Dos and Don’ts of Buying New Tyres

Buying new tyres can seem like a daunting task, with so many things to take into consideration. Tyres are such an integral part of your vehicle, meaning that choosing the correct ones is vitally important.

From deciding when you need new tyres on your car, to the choosing of the tyres themselves, there are various steps to take in order to make sure that you drive away happy. To help you through this minefield, here are some simple dos and don’ts to help you make the right decisions when buying new tyres.

Don’ts for Buying Tyres


Don’t underspend – Although it can be tempting to go for the cheapest tyres, it is important not to underspend on your tyres, and end up with something that doesn’t perform in the long run. You may also be tempted to buy part-worn tyres to save some money, but safety can often be an issue with low tread depths offering inferior grip on the roads. Premium tyres such as those from Bridgestone may be more expensive than mid-range or budget brands, but premium tyres tend to last longer, making them more economical.

Plus, premium tyres offer better performance, reduced road noise, lower wear and tear and improved stopping distances.

Don’t overspend – While you’re trying not to underspend and buy cheap tyres that don’t perform as well, you should also watch out not to overspend by paying more than you need to. With so many places claiming to offer the lowest prices on tyres, it is hard to know where to turn.

At Asda Tyres, we regularly check our prices to ensure we’re offering the best prices possible to our customers. Offering big name brands at low Asda prices means you can shop with us confidently. We also throw in local fitting with your price, so you can be sure you’re not spending more than you need to.

Dos for Buying Tyres


Do have an understanding of tyre features – It is incredibly useful to have at least a basic understanding of tyre features so that you know exactly what you are buying. For instance, you should learn a little bit about the difference between summer and winter tyres, so that you can make an informed decision.

It’s also useful to understand that tyres have a fuel economy rating, wet performance rating, and a noise level score. Being aware of these will help you to understand how different tyres will perform on the roads, and how this affects the price of your tyre. For example, if you look at Bridgestone’s T001 tyre, you can see the various ratings to help you decide which tyres will suit your exact needs and requirements.

Do select the right tyre size – Unfortunately, it can be quite common for motorists to accidentally select the wrong tyre size when buying online. To make sure you don’t do this, be sure to double check your tyre size and order the correct tyres.

Your tyre size is printed onto the side of the tyre, on the sidewall. It is made up of a series of numbers and letters and is broken down into width, profile, rim size and speed rating. The width is shown in centimetres, and the profile is simply the height of the tyre’s sidewall as a percentage of the width. The rim size is the diameter of the tyre’s inner rim in inches and the final three figures show the load rating of the tyre, and then the speed rating.

Do consider economy – When you buy new tyres, you should think a little bit about the economy and how you can save money by selecting high-quality tyres. As mentioned earlier, premium tyres generally last longer than cheaper ones, meaning you don’t have to shell out for new tyres as often.

Additionally, tyres such as the Ecopia EP150, from the Bridgestone Ecopia range, are designed to reduce rolling resistance. Low rolling resistance leads to reduced fuel consumption, which will save you money. Plus, they also help to reduce CO2 emissions, so you’re doing your bit for the environment too.

Do buy at the right time – Just because the legal tread depth for tyres in the UK is 1.6mm, that doesn’t mean that tyres with this tread depth are safe. It is recommended that you change your tyres much earlier than this, to make sure you have enough grip on the road to stop safely in all weather conditions. Replacing tyres at the right time can save lives, so make sure you check your tyre tread depth regularly. To do this, you can use the 20p test. This involves pushing a 20p coin into the main tread grooves of your tyre. If the outer band of the 20p is visible, your tyre tread depth is too low.

Do think about fitting – Ordering your new tyres is only half the battle. You also need to think about your tyre fitting and whether you can get a reliable service that is convenient for you. With most people managing very busy schedules, finding time to get your tyres fitted and a friendly service you can trust, can be difficult.

With Asda Tyres, we have a network of local tyre fitters in all major UK towns and cities. When you order tyres with us, you can select your preferred tyre fitter at a date and time that suits you. We make ordering and fitting tyres simple and easy.

Do maintain your new car tyres – Once you have had your new tyres fitted, there are a number of things you can do to maintain your tyres, making them last longer. Be sure to check the tread depth, tyre pressure and general wear and tear regularly. You can also make sure your wheels stay aligned, and you maintain good driving habits.

For more helpful tips and advice about our tyres, visit our help and advice centre or talk to one of our experts online.

You may also like