Tyre selecting guide
What type of tyre do I need?
Choosing the right tyres can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options available for today’s wide variety of cars. Our tyre selection guide walks you through everything you need to know, from understanding tyre sizes to matching your tyres to your driving style, so you can confidently pick the perfect set for your vehicle.
Things to consider when choosing tyres:
The tyres you need depend on several key factors, including:
- How you use your vehicle.
- The correct tyre size.
- Your annual mileage.
- The weather conditions you most often drive in.
Understanding these elements will help you choose tyres that deliver the right balance of safety, performance, and longevity.
1. Driving style
Your driving style plays a major role in selecting the right tyres. High-performance vehicles require tyres engineered for speed, precision, and grip, while family cars benefit from tyres designed for comfort, stability, and everyday reliability.
Aggressive driving, such as sharp cornering or carrying excess weight, can wear down tyre treads more quickly and shorten their lifespan. If you’re a more assertive driver, you may want to consider firmer tyres that offer increased durability. However, keep in mind that harder compounds typically provide less grip, so the best choice depends on the driving experience you prefer.
2. Tyre sizing
Checking your tyre’s sidewall gives you all the essential information you need about size. The numbers and letters shown indicate:
- The tyre’s width: 215mm.
- Aspect ratio: 55.
- Construction: ZR (a high-performance tyre).
- Rim diameter: 17 inches.
- Load index: 94.
- Speed rating: W (approved to reach up to 168mph)
Once you’ve confirmed the correct size for your vehicle, you can start comparing additional features that matter to your driving needs.
National Tyres also offers a free tyre check, where we can talk you through your tyre size, pressure, tread depth and overall safety requirements.
Even if your everyday car doesn't use high-performance tyres like the example... the sizing guide is the exact same!
3. Tread Patterns
Tread patterns play a crucial role in tyre performance and influence:
- How comfortable your ride feels.
- How well your car absorbs vibrations from uneven roads.
- How efficiently your vehicle uses fuel.
- The level of road noise you hear inside the cabin, affecting the comfort of your ride.
To help motorists make informed choices, tyres now feature an EU tyre label that rates rolling resistance, external noise and wet-grip performance. These ratings make it easier to compare tyres and understand how tread design impacts overall driving quality.
Ultimately, the tread pattern you choose can significantly change how your tyres perform in real-world conditions.
4. Seasonal tyres:
Weather is one of the most important factors when selecting tyres. Different tyres are engineered for different temperatures and conditions - from hot summer roads to icy winter surfaces. Many drivers now choose all-season tyres, which offer reliable performance across a wide range of climates.
Summer tyres
Designed for temperatures above 7°C, summer tyres deliver excellent grip on dry and wet roads. Their softer rubber compound provides strong traction in warm weather. However, once temperatures drop below 7°C, the rubber hardens, reducing performance, especially in wet conditions.
All-season tyres
All-season tyres are increasingly popular thanks to their versatility. They perform well in summer, handle wet roads confidently, and can even manage light snow. Comfort, noise levels and safety remain strong, though braking distances may increase slightly compared to summer tyres once temperatures rise above 7°C.
Winter tyres
Winter tyres come in two types for UK roads:
1. Tyres for snow and ice (marked with a snowflake symbol).
2. Tyres for mud and snow (marked with M+S).
Winter tyres feature deeper treads for improved grip in cold, slippery conditions. They also contain more natural rubber, which stays flexible in low temperatures, helping maintain traction when you need it most.
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Use our Tyre Selector Chart to quickly identify the best tyre type for your vehicle, driving style and typical weather conditions.
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