here are three ways that you can buy a tyre in the UK. Either you can visit a dealer franchise,  a tyre specialist or you can order it online. Out of the three options, buying tyres online is much cheaper in comparison. Not only can you save a lot of money by buying your tyres online, but you can also choose from a wide range of products. Most online tyre dealers will orgaise for the tyres ordered to be fitted at a local company to you. There are no real disadvantages to buying tyres online as if you are unsure, most online retailers offer a helpline or chat facility to allow you to check your requirements.

Select suitable tyres

When choosing a tyre online, make sure that you choose only those tyres that are suitable for the vehicle you own, for safety reasons. Using unsuitable tyres for your vehicle decreases its handling capability and puts you at risk of an accident. Also, this can nullify your vehicle insurance. Make sure you read the vehicle handbook that came with your vehicle as it mentions your vehicle’s tyre details.

Check existing tyres for more details

If you are unable to find the vehicle manufacturer handbook,  you can find the same details on your existing tyres. Look out for a series of letters and numbers along the sides of the existing tyres. These letters and numbers will be in a certain format like 215/60 R16 Z. The initial numbers (in this case 215/60) represents the width of the tyre and a profile of its side wall. The letter (in this case R) specifies whether the tyre is a cross ply or radial. The next number (here 16) denotes the tyre rim’s diameter in inches. The last letter (here Z) indicates the speed rating of the tyre.

Though it is not important to know what these measurements imply, it will be useful knowledge when you buy your tyres online as they will ask you to provide these aforementioned specifications. It helps the online dealer provide you with a wide selection of tyres that match your vehicle’s specifications.

Brand does not matter

You could buy any tyre that fits your specifications and use them on your vehicle. Although many people think that they should use same brand of tyres that came with their vehicle, you can still buy another brand as each tyre company makes the tyres that fit all vehicles. You even have a choice to select a tyre that suits your driving requirements.

Most of the online tyre sellers include the fitting, balancing and VAT charges in the prices that they advertise on their website. However, be wary of certain online sellers who do not include these charges. When you are buying a tyre online, do not fall for an attractive price that does not include these charges or you may end up paying more.