How to choose a tyre

Choosing the right size

For best performance from your vehicle, it is important that the vehicle runs on the right tyre size. To know the right size, it is, firstly, necessary to understand the abbreviation printed on the tyres, for e.g., 205/55 R 15, where 205(mm) - or 20.5cm is the width of the tread on the tyre, 55 per cent is the height of the sidewall represented as a percentage of the tread width, R is radial construction and 15 inches is the rim diameter of the wheel on which this tyre is designed to fit.

Wider tyres are only helpful when you drive a high-performance vehicle and take on corners at high speeds. It also offers better braking distances as compared to a regular one. But then there is also a downfall to it, that being lower fuel efficiency figures and a heavy steering while driving in the city. Before opting for a wider tyre size you also need to ensure that it does not touch the wheel wells of the vehicle when fully loaded or when the steering wheel has been fully turned. Under acceptable safety norms, you can go for tyres which are about three per cent wider than the current one recommended by the auto manufacturer.

Tread pattern

The right tread pattern is important, especially when you drive in wet conditions. It is important that the tyre tread pattern effectively channels out water away from the contact patch between the tyre and the road. The road noise generated also depends upon how much air is trapped and expelled from between the tread channels. You generally find three types of tread – Conventional, Uni-Directional, and Asymmetric. A conventional tread pattern allows you to mount it on the rim on either side and it can be run in either direction. The Uni-Directional tread comes with a dedicated marking which denotes rotating in a specific direction, such tyres usually feature ‘A’ or ‘V’ type pattern configuration are more effective in water channelling and controlling tyre noise. The Asymmetric pattern tyre has two sidewalls, facing outwards and inwards. This tyre is a good choice as it offers a combination of a good grip on wet surfaces as well as handling of corners at high speed.

Quality of Tyres

Pay extra attention to the rubber compound which is being used to manufacture the tyre, as this element determines the tyre’s traction and treadwear characteristics. It is also important that you check the date of manufacture that is usually stamped with a four-digit DOT code on its sidewall which denotes the week (first two digits) and year (last two digits) of manufacture. Tyres that have been lying in stock for over a year are not recommended. Ensure that you invest in a good set of tyres from a reputed manufacturer with clearly detailed terms for warranty.

Last but not the least, inspect your vehicle tyres at regular intervals. After all, tyres are subjective to wear and tear and hence it is important that one replaces them at the right time.   

Know more about tyres here