New Tyre Purchasing Guide

Know the Facts Before You Buy New Tyres

Buying new tyres is an important investment in your vehicle’s performance and safety. Your tyres affect everything from braking distance and fuel economy to handling and comfort. Before choosing your next set, it’s worth understanding what the markings mean, what factors matter most, and which tyres best suit your driving needs.

Fast Facts: New Tyre Checklist

✅ Check your vehicle documentation for compatible tyre types
✅ Tyre size = width, diameter, and height-to-width aspect ratio
✅ Load index = how much weight your tyres can support
✅ Speed rating = the maximum safe speed for the tyre
✅ Fit the same model and brand on all four wheel positions

1. Which Tyres Am I Allowed to Drive?

Your vehicle manufacturer specifies which tyre sizes and types are approved for your model. These details appear in:

• The owner’s manual, and

• The EU Certificate of Conformity (CoC)

The CoC lists acceptable widths, rim diameters, and aspect ratios. Fitting tyres that deviate from these recommendations may compromise performance and safety — and could even invalidate insurance or roadworthiness certification.

2. Choosing the Right Tyres for Your Conditions

Your annual mileage, local climate, and driving habits all influence the ideal tyre type.

• Two-set solution (summer + winter tyres):
  Ideal for drivers covering high mileages or facing regular cold and snowy conditions. You’ll always have the right tyres for the season, and each set wears more slowly.

• All-season tyres:
  A practical option for short-distance drivers in moderate climates. They save time and money by eliminating seasonal tyre changes.

Remember, tyres are your vehicle’s only contact with the road. Choosing the right ones directly affects grip, braking, and cornering stability.

3. Understanding Tyre Sidewall Information

Each tyre carries a detailed code on its sidewall that reveals its size, construction, and capabilities.

Key markings

1. Width – The three-digit number in millimetres (e.g., 205)

2. Aspect ratio – The height of the sidewall as a percentage of width (e.g., 55)

3. Construction type – R indicates a radial tyre, now the industry standard

4. Diameter – The wheel rim size in inches (e.g., 16)

5. Load index – Indicates how much weight the tyre can support

6. Speed rating – A letter defining the tyre’s maximum safe speed

For example:
205/55 R16 91V
→ 205 mm wide, 55 % aspect ratio, radial construction, fits 16-inch rims, supports 615 kg (index 91) at speeds up to 240 km/h (rating V).

The sidewall also displays safety codes, manufacturing data, and certification marks confirming the tyre meets regional standards.

4. Key Requirements for New Tyres

When purchasing new tyres, ensure that:

• They are compatible with your vehicle’s approved specifications.

• All four tyres are of the same make and model for consistent handling.

• You check the manufacturer’s recommended pressure for optimum performance.

  Over-inflation may improve efficiency but can increase wear and alter handling.

5. Selecting Tyres for Your Driving Style

Different tyre designs prioritise different characteristics:

• Comfort tyres: Engineered for a quiet, smooth ride. Ideal for urban or motorway driving, though they may wear faster due to softer tread compounds.

• Fuel-efficient tyres: Feature low rolling resistance, reducing fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.

• All-terrain or off-road tyres: Offer reinforced sidewalls and deeper tread for traction on gravel or mud — perfect for 4×4s and SUVs.

Whichever you choose, remember that switching tyre types changes how your vehicle handles. Take time to adjust to your new tyres’ grip and braking response.

6. Tyre Types: Summer, Winter, or All-Season

• Summer tyres: Deliver high grip and stability on dry and wet roads in warm temperatures. They perform poorly in snow or below 7 °C.

• Winter tyres: Feature deeper tread and flexible compounds for snow, ice, and cold conditions. Provide superior traction and shorter braking distances in winter weather.

• All-season tyres: A convenient compromise, designed for year-round safety in mild climates — though not as specialised as summer or winter tyres in extreme conditions.

7. Original Equipment (OE) Tyres

Every new car is fitted with Original Equipment tyres — selected by the manufacturer to complement that model’s suspension, performance, and comfort profile. OE tyres undergo rigorous testing and may be a custom version of an existing tyre line.

When replacing, sticking with OE-approved tyres ensures you retain the same ride and handling characteristics your car was designed for.

8. Where to Buy New Tyres

Visit your local Continental dealer for expert advice and fitting. Trained technicians can:

• Recommend the best tyres for your vehicle and climate,

• Ensure correct installation, balancing, and alignment, and

• Safely dispose of your old tyres in an environmentally responsible way.

Summary: Your Tyre Buying Roadmap