Tyre Buying Guide

When should I think about purchasing new tyres?

For the most enjoyable driving experience, it's important to replace worn tyres. Optimum traction helps provide responsive handling for a smooth, reliable ride. To determine when you should start shopping, follow these simple steps.

First, test the tread. Pinch an Elizabeth 20c coin between your thumb and forefinger, so that the top of Elizabeth’s head is showing.
Place the top of Elizabeth's head into one of the tyre tread grooves – try to measure at the deepest point within the tread.
If any part of Elizabeth's head is obscured by the tread, your tyres have enough tread. However, if you can see above Elizabeth's head, you're ready for a new tyre.
You should always check your tyres in several tread locations. Be sure to check the inner, outer, and middle grooves of each tyre, as tyres can wear differently on each side due to improper wheel alignment and/or low inflation.
For a free inspection by Hyper experts, visit our in store location.

What should I consider when choosing a tyre?

Below are a few considerations that make choosing a tyre simpler;

Look for tyres that excel in tests for braking, handling, and resistance to hydroplaning.
Tread style, ride comfort, noise, rolling resistance, and warranty can help narrow your choice. Comparative tread-life tests demonstrate that a manufacturer's warranty doesn't always reflect how a tyre will wear, but when used as an estimate, it's an important piece to review.
Choose a vehicle tyre based on where you live, weather and terrain issues, what performance expectations you have, and what your vehicle requires.

What can I do with old tyres?

Termed “End-of-Life Tyres,” 90% of old tyres are recycled for energy recovery in the U.S., Europe, and Japan, through the Tyre and Service Network. In New Zealand the disposal of your tyres can be recycled for flower planter boxes, tyre forts, attach chains to make swings for your children, stacked on top of one another for table legs, cut in half and turned into the Loch Ness monster and so on. On a serious note old tyres when taken off your car are then recycled with J & Laughton Shredding Services Ltd which uses the tyres for things such as: Drainage, backfill of retaining walls and as landfill cover

Why should I purchase four tyres at once?

For optimum handling and control, Hyper Drive recommends fitment of four tyres of the same type and size. Additional guidelines and recommendations:

All tyres on a vehicle should be of similar tread pattern, and have the same performance rating, speed rating, size, and construction, unless the vehicle was engineered for front and rear tyres of different sizes.
If purchasing fewer than four tyres, fit the newest tyres on the rear axle. Never mix sizes and types on the same axle.
If radials and non-radials must be fitted to the same vehicle, fit radials on rear axle.
When fitting snow tyres or all-weather tyres to performance vehicles, always fit in sets of four.

What are plus-size tires?

An option on many new car models or a later upgrade, the Plus One/Plus Two sizing concept retains the overall diameter of a vehicle's existing tyre and wheel assembly by increasing the wheel diameter and reducing the aspect ratio (sidewall height).
It's important to know that the plus-size tyre/wheel assembly:

Have the same revolutions per mile, so speedometer and odometer readings, gearing, and engine computers are virtually unaffected.
Offers higher levels of cornering power, increased steering response, and improved stability.
Must retain the original overall diameter and have enough clearance in the wheel well to accommodate its entire range of wheel/suspension travel and steering lock.

How should I store my tyres?

To protect your tyres from heat, light, moisture, ozone, and deformation during storage, remove the tyres from the vehicle, place them in plastic bags, and stack them in a cool, dark place. Leaving tyres on a vehicle in contact with the ground or other surface for an extended period can result in air loss and excessive deflection, which can cause permanent flat spots.

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If you are unsure about your tyres, talk to one of our experts at Hyper Drive anytime between
Monday & Friday 8am – 5pm
Saturday 9am – 1pm
0800 449 737