wet braking and lower rolling resistance
WearControl Technology ensures an optimal balance between wet grip and low rolling resistance for the life of the tyre.
Lower fuel consumption
We use FuelSaving Technology to create a new base compound that reduces the tyre’s energy dissipation. Rolling resistance is reduced by 18%4 meaning improved fuel efficiency and lower driving costs for you.
Shorter braking distances for driving confidence
Bridgestone Turanza T005 Tyres
TURANZA T005 FEATURES
Designed to help you to stay in control, even in challenging driving conditions. Offering best-in-class braking and cornering, even on rainy days.
OPTIMISED PATTERN DESIGN
High volume slots in shoulder enhance water flow and optimised distribution of void in centre part of the pattern ensures water drainage in centre contact. Increased resistance to deformation thanks to connections between shoulder blocks ensuring an even contact on shoulders while braking.
ENHANCED CARCASS
The unique steel and stiff polyester reinforcement ensure a superior handling and a lower rolling resistance in order to reduce CO2 emissions and fuel consumption.
NEW COMPOUND MIXING TECHNOLOGY
New mixing technology improves silica dispersion in Nano Pro-tech™ high silica content compound.Synergy of pattern & compound maximises adhesion in the footprint to enhance wet grip.
Pirelli Powergy Tyres
WIDE CENTRAL GROOVES
- Improved water expulsion
- Enhanced safety in wet and reduced risk of aquaplaning
FIN-SHAPED SIPES
- Reduced risk of aquaplaning
ALIGNMENT OF SIPES
- Optimised design and positioning of the sipes
- Reduced noise and improved comfort at all speeds
INNOVATIVE MATERIALS
- Innovative materials and optimised footprint for low rolling resistance
- Reduced energy dissipation and lower fuel consumption
Goodyear Efficientgrip 2 Suv Tyres
- Better grip on snow through large amount of sipes at the center of the tread. The sipes influence each other at their intersection, stimulating their opening for better grip.
- Shorter dry braking & Improved dry handling. Reduced deformation of the tyre during heavy maneuvers through strong crown & shoulder blocks.
- Lifetime Aqua Planing Resistance. Over time grooves evolve to continuously ensure water dispersion.
Continental Ultracontact Tyres
- Full control on wet roads
- Extreme short braking distances in dry and wet road conditions
- High grip level combined with long durability
- Low noise level
Features and Benefits
- The short grip-polymers are activated when the vehicle is driving throughcorners or while braking. This energy is transformed into heat to enable high grip and short braking distances.
- The long mileage-polymers are entangled and therefore strongly connected to each other, which ensures a high mileage performance.
Evergreen Eu728 Tyres
Excellent handling
- Asymmetric wider tread design optimizes the driving force and operating stability
- Lateral grooves on the shoulder and crown help to provide greater traction and handling stability, ensuring exact cornering and braking
Dry and wet grip
- Large block pattern design provides excellent grip on both dry and wet ground
Safety
- Solid centerline rib improves driving stability
- Excellent braking performance ensures safe driving
Comfort
- Asymmetric tread design reduces noise, effectively increasing driving comfort
Delinte D7 Tyres
The D7 is V, H, W and Y speed-rated, so expect high-performance handling! But, as the accompanying graph shows, you can also expect a comfortably quiet ride, too. Roll down the windows and enjoy!
Performance-enhancing silica compound and tread design.
The D7’s advanced high traction compound is tuned for performance, and so is the blaze-shaped tread pattern. Expect great traction, superb fuel economy and a comfortable ride.
Wet grip grooves.
The four wide longitudinal grooves evacuate road water and resist hydroplaning.
Noise absorbing groove design.
Groove shape and the scores on the groove sides absorb vibration and reduce airflow noise.
Evergreen Eh23 Tyres
Handling
- Center rib upgrades maneuverability and braking performance, increases grip force and operating stability. Wider rubber-road contact area improves sticking force on wet and dry pavements.
Silence
- Densely distributed small blocks efficiently offset noises made by air emission in the grooves. Simulated diverse and irregular pitch order decreases vibration noise.
