Tyres are the only part of a car that actually touches the road, yet many drivers pick them based on price alone. The label on a new tyre contains useful information that can help you make a better choice.
Reading the size code
A code like 205/55 R16 91V tells you a lot. The 205 is the width in millimetres, 55 is the sidewall height as a percentage of the width, R means radial construction and 16 is the wheel diameter in inches. The 91 is the load index and V is the speed rating.
Fuel efficiency and wet grip
In many regions, tyres carry ratings for rolling resistance and wet braking. Lower rolling resistance means the car uses less energy to move. Wet grip is arguably the more important figure: the difference between the best and worst rating can mean several car lengths when braking hard on a rainy road.
Noise
The external noise rating, shown in decibels, matters if you spend a lot of time on motorways. A quieter tyre makes long journeys more pleasant and reduces road noise for people living near busy streets.
Check the date
Every tyre has a four-digit date code on its sidewall showing the week and year of manufacture. Rubber ages even when a tyre is not used, so avoid buying tyres that have been sitting in a warehouse for many years, and replace old tyres even if the tread still looks fine.