Size first, brand second
If the sidewall reads 205/55R16 91V, that is the starting point: width, profile, construction, rim diameter, load and speed. We can read it off the car in minutes. Copy that code exactly when you enquire, or we will read it off the car.
Irish roads are wet more often than they are dry. The EU tyre label’s wet-grip grade is the one we look at before the rolling-resistance letter. An A or B in the wet on a family car is worth more in Waterford than a loud performance tyre with a D. Noise figures matter on a long motorway commute; they matter less on a van that already rattles.
Premium, mid-range and value
Because we are independent we are not paid to push one factory. Premium Michelin, Continental, Pirelli and Bridgestone lines tend to last longer and brake shorter in the wet. Mid-range Uniroyal, Hankook, Firestone and Goodyear are what a lot of family cars leave on. Value lines exist for short-term cars. We will tell you if that is the sensible spend.
Vans and 4x4s need the right load index and, for off-road, the right terrain. Commercial trailer and truck sizes are a Newrath conversation.
When to stop driving on them
Replace when the tread is at or near 1.6 mm, or earlier if the shoulders are gone, the sidewall is cut, or the tyre is more than ten years old. Uneven wear is usually alignment, not a “bad brand”. Fix the tracking or you will buy the same tyre twice.
Send the size on an enquiry if you already know it. Ask us to inspect the others, check tracking, or quote a mixed axle if you do not. You pay in the workshop, not here.
Questions we get at the counter
Is 1.6 mm enough in the wet?
It is the legal minimum in Ireland. On a soaked N25 we would rather see closer to 3 mm. We will measure it and tell you honestly.
Do I have to buy four?
Not always. Two is common. New ones go on the rear. Four is cleaner if the others are close to the limit.
Send an enquiry
If you want us to read the size off the car, or quote a set, make an enquiry. We call you back. You pay in the workshop, not here.