Drainage
- Optimal 4 channel-grooves design maximizes slip resistance, ensures quickly drainage on wet roads, promises safe drive on rainy days. Tread compound containing silicon upgrades wet performance and ensures safety drive on wet pavement.
Safety
- Special bead design ensures closer contact between inflated tyre and the rim, avoids flying up of tyre toe, and enhances safe driving.
Comfort
- Diverse blocks distribution upgrades softness while ensures tread strength, enhances shock absorption and increases driving comfort.
Special Offer
£25 Wheel Alignment
Ensure safe driving with precise wheel alignment for just £25. Book now for optimal performance!
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Puncture Repairs £10 at Depot
Quick and affordable puncture repairs for just £10 at our depot. Book your service today!
General Questions
Our prices are for fully fitted tyres and include a new valve, wheel balancing and casing disposal.
We provide mobile tyre services throughout the Manchester area, including Woodplumpton, Broughton, Cottam, Penwortham, Fulwood, and Hutton areas in Preston’s neighborhood. On the other hand, the surrounding areas like Grange, Brookfield, Fishwick, and Callon Estate etc are also included.
We provide a number of related services. All you have to do is add your service requirement to the comment box when submitting your booking. You can also use the link on your confirmation email.
You only have to make a payment to us at the fitting centre when you are completely happy.
Buying Premium vs Budget Tyres
When you are purchasing new tyres for your vehicle, there is an overwhelming choice available from cheap Budget tyres right up to the high end expensive Premium tyres. You need to make an informed decision, but which tyres should you buy?
Budget Tyres in Manchester
The price tag on budget tyres is much lower than premium tyres, so should you choose the cheapest? Everyone drives their vehicles differently, some just locally from A to B and others drive much longer distances. Whilst choosing the cheaper tyre might seem like a straightforward option this might not be an economical solution long term for you.
Budget tyres although they are manufactured to a specific standard and are safe don’t usually perform to the same high standard as premium tyres. The can mean that they need replacing more often which could end up cost more in the long term.
Premium Tyres in Manchester
When you are considering purchasing tyres you will no doubt recognise some of the brands including, Continental, goodyear and Michelin, some of which have been in the tyre industry for over 100 years and are trusted worldwide by millions of customers.
Tyres are manufactured to a very high standard and tested using the latest in revolutionary technologies. When you buy premium you know that you are getting a high quality product that is safe and economical.
All tyre brands manufacturer their products using their own technologies, materials and knowledge, but there are three main differences when it comes to Budget and Premium Tyres.
Technology
- Bridgestone – Driveguard
- Continental – ContiSeal™
- MICHELIN® Zero Pressure
- Pirelli – Seal Inside
Budget tyre technology although up to standard falls behind when it comes to the testing and materials used resulting in tyres being less economical and requiring replacement more often. It is suggested that technology is as much as 10-15 years old.
Performance
Safety
Driving Rain Driving Safely
Condition
Driving carefully can help but won’t prevent tyres from wearing or becoming damaged over time. Tyres are in constant contact with the road surface so its important that they are maintained to ensure your safety and safety to other road users.
You should check your tyres frequently for any stones or objects embedded in the tyres tread and for any abnormalities in the tyre like a bulge which can be caused by simply hitting a kerb or a pothole.
If you spot anything that doesn’t look quite right the tyre should be examined by a specialist as there could be unseen internal damage which left undiagnosed could lead to a blow out on the road or worse a road traffic accident.
Tyre Pressure
- As part of regular maintenance checks to your tyres your car should have the correct tyre pressure. Under or over-inflation can affect handling and grip causing changes in your vehicle’s behaviour.
- Incorrect tyre pressure can result in reduced road surface contact causing tyres to wear unevenly, this can also affect braking distances and handling on corners.
- Your vehicle handbook will tell you what the correct pressure for your vehicle should be. If you don’t have your handbook with you tyre pressures are displayed on the inside of the fuel cap or driver’s door sill.
