The Ultimate Guide to Choosing SUV Tyres: What You Need to Know

Monday 17 June 2024

It’s best to conduct thorough research before buying tyres regardless of the vehicle type, but it’s especially important when buying for an SUV. After all, many people buy their SUVs with visions of taking their vehicle on adventures, and, for that, dedicated SUV tyres will likely be required.

If you’re looking for advice on how to choose SUV tyres for your vehicle, then this is just the page you need. In this SUV tyre guide, we’ll run through the best SUV tyres depending on requirements, and offer a bunch of handy tips for choosing SUV tyres. By the end of the article, you should have everything you need to make an informed choice — though if you need additional help, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team here at All Coast Tyres.

Understanding SUV Tyres

As we said above, standard tyres usually aren’t appropriate for SUVs. After all, SUVs tend to have a non-standard shape, plus they usually weigh much more than your everyday vehicle. Throw in an understanding of how people use their SUVs — or at least wish to — and it becomes clear that standard tyres just won’t cut the mustard.

SUV tyres are usually divided into three types: All-Season, All-Terrain, and Mud-Terrain.

• All-Season: Can be used all year round.
• All-Terrain: Can be used in urban and more adventurous environments.
• Mud-Terrain: Designed for off-roading.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Tyres

There are a lot of SUV tyre options out there, but when you break it down, you’ll probably find that there’s a particular type of tyre that makes sense for your needs. For instance, you’ll need to find a tyre type that makes sense for the size of your SUV; there’s a big difference in the weight between a small SUV and a full-sized SUV, so choosing tyres that can support the weight is paramount.

You’ll also need to think about where and how you usually drive your SUV. A symmetrical tread pattern, for instance, offers enhanced driving performance on dry roads, while directional patterns provide superior grip in rainy conditions. Keep in mind to look at the load rating (how much weight the tyres can bear) and speed rating (the speed at which the wheels can rotate when at full weight) when selecting your tyres.

Benefits of High-Quality SUV Tyres

As you’ll see during your research into SUV tyres, not all options are created equal. Some attract a higher price tag than others, and that’s not by accident. Better quality tyres offer a range of advantages, including better fuel efficiency, better off-road capabilities, and enhanced safety.

Superior tyres tend to offer a better driving experience across all vehicle types, allowing the driver to maintain greater control of their vehicle. It is usually pretty easy to tell the difference between standard and quality tyres. Plus, those better SUV tyres can prove to be a good investment in the long run, since reduced wear-and-tear means they last longer than cheaper tyres.

Tyre Maintenance and Care

Your SUV tyres won’t last forever. At some point, they’ll need to be replaced. If you’ve had them for years and you’re beginning to notice decreased driving performance, there are foreign objects in the wheel, or it’s just showing obvious signs of wear and time, then it’ll be time to replace your tyres.

Still, while you’ll have to replace them at some point, with proper care you can extend the life of your SUV tyres. Three recommended tips include:

• Regular Rotation: Rotate your tyres once a year.
• Balancing: Using a tyre balancing service will ensure your tyres are correctly aligned.
• Proper Inflation: Maintaining correct tyre pressure will prevent undue stress on your tyres.

Best Practices for Buying SUV Tyres

All SUV tyres may look the same to the untrained eye, but keep in mind that quality can vary significantly. Also, remember that if a price seems too good to be true, then it probably is; it won’t seem like such a good deal if you have to replace the tyre much earlier than expected. Researching the tyre’s warranty will give a good indication of how long the tyre will realistically last.

It’s nearly always best to buy SUV tyres from an experienced, reputable seller. Not only will they know which tyres you need based on your vehicle model and your driving habits, but they’ll also be able to install the tyres for you.

Conclusion

As we’ve seen, taking the time to carefully choose the right SUV tyres for your needs is paramount. In doing so, you’ll be doing your bit to ensure that your vehicle’s performance levels and safety credentials are as robust as possible.

By keeping the above tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way towards making an informed decision. If you have any doubts whatsoever, then it’s best to consult with the experts. If you’d like personalised assistance in selecting the right SUV tyres, don’t hesitate to visit one of our tyre shops. We have a large selection of SUV tyres in stock and would be delighted to select and install the tyres that enhance your driving experience.