Manufacturers often have a preferred supplier for tyres and this may vary by model and by year of model. 

It is always better to replace tyres in pairs so that they are the same on the same axle.

It is better to stick to the same tyre that the manufacturer recommends as this can affect handling, economy and performance. Not all tyres are the same - some are harder, wear longer but give less comfortable and more noisy rides, for example.

Talk to a professional tyre fitter if you want to know about the tyres you are fitting.

The law in the UK requires that: "The grooves of the tread pattern must be at least 1.6mm deep throughout a continuous band comprising the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre, and round the entire outer circumference of the tyre". The Police, the RAC and others recommend a minimum tread depth of 2mm, as 2mm is considered to be the minimum efficiency for dispersing water. But tyre manufacturers recommend as much as 3mm depending on the make and model of vehicle

Speed Symbol Ratings

T

H

V

W

Y

ZR

mph

to 118

to 130

to 149

to 168

to 186

149+

kph

to 190

to210

to240

to 270

to 300

240+

Sidewall Markings

225

/55

R

16

82

V

Normal section width in millimetres

Ratio between height and width (aspect ratio)

Radial tyre construction

Rim diameter in inches

Load carrying capacity index per tyre

Speed symbol-tyre's maximum speed

Manufacturers Links

www.uk.pirelli.com

Years ago, it was possible to buy a lower performance 'cross ply' tyre, but all production cars are today fitted with steel radial tyres.