How do I know what tyres are on my car?

By Adam White

With so many different tyre brands, types and sizes, it can be difficult to know not only what tyres are on your car, but also which tyres to go for when you need to purchase new ones.

car tyre close up

Tyres are the unsung hero amidst the other more glamorous components of your car. They impact on stopping speed, determine how well your car grips the road, define the load that you can safely carry and even how fast you can travel. They have a huge effect on performance, handling, ride comfort and even fuel consumption. The more informed you are when it comes to which tyres to select, the more likely you are to be able to budget accordingly when selecting new tyres.

Some tyres are made for specific vehicle types, such as 4x4s or vans. However, even amongst general tyres for cars, there are a lot of factors to take into consideration such as tread patterns, seasonal performance and energy efficiency.
 
For example, winter tyres can be recognised by their large number of sipes and grooves, which allow them to have a better grip in snow and ice. They are also designed to perform well even in very cold temperatures.

Summer tyres, however, are designed to perform well in hot weather.
 
As the name suggests, all season tyres are a cross between the two, although for driving in places with either extreme hot or cold weather, our tyre professionals would always recommend specialist summer or winter tyres.

Still unsure what the best tyres for your vehicle are? 
No problem! Protyre offer Free Tyre Checks at all of our garages across the UK. Book a Free Tyre Check at your local Protyre garage and let our expert technicians advise you accordingly.

Free tyre check

Tyres don’t have to cost the earth. Our years of experience have shown us that there is a range of tyres to suit all budgets and needs. It is always good to seek professional advice, however, as some budget tyres are best avoided.
 
If you’re worried about flat tyres, it is even possible to purchase specialist run-flat tyres, that are specially reinforced to allow you to drive at limited speeds in order to get to a repair centre. You can also buy tyres specifically designed to reduce emissions and fuel usage.
 
High-performance tyres are also in demand, although these tend to come at a premium. Our qualified fitters have experience in supplying a range of high performance from manufacturers, such as, Pirelli.
 
All of the above tyres will have distinctive tyre patterns that optimise them for certain conditions or elements. If you’re unsure what the tread or the letters and numbers on your tyre mean, our experts will be only too happy to help explain them to you.
 
They can also help you to identify your tyres by showing you how to look on the side of each tyre for information including the width, height, diameter, load rating and speed rating of your tyres. Once you have this information, you will know the right fit of tyre for your car. Protyre can provide expert advice on the exact type of tyre to suit your budget, needs and driving style.
 
Why not get in touch today and we'll be happy to perform a free tyre check for you and answer any queries that you may have.

We Can Help You Choose The Right Tyre

Tyres are essential for keeping your car safe and performing at its best, but with so many options out there, it can be tough to know where to start. That's where our informative articles come in – we're here to help you navigate the world of tyres and make the best choice for your specific needs.

Whether you're considering upgrading to Premium car tyres for enhanced driving dynamics, run flat car tyres for added peace of mind, or trying to decide between summer car tyres and winter car tyres, Protyre can help. Our articles have got you covered with a wide range of tyre-related topics to help you make informed decisions.

The brand you choose matters too. We offer recommendations for trusted names such as BF Goodrich tyres, Bridgestone tyres, Continental tyres, Dunlop tyres, Falken tyres, General tyres, Goodyear tyres, GT Radial tyres , Hankook tyres, Michelin tyres, Pirelli tyres, Runway tyres, Sumitomo tyres, and Toyo tyres. But our articles don't just focus on choosing the right tyres – we also offer practical advice for maintaining them. From simple tips like checking your tread depth and keeping your tyres inflated to the proper pressure, to more advanced topics like extending tyre life through regular rotation and balancing - we've got you covered!
Dive in and discover everything you need to know to keep your car running smoothly and safely with Protyre.

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About the author

Article Author Photo
By Adam White
Adam looks to create engaging and informative content across the website that provides consumers with expert advice on MOTs, servicing, vehicle maintenance and tyre care. As a motorsport enthusiast, Adam enjoys documenting the Protyre Motorsport team’s involvement in major motorsport events across the UK.
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