When it comes to looking after our car most of us are pretty good at keeping on top of the standard procedures. Oil, water, brakes; these are the basics for road safety, right? Wrong. Your car’s tyres act as one of the most significant features on your car keeping you and your loved ones safe and comfortable on the road. Over the years cars have evolved to include amazing safety features and can now even drive themselves. But when we think about it, what is the use in investing in supersonic braking technology if your tyres lack the resilience and grip to make the most of them?

So, when it comes to buying safe tyres what are the major areas that need to be considered:

1. Tyre specification
When designing your car, the manufacturer will have put much consideration into the tyre and wheel size to ensure maximum performance and safety. Buying the wrong size tyres, therefore, will hinder your car’s performance. If you are unsure which tyre specs you need your previous tyre should have all the information scripted into it. You should also check your tyre placard or your car’s manual for specific information for your vehicle. Tyres and More stock around 50 types of tyres that come in a variety of sizes, specifically designed to fit onto cars, four-wheel drives, light trucks, utes and vans to ensure that you are provided with a tyre that safely fits your vehicle.

2. Tread Design / Grip Performance
This is something not to be compromised. The tread on your tyre is the only point of contact with the road, so tread performance is paramount. Your tyres’ grip is what is keeping you where you need to be on the road. Poor grip will result in reduced braking time, skidding and a general reduction in control. Some treads are better suited for wet and cold weather, whereas different depths and patterns are more beneficial in dry, warm conditions. Tyres and More offer a variety of different tyres which feature different tread designs to suit your needs and lifestyle. Speak to one of our specialists to find your perfect tyre.

3. Tyre Lifespan 
Traditionally, soft compound tyres gripped the road but wore out in a short time while hard compound tyres lacked grip but lasted a long time.

The advancements in tyre technology, coupled with decades of experience, have allowed tyre manufacturers to provide high performing and fuel efficient tyres that are long lasting and don’t lack grip. Tyres and More are backed by some of the world’s leading tyre specialists, such as Yokohama, providing only top quality tyres to ensure maximum safety.

The Stats

Poor tyres play a major part in road accidents. Last year alone, there were 1,155 fatalities on the road throughout Australia. American government lead agency, the National Highway Safety Administration (NHSA), conducted a study on the part a tyre plays in road accidents confirming your tyres’ significance when it comes to road safety. The study concluded that only 2.4% of tyre related car accidents occurred when the tyres had near-full tread, compared to a shocking 26% of accidents involving cars with worn tyres.

Although tyre pressure isn’t usually a concern when purchasing a new tyre, it is important to keep on top of. According to NHSA, over or under inflated tyres are more than three times more likely to be involved in a tyre related car accident that those than have been properly maintained (with risk of bursting or running flat).

Why Tyres Matter

Tyres have four main functions:
1. To support the car and its/ your weight.
2. To absorb road shocks – acting as a spring to increase comfort.
3. To transmit traction and braking forces
4. To steer your car

Buying quality tyres, therefore, not only reduces your risk of having a road accident but will also improve the performance, comfort and cost of your drive. Tyres and More expert tyre fitters offer free tyre checks to ensure that you are kept safe on the road as ultimately, no matter how good or expensive your actual car is, it’s overall performance comes down to the quality of your tyres.

Article first published by Tyres & More