Tyre Tread Depth
- When new tyres are fitted to your car the tread depth is between 8-9mm. You should carry out regular checks each month to the tyre tread to ensure that is still safe and legal to drive your car.
- Driving with tyres below the legal limit of 1.6mm is not only dangerous but can result in a £2500 fine and three penalty points (per tyre) on your driving licence. It is advised that tyres should be replaced when the tread reaches 2mm however experts recommend a minimum of 3mm.
- When a tyre tread starts to wear the contact with the road in wet weather is reduced causing less grip on the road and a risk of aquaplaning where your car can lose all contact with road surface leaving you unable to control it. This can greatly increase your risk of being involved in an accident.
The 20p Test
- The outer band of the 20p coin is hidden when inserted – your tyre is above the legal limited
- The outer band is visible when inserted – your tyres could be illegal and you get them checked immediately by a qualified technician.
Guide To Alignment
Understanding wheel alignment
When checking Alignment there are 3 main concerns that a technician at AAA tyres will check:
- Toe Alignment: The angle at which the tyres point inwards or outwards when viewed from above. Toe-in means the front of the tyres are closer together than the rear, while toe-out means the front of the tyres are farther apart than the rear.efficiently swap out your old tires for new ones, meticulously ensuring proper balancing to guarantee a smooth and safe journey.
- Caster Alignment: The angle of the tyres when viewed from the side of the vehicle. If there is a positive caster the steering axis will tilt toward the rear of the vehicle and if there is a negative caster the axis will slope towards the front of the vehicle concerning the vertical axis when viewed from the side of the vehicle. It influences stability and steering feel.
- Camber Alignment: The angle of the tyres when viewed from the front of the vehicle. Positive camber indicates that the top tyre is tilting outwards and negative camber indicates that the tyre is tilting inwards.
When to get your wheel alignment checked
- Uneven tyre wear: if you notice that your tyres are wearing more on the inside or outside edges.
- After hitting a large pothole or curb – this can jolt the vehicle and cause the wheels to be mis-aligned.
- Vehicle pulls to one side when driving on a straight road.
- Steering feels off-center when driving in a straight line.
- You can feel vibrations when driving, especially at higher speeds.
Guide To Tyre Wall Markings
Have you ever wondered what all of the writing on your tyre wall means? Perhaps you know where to spot the load index and size information, but do you know what all of the other symbols mean? Can you find out when your tyre was manufactured, or where?
The markings on tyre walls are mainly there for two reasons; firstly, to indicate the size and specifications of the tyre, and secondly, to prove that the tyre has passed European and other country safety standards. We make it our business to know everything there is to know about tyres, and we can advise you on every aspect of tyre safety, specification and suitability. We stock a wide range of tyres to suit all budgets, and can supply and fit them for you whether you need replacement tyres locally.
Here, we’ve teamed up with the experts at Michelin to bring you a guide to tyre wall markings.
1. Type of Construction
Nearly all modern tyres are of Radial construction, as in this example.
2. Load Index
| Load Index | Kg | Load Index | Kg | Load Index | Kg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 65 | 290 | 80 | 450 | 95 | 690 |
| 66 | 300 | 81 | 462 | 96 | 710 |
| 67 | 307 | 82 | 475 | 97 | 730 |
| 68 | 315 | 83 | 487 | 98 | 750 |
| 69 | 325 | 84 | 500 | 99 | 775 |
| 70 | 335 | 85 | 515 | 100 | 800 |
| 71 | 345 | 86 | 530 | 101 | 825 |
| 72 | 355 | 87 | 545 | 102 | 850 |
| 73 | 365 | 88 | 560 | 103 | 875 |
| 74 | 375 | 89 | 580 | 104 | 900 |
| 75 | 387 | 90 | 600 | 105 | 925 |
| 76 | 400 | 91 | 615 | 106 | 950 |
| 77 | 412 | 92 | 630 | 107 | 975 |
| 78 | 425 | 93 | 650 | 108 | 1000 |
| 79 | 437 | 94 | 670 |
3. Speed Symbol
| Speed Symbol | Approx MPH | Approx KM/H |
| Q | 99 | 160 |
| R | 106 | 170 |
| S | 112 | 180 |
| T | 118 | 190 |
| H | 131 | 210 |
| V | 149 | 240 |
| VR | 131 | 210 |
| W | 168 | 270 |
| Y | 186 | 300 |
| ZR | 149 | 240 |
4. Uniform Tyre Quality Grading Markings
Required by USA consumer information regulations (not required in UK).
