To make the correct choice of tyre for your car, you need to determine the type of roads you'll be driving on and the seasonal extremes you may face.

Each tyre tread design has its merits and demerits -an example of matching your tyres to your car would be to consider all-purpose tyres for an RV or 4WD vehicle.

The order in which tire grip increases and highway ride quality decreases is HT (highway-tread), AP (all-purpose), AT (all-terrain), and MT (mud-terrain).

How to choose a car tyre

Usually, the tyre size you take off your car is the same size your car needs but if you're unsure, you can always use the car's owner's manual or placard to confirm it. After you know the exact specs of the tyre you need to buy, you need to know what season you will face the most. If you meet a lot of rainfall or snow, then all-season tyres might suit you the best. However, there is nothing that a quick Google search cannot help you determine. No tyre would be the perfect one, and anyone that tells you that is misguiding you. You will have to trade off one thing to get another.

How do I know what tyres to buy?

Each tyre has its purpose; highway terrains are built for ride comfort and are strictly for road use.

If you intend to head off-road a lot, mud-terrain tyre are a good choice as they have a much better grip and are built for driving on gravel, mud, sand, and any other off-road terrain.

All-terrain tyres are a good trade-off for road and off-road use.

If you face hot and cold climates equally, the best choice for you would be an all-season tyre. They are a great intermediate as they provide great wet and dry traction and decent grip on icy and snowy conditions.

What do the numbers and letters mean on tyres?

Let's take a tyre sized 175/60R13 86R as an example. The first number,175, refers to the width of the tyre in mm.

The second number,60, refers to the tyre's aspect ratio in terms of the sidewall size compared to the tire tread.

The letter 'R' that follows the number means radial construction. The number following 'R,' which is 13, refers to its internal diameter. The number 86 following that denotes the load that each tyre can bear.

Finally, the last 'R' on the number tells us the speed rating of the tyre.