Thinking that there aren’t choices to make when it comes to tyre brands is like saying you shouldn’t have a preference of shoes — just because they all go on your feet. You only get two feet in this life (three if you’re a really bad dancer), so you want to look after them with the best shoe options that work for you — right?
Tyre types are manufactured with specifics for a wide variety of vehicles. Think about it: would a Polo Vivo tyre work on Porsche Cayenne? Each car is its own perfectly packaged design with the right tyres for its size and specs. And then within the right types of car tyres, you get different tread patterns for optimal seasonal performance. These are important options for drivers in countries like Europe, North America and Canada who experience more extremes when it comes to weather patterns.
Types Of Car Tyres & Tyre Brands
Based on snow and sleet, tyre brands in those regions give customers the options between winter and summer tyres respectively, each designed to cope with the ways in which the seasons impact the roads and driving conditions.
More commonly known and enjoyed here in South Africa are what our Northern Hemisphere counterparts would refer to as “all season tyres.” These tyre types are constructed using a combination of summer and winter tyre technology, providing adequate performance in all seasonal conditions.
How do I know which tyre fits my car?
Avoid part worn tyre types at all costs. Sure, there are deals to be done when times are tough and budgets are tight… but priorities are about perspective! You wouldn’t want someone who did half a medical degree performing your open heart surgery, would you? Your tyres are the most integral connection between you and the road, with so much of your driving experience and safety depends on them.
The way you enjoy and experience your car is unique to you. Setting off in your Subaru Outback, Forester or XV for a trip over one of the many breath-taking mountain passes our beautiful country has to offer… and then getting a puncture is bound to be a mood killer of note!
Run flat tyre types have become increasingly popular, but not a sure-win to all. There are pros and cons.
What is a run-flat tyre?
It’s a zero-pressure tyre that can support the weight of your car for a short time, providing the driver with ±100 kilometres of range (so that you can get to a tyre repair shop). The tyre’s sidewalls are heavily reinforced to support the vehicle when the air pressure is low or even when the tyre has lost all its pressure.
It’s an incredible invention, but you should be cognizant of the pros and cons.
The cons about buying a car with fitted run-flat tyres is that:
- you don’t get a spare
- replacing them can be expensive
- you will need to pay closer attention to tyre pressure as depleted pressure won’t be as obvious
Car enthusiasts like yourself might want to explore high performance tyre types — especially if you’re one of our WRX or WRX STI drivers. High performance tyres have been optimised to provide a quick response, enhanced grip and the ability to cope with speed. Combine that with our All-Wheel Drive technology and superior safety, and it sounds like a match made in heaven, right?
Which tyre brand is best for my car?
Be sure you’re making an informed decision when it comes to the tyre types you go for when yours need replacing.
Subaru equips its cars with 14- to 19-inch tyre sizes. A few sample sizes are: 175/65 R14, 205/70 R15, 215/65 R16, 205/50 R16, 215/45 R17, 225/45 R18, 245/45 R19. Subaru partners with numerous tyre manufacturers, and our models are commonly fitted with Michelin, Pirelli, Bridgestone, Goodyear and Continental tyres.
Sometimes, too many options can be confusing, or the guy at the tyre shop who looks like he combed his hair with a banana isn’t as convincing as you’d hoped. Call us on +27 11 608 0116 or email info@subaru.co.za with any questions or concerns you have about which tyre brands are right for you, and we’d be glad to help.
And if you haven’t discovered what a beautiful combination tyres and Subaru make for a driving experience that’s simply Confidence in Motion, find your nearest dealership and book your test drive today.
