Ask an expert

I need to purchase 4 new tyres for my family vehicle, Toyota Ipsum. There is a huge amount of tyres to choose from and a corresponding large variation in price. Is there any way to know how many kilometres you might expect from one tyre vs another? I'm on a fairly budget but obviously don't want to buy the cheapest tyres if they will last only half the distance a medium priced tyre might. You help would be appreciated

Hi there, we recommend using Bridgestone/ Firestone tyres for best value for money and quality options available.
As far as longevity is concerned, there are too many variables to calculate a time period of how long a tyre would last. Tyre wear is dependant on the road surface, tyre pressures and conditions placed upon it during its life. Living in a hilly are with lots of winding roads would need regular tyre rotation and may use tyres faster than open motorway driving or flat towns. Tyres themselves usually have an indication on the side of tyre wear rating, you may use this as a test to compare.

Can you elaborate please on the tyre wear rating indicated on the side of the tyre? What numbers am I looking for and what do they mean? I would love to compare a $130 Starfire with a $220 Bridgestone. For 70% more cost am I going to travel 10, 20, or 50% further?

Treadwear Rating:
The treadwear grade is a comparative numerical rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 200 would wear twice as well on the course as a tire graded 100. The rating increases in 20-point increments. It is important to note that the true performance of a tire depends upon the actual conditions of its use. Actual conditions may depart significantly from the test conditions due to variations in driving habits, service practices and differences in road characteristics and climates.