5. Country of Manufacture
In this example, Made In Great Britain
6. Brand Name
In this example, Energy
7. Location of Tread Wear Indicators
(This marking is not on all tyres.) Tread wear indicators are moulded into the base of the main tread grooves and are set at the minimum legal depth of 1.6mm. These act as a visual warning when the tyre tread starts to approach the minimum legal depth. On Michelin tyres, a small Michelin man is used instead of “TWI”
8. North American Department of Transportation (DOT) Markings
Compliance symbol and identification number (not required in UK).
9. Manufacturing Date Code
These numbers represent the week and year the tyre was made. The first two numbers are the week, the second two are the year. In this example, 1607 means the 16th week of 2007.
10. European ECE Type Approval Marks and numbers.
This proves that the tyre has been tested and passed European safety standards.
‘S’ = Sound (the tyre complies with EC noise directive).
Tyre Construction Details
11. Commercial Name and Identity
In this example, Michelin
12. Max Load/ Pressure Information (Not required in UK)
Not to be used for setting pressures. Use the vehicle manufacturer recommended pressures.
13. Tyre Size Designation
This indicates the width, height and construction type of the tyre, and the diameter of the wheel it is designed for. In this example, 205/55 R 16 means:
- 205 – the nominal width of the tyre’s cross-section in millimetres.
- 55 – is the ‘aspect ratio’ – the ratio of the sidewall height to the cross-section width.
- R – stands for radial construction.
- 16 – stands for the nominal diameter (in inches) of the wheel that the tyre is designed to fit.
If you are in any doubt about the markings on your tyres, or would like advice on anything related to tyres, you can get in touch with one of our experts by calling the telephone number displayed at the top of this page.
The importance of correct tyre pressure
Tyre pressure, which is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI) or BAR pressure, is a measurement to show how much air has been pumped into your tyre.
There are many different tyres that are sold in the UK, it doesn’t matter whether you have cheap or high end premium tyres, the performance and efficiency of any tyre depends on whether the correct pressure is maintained.
Failure to maintain the correct pressure can alter how your vehicle handles corners, increase the braking distance and increase fuel consumption but most importantly it will impact yours and your passengers safety.
You should check the pressure on all tyres monthly, including the spare and before making any long-distance journeys.
If you are unsure how to check your tyre pressure AAA tyres, Manchester can carry out a tyre check for you, just call to book in your vehicle.
Tyre Inflation
The price tag on budget tyres is much lower than premium tyres, so should you choose the cheapest? Everyone drives their vehicles differently, some just locally from A to B and others drive much longer distances. Whilst choosing the cheaper tyre might seem like a straightforward option this might not be an economical solution long term for you.
Budget tyres although they are manufactured to a specific standard and are safe don’t usually perform to the same high standard as premium tyres. The can mean that they need replacing more often which could end up cost more in the long term.
Premium Tyres in Manchester
When your vehicles tyre pressure is too high or too low this can cause under-inflation and over-inflation. Both can cause problems and affect the contact that your tyres have with the road. The illustration below shows how changes in tyre pressure can reduce contact with the road surface:
Under Inflation
Tyre pressure can reduce over time so it is important that you check this regularly to avoid under-inflation. This can cause uneven contact with the road surface and left for a long time can cause wear to the inside and outside edges of the tyre tread resulting in reduced tyre lifespan. Low tyre pressure can also reduce fuel efficiency leading to increased rolling resistance where energy is lost due to reduced road surface contact.
Over Inflation
Over-inflation can lead to loss of tyre traction, increased braking distances and decreased handling so it is very important that you inflate your tyres to the correct pressure.
