Written by Menswear Style in Cars on the 7th October 2021

As the days turn shorter, colder and wetter, having a decent set of tyres can make all the difference to both your car’s performance and safety – but, with countless tyre manufacturers and models on the market, how do you choose between them? By using this quick guide, you’ll soon be able to make the right decision and keep you and your car rolling effortlessly.

Check your tyre size 

Before you start, it’s important that you’re looking at the right size tyres for your wheels – and, to make sure of this, you’ll need to look at your current tyres or your vehicle handbook and note down a series of numbers relating to tyre width, aspect ratio, rim size and speed rating so that you don’t run into problems when getting the replacement tyres fitted.

Decide your budget 

Once you’ve got the size figured out, you’ll need to narrow down your options by determining your budget. Tyres fall into three broad categories: budget, midweight and premium. In terms of quality, you’re likely to get what you pay for, though all tyres bought in the UK will meet specific safety standards. In terms of what to expect generally, the higher the price, the better the longevity and performance. If you’re strapped for cash, you may opt for a budget tyre. Budget tyres will last considerably less time than a higher-value tyre, and you’ll likely only get around 7,000 - 8,000 miles before you need to change the tyres again. However, if you’re not planning on driving long distances or are a fair-weather driver, budget tyres are perfectly acceptable – just don’t expect them to last too long. They also tend to perform worse in wet weather – so, if safety is your priority, you might want to consider a midweight tyre.

Midweight tyres are, unsurprisingly, a decent compromise between budget and premium, finding a middle ground between the value and performance you’d expect between the two. They’ll often be manufactured by brands you’ve heard of and offer greater longevity, and a more comfortable drive. Premium tyres are going to give you more miles and a better driving experience in general in terms of road noise, road grip and fuel economy (and we all know how important that is). However, the cost of premium tyres can rack up quickly if you’re looking at replacing your entire set. That said, if premium tyres and a car to match are a bit out of your price range, you could potentially get hold of them through entering a number of current car competitions online, where you can be in with the chance of winning a premium car (tyres included).

Make sure your tyres are fit for purpose 

Whether you’re driving a car, a 4x4 or a campervan, each type of vehicle has its own tyre requirements. Make sure your new tyres adhere to these requirements by checking the tyre’s details before purchase. You may also consider whether to change your tyres for the seasons. Whilst most drivers in the UK tend to get by on summer tyres all year round, weather extremes are on the increase, and some drivers like to change to winter tyres or all-season tyres if they have safety concerns and wish to optimise performance. Whilst tyres are never the most glamorous car upgrade, it really will pay to do your research when it comes to buying tyres, ensuring a smooth ride for miles to come.

Tyre size, Budget, and Fit for purpose are all covered in this blog post on How to choose the Right Replacement Tyres for Your Car.