Buying tyres online is a convenient and money-saving way to maintain your vehicle’s safety and performance on New Zealand’s roads. When it’s time to replace your tyres due to tyre’s tread wear or reaching the legal minimum tread depth, there are important considerations. It’s vital to choose the correct tyre size, ensure it has the right tyre speed rating, tyre load rating, and select an appropriate tread pattern. These factors are crucial when purchasing tyres online in NZ to guarantee your vehicle performs well and stays safe on the road.
Step 1: Know Your Vehicle’s Tyre Size
Before you start shopping for tyres online, it’s essential to understand what your vehicle’s tyre size is. This information can usually be found in your vehicle’s owner’s manual or on the sidewall of your current tyres. The tyre size typically includes a combination of numbers and letters, such as 215/60R16. Here’s what they mean:
How to read your tyre size
215 -
Overall width of the tyre in millimeters
60 -
Height of the tyre sidewall as a percentage. In this case, the height of sidewall is 60% of 215mm
R -
Radial Construction
16 -
Rim diameter in inches
95 -
Load Rating of the tyre. This determines how much load each tyre can carry. Check your Load Rating
H -
Speed Rating indicates the maximum speed for the tyre. Check your Speed Rating
Step 2: Check Your Tyre Speed Ratings
Tyre speed ratings indicate the maximum speed a tyre can safely handle without losing performance or safety characteristics. Speed ratings are usually represented by a letter code, such as “H” or “T.” Here’s a quick overview:
H (up to 130 mph – 210km/h): Found on sports cars and high-performance sedans.
L (up to 75 mph – 120km/h): Found on Off-road & light truck.
R (up to 106 mph – 170km/h): Found on heavy duty light truck.
S (up to 112 mph – 180km/h): Suitable for everyday driving and common on family sedans
T (up to 118 mph – 190km/h): Good for family sedans and minivans
V (up to 149 mph – 240km/h): Typically used on high-performance and luxury vehicles
W (up to 168 mph – 270km/h): Found on sports cars and supercars
Y (up to 186 mph – 300km/h): Used on high-performance and exotic cars
Choosing the right speed rating is essential for your safety and the proper functioning of your vehicle. It’s best to stick with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Step 3: Check Your Tyre Load Ratings
Tyre load ratings indicate the maximum weight a tyre can carry safely. This is crucial for ensuring your vehicle can carry the intended load without putting excess stress on the tyres. Load ratings or known as load index are typically represented by a two- or three-digit number on the sidewall of the tyre. It’s essential to match the tyre load rating also known as the tyre load index of your car tyres to your vehicle’s specific requirements.
Step 4: Understand Tread Patterns
Tread patterns play a significant role in a tyre’s performance and suitability for different driving conditions. There are three main types of tread patterns: directional, non-directional and asymmetric.
It is important to ensure that the tread patterns on your tyre are fitted on the same axle to maintain proper performance and avoid uneven wear.
For example, you cannot have one directional and one non-directional tread pattern on the same axle, as this can lead to handling issues and compromised safety.
Ready To Purchase?
When buying tyres online, ensure you select the correct tyre size, consider tyre speed rating, and tyre load rating, and choose a suitable tread pattern based on your driving needs. By following these steps, you can easily place your online order with confidence from the comfort of your home.
Now that you are confident you can buy tyres online, simply add your perfect tyres to your cart, select your local fitter, book a time with them and they’ll take care of the rest!
At the checkout, you can select your payment method to complete your order and fill in your billing details. Don’t forget to double-check your order to make sure everything is correct.
As for delivery and fitting, once you’ve completed the checkout process, you can choose to have the tyres delivered to your doorstep or to a nearby fitter of your choice. If you opt for one of our partner fitters, you will receive an email with details to book a time with your fitter at your own convenience. Your fitter will handle the fitting, balancing, and disposal of your tyres. No extra cost or extra work for you! Job done!
Buying tyres online is a straightforward and hassle-free process with us. We prioritise time, quality and offer premium tyres without any compromise.
Are you ready to make your next tyre purchase? If you need any assistance, reach out to our experts today at Tyre Shop Online!
Happy Motoring!