How to check your tyre pressure
Checking tyre pressures is easy, this can be done from most petrol stations or using a tyre pressure gauge at home.
Vehicles come in all different sizes and therefore will require different tyre pressures. You can find the correct pressure in your vehicle’s handbook, if you don’t have this to hand these are sometimes stamped in the sill of the driver’s door or inside the fuel cap.
Tyre pressure should be checked when the tyres are cold or when only a small journey of less than 2miles has been carried out, any more than this and it is recommended that 4-5 psi is added to the recommended pressure.
You should also consider any additional weight as a fully loaded vehicle will require more pressure than if you just drive the car yourself with no passengers. You can refer to your vehicle handbook for further guidance on this.
Alternatively, AAA tyres, Manchester can check your tyre pressure for you.
Tyre Labelling
To reduce the impact tyres have on the environment and to promote road safety, a new EU regulation came into force on 1 November 2012 that was designed to make it easier for motorists to compare different tyres. From this date, all new tyres for cars, vans, 4×4 and most trucks have to display a standard format label that indicates three key aspects of a tyre; fuel efficiency, wet grip performance and external rolling noise.
Similar in style to energy labels for white goods, these labels provide comparable information about a tyre regardless of the brand or tread pattern. By using clear pictograms, the label allows motorists to make informed choices when buying tyres, ranked on a scale from A (best) to E/F/G (worst). Certain types of tyre, such as; temporary use tyres, off-road tyres, racing tyres, vintage car tyres and retread tyres are excluded from this regulation.
Brexit and the New EU 2021 Labelling Regulations
In May 2021 new tyre labelling regulations came into power in the European Union. The new labels reflect the good work done by tyre manufacturers and have removed the F and G ratings for fuel efficiency and wet grip. The new labels also incorporate markings for snow grip performance and ice grip performance.
As part of the Northern Ireland Protocol following Brexit, the new EU label applies to the whole island of Ireland. As such it is quite likely that the new EU label will start to appear on tyres purchased in England, Scotland and Wales. It is expected that the UK Government will launch its own tyre labelling regulations in 2022 and until such time a mixture of labels will be present in the market.
Tyre Labels in More Detail
Fuel Efficiency
Tyres are responsible for between 20% and 30% of a vehicle’s fuel consumption. As a tyre rolls, it uses energy and so a tyre that has a lower rolling resistance will use less energy and this has a direct impact on fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions.
Wet Grip Performance
Wet grip performance is one of the most important safety characteristics of a tyre. Tyres with good wet grip have shorter braking distances on wet roads. Two types of test are used to measure a tyre’s grip when braking from 50mph in wet conditions. Results are combined and ranked on the tyre label. Each grade equates to a difference in braking distance of approximately 3 meters. Therefore fitting tyres ranked A can outperform lower-ranked tyres when braking in the wet by up to 15 meters, which clearly could help avert a road traffic accident
External Rolling Noise
The inclusion of external rolling noise as a key aspect of a tyre’s performance is to encourage motorists to buy low noise tyres and thereby reduce noise pollution. A microphone measures the rolling noise of a car travelling at 50mph with the engine turned off and the results, in decibels, are given for each tyre.
Snow Grip
Tyres showing the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol are designed to perform in severe snow conditions and have been tested in accordance with UNECE Regulation No 117.
Ice Grip
Tyres showing the Ice Stalagmite symbol are specially designed for road surfaces covered with ice and compact snow and should only be used in very severe climate conditions (e.g. cold temperatures). Using ice grip tyres in less severe climate conditions (e.g. wet conditions or warmer temperatures) could result in sub-optimal performance, in particular for wet grip, handling and wear.
Impact of your Driving Style
Fuel savings and tyre performance depend heavily on how you drive your vehicle. In particular:
- Eco-driving can significantly reduce fuel consumption;
- Tyre pressures need to be regularly checked to optimise fuel efficiency and wet grip;
- Stopping distances must always be respected.
More details: Regulation (EU) 2020/740
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