Choosing your Tyres

Alastair Reid Garages can provide you with tyres to suit all vehicles, driving conditions and budgets. Being an independent garage Alastair Reid are able to purchase tyres from all manufacturers that supply the UK market including Michelin, Avon, Bridgstone, Continental, Dunlop, Firestone, Goodyear, Pireilli and many other well-known brands. The advice you receive from our qualified technicians will ensure you get the ideal tyre for your needs.

Having the correct tyres on your vehicle will significantly improve safety, performance and passenger/driver comfort while driving. Many people make the decision on tyres based on price alone, while this may be a factor in the decision there are so many other things to consider.

When choosing a tyre for your vehicle there are 2 factors to consider and take into account. These are factors related to the vehicle and the driving conditions in which tyres are used; the second set of factors are the specification of the tyres needed.

Car and driving related factors are;

• The manufacturers recommendations for tyres
• Any special driving conditions such as off-road or winter driving
• The expected level of usage, i.e. occasional or high volume use
• Personal preference in tyre design, e.g. low profile
• Choice of specific manufacturer of tyres

Considerations for the tyre are

Tyre Size

• Speed rating based on the driving you are likely to be undertaking
• Tread pattern
• Performance of the tyre
• Durability of the tyre

The new labelling system makes it easier to make tyres comparisons, showing performance and other factors on the tyre label.

Detailed considerations

Tyre size – this is normally well defined by the vehicle manufacturer. You must buy the correct tyre size for your vehicle. The tyre size quoted by the manufacturer will normally contain 3 numbers that define the diameter, wall and width of the tyres. Your vehicle will be designed to run on a tyre of certain sizes and any deviation from this will seriously impact safety and performance.

Driving locations – if you drive most of your mileage in urban areas, then you would choose a different tyre from someone who drives 90% on motorways. If you intend to spend time driving off-road then you will need a tyre that is suitable for this type of driving. Alastair Reid Garages are happy to advise on the best tyre suitable for the driving you undertake.

Performance Tyres - improve road holding and performance of a vehicle, designed for sports cars where this is important. The trade off is that these tyres lack durability and tend to wear much quicker than general tyres.

Special surfaces – if you are likely to be driving often on certain surfaces such as snow, wet, off-road then you may wish to consider a suitable tyre. These tyres improve the performance and safety on these surfaces, but tend to perform poorly under general driving conditions.

Whatever your tyre needs the Alastair Reid Garages will be happy to help you find the ideal solution for your vehicle, driving and budget.