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A Guide to Cars & Tyres for Everyday Drivers  

by
July 19, 2024

Every motorist needs to know how to make informed decisions about their automobile and its crucial connection to the road: the tyres. Despite this, many motorists lack confidence when it comes to knowledge about cars and tyres, which could be holding them back in more ways than one. 

Choose Your Perfect Car 

First, you need to know how to choose the right car for your lifestyle. You should consider your lifestyle, budget, and desired features, as this information should help you pick a category that best suits your needs. For example, you could choose a fuel-efficient sedan, a spacious SUV, or a reliable truck. 

Once you have an idea of what kind of car best suits your needs, you can start to create a shortlist of potential models. Online resources and reviews are a great way to discover the best cars in each category, and you can then schedule test drives at nearby dealerships to experience the handling, comfort, and functionality firsthand.  

Safety is another key aspect of vehicle selection. You should research safety ratings from organisations like Euro NCAP and prioritise features like airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), and electronic stability control (ESC).  

Tyres: The Unsung Heroes 

Much like the importance of a good pair of shoes, a car must always have high-quality tyres that are in good condition, as this can impact the performance, safety, and efficiency of the vehicle. Key factors include: 

  • Tyre size (marked on the sidewall) 
  • Speed rating (maximum speed the tyre can maintain) 
  • Loan capacity (how much weight the tyre can support) 

It is also helpful to be aware that there are tyres designed for different seasons and driving conditions. Summer tyres are built for use in warm weather, while winter tyres can handle the colder and wetter conditions with stronger traction to enhance safety. There are also all-season tyres for a balanced approach, performance tyres designed for handling and grip at higher speeds, and eco-friendly tyres that can improve fuel efficiency. 

Tyre maintenance is an essential task for any motorist. This should include keeping the tyres topped up to the recommended pressure and checking the tread depth – 1.6mm is the legal minimum but it is recommended you change at 3mm. You should also inspect the tyres for signs of damage and rotate for even wear.  

When it comes to finding new car tyres, you need to find ones that match your car’s specifications, so you should check the manual or look on the sidewall. You also need to buy a reputable tyre brand for safety and performance and consult expert tyre fitters in Newbury for personalised advice and professional tyre fitting. 

The information in this post should help you make informed decisions relating to your car and tyres so that you can improve your motoring experience.