All about tyres
Tyres, without them we quite literally wouldn’t be driving anywhere! Which is why it’s really important to look after them to enjoy their life span to the fullest, as well as choosing the right type of tyre for your vehicle.
As we all know, tyres aren’t always cheap to replace. They can cost anywhere from a reasonable £50 per tyre, to an extremely pricey fee of over £600 per tyre depending on the brand and make/model of your car.
So what do you need to know about tyres?
On the face of it, a tyre is simply a rubber ring filled with air, but it is so much more complex than that. Tyres come in different sizes and tread types, each designed to tackle varying conditions when it comes to weather and driving surfaces.
Each type of tyre is distinguishable by its tread pattern, which can vary depending on its desired use. Using the correct type of tyre for your vehicle can greatly increase your handling on the roads and prove much safer too.
How long a set of tyres will last entirely depends on how, where and when your vehicle is driven. Generally, your front tyres should last at least 20,000 miles of driving distance, whereas rear tyres usually last double that, so expect around 40,000 miles of use.
What are the different types of tyres?
Although most of us tend to stick with one set of tyres throughout all seasons, in fact there are a variety of tyres designed for different vehicles and driving conditions. Are you familiar with them all?
- All-season tyres for evenly moderate climate conditions all-year-round.
- Summer tyres for mostly dry and warm conditions.
- Winter tyres for wet, cold and snowy conditions.
- Run-flat tyres which are the same as traditional tyres, but with a reinforced interior wall.
- 4x4 tyres designed specifically for use on 4x4s and SUVs.
- Reinforced tyres for use on larger vehicles carrying heavy loads.
- Van tyres for use on commercial vehicles.
- Caravan and motorhome tyres for added sturdiness when towing.
What are the different types of tyre tread?
We all know not to let our tyre tread wear thin, but are you aware how the tread on your tyres can make a big difference to how your car performs?
- A symmetrical tyre tread is so-called because the pattern on the outside of the tyre matches the inside. These standard tyres can be used on the front or rear of the car, so they usually prove cheaper to buy.
- An asymmetrical tyre tread features a different pattern on the outside of the tyre compared to the inside. These are more premium rated tyres that are specifically designed for the front or rear of the car.
- A directional tyre tread features an arrow-like formation. It is designed to perform particularly well in wet weather or challenging conditions due to the gripping ability.
Tips for a longer tyre life
The better your driving style and the more care and attention you pay your tyres, the longer they will last. Check out our top tips for a longer tyre life...
- Regularly check your tyre pressure to ensure they are correctly inflated.
- Visually inspect your tyres on a regular basis for any abnormalities or damage.
- Ensure your tyres are correctly aligned as this can cause uneven wear.
- Take care when parking alongside pavements and kerbs - bumps and scrapes can be costly when damage is caused.
- Drive more considerately - accelerate and brake gently where possible and reduce your speed around corners.
- Lighten the load - excess weight will increase wear and tear on your tyres over time.
Warranty plans for used cars
Here at Warranty First, our aim is to keep you on the road for longer. We’re trusted as a leading used car warranty provider and are proud to have an excellent Trustpilot rating to match.
Discover a warranty perfect for you; we offer three levels of cover so that you can choose a plan that matches your vehicle and your budget. From Dynamic Cover to Premier Cover through to Exclusive Cover, when it comes to warranties, we’ve got you covered!