How to Buy Tyres

 Before you buy new tires

First, experts say you must understand the kind of tire you need. Regular and high-performance all-season tires will satisfy the largest percentage of consumers, but models for SUVs and other trucks are different than those for cars and minivans. Ultra-high-performance summer tires are appropriate only if you're willing to sacrifice all-weather versatility, tread life and price to improve your car's acceleration and handling.

Choose a tire type and size to suit your vehicle and driving conditions:

    Standard all-season tires are best for most drivers. These tires offer overall good traction (especially in dry conditions), long tread wear and a comfortable ride at a reasonable price. They lack the precise handling and grip of performance all-season tires. Tread wear is between 40,000 and 100,000 miles, and wheel sizes generally range from 14 to 18 inches, with T and H speed ratings.

    High-performance all-season tires are best for those who want better handling and grip without giving up too much comfort and wear. Tread wear is 40,000 to 70,000 miles, and these tires are appropriate for wheel sizes from 15 to 20 inches. They carry speed ratings of H and V.

    Ultra-high-performance tires are for those who want the best wet and dry braking and handling at the expense of tread life. Summer tires are not appropriate for snow or ice. Most models have no tread-wear warranty at all, although our Best Reviewed Michelin Pilot Super Sport (*Est. $195) is covered for 30,000 miles. Wheel sizes range from 15 to 22 inches, with W, Y and Z speed ratings.

    Match new tire specifications to those of your existing tire. You'll need a tire that fits your existing wheels and has an adequate load rating for your vehicle. You'll find these specifications on your existing original tires or in your vehicle's manual.

    Proper inflation is critical. No tire will perform up to its capabilities if the proper level of inflation isn't maintained. To be sure that your tires are inflated to the correct levels, check your tire pressure monthly. Doing so will not only help ensure that your car performs properly, it will also help you achieve the best possible fuel economy. We discuss the benefits of monthly tire pressure checks in a blog post on how to choose the best tire gauge.

Understanding tire sizes and speed ratings

Tire sizes are represented by a ratio followed by a whole number. The ratio comprises the width in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall and the percentage of that width that makes up the profile (the distance between the rim and the outer edge of the tire); the whole number is the rim diameter in inches. A tire with a size of 215/60-16 is 215 mm wide, 129 mm (60 percent of 215) from the ground to the rim and is intended for a 16-inch wheel.

Tire manufacturers use letters to represent the maximum speed at which a tire should be driven. There are about 20 different speed ratings, but the most common are Q (up to 99 mph), S (up to 112 mph), T (up to 118 mph), H (up to 130 mph), V (up to 149 mph) and Z (149 mph and above). Some Z-rated tires have an extra rating to show that they can handle even faster speeds: W (up to 168 mph) or Y (up to 186 mph). Experts say that even if you have no intention of driving at speeds of 130 mph or more, tires with a high speed rating are also better performers at more mundane speeds. While snow tires and most all-season tires perform well with Q, S or T speed ratings, performance tires should have at least an H speed rating.

Be cautious when considering plus-sizing

An ongoing trend for car owners is to plus-size tires and wheels. Drivers buy larger wheels and shorter, wider tires. For example, if your car specifies a wheel size of 16 inches, increasing wheel size by one inch would result in a 17-inch wheel or Plus One for your vehicle. The tire you buy will then need to have a shorter sidewall, and usually a wider tread, to accommodate the same load and tire diameter.

Although many drivers are doing this for cosmetic reasons -- a larger wheel and narrower tire has a sportier look -- some experts say you can gain traction and handling by plus-sizing, because a wider tire can get a better grip. However, ConsumerReports.org says Plus One gains you the most benefit at the lowest price. Increasingly larger Plus Two or Plus Three wheels and wider tires cost exponentially more and offer smaller performance gain over Plus One. They also add some risks, ConsumerReports.org says:

    The wider a tire gets, the more likely it is to float -- not bite -- on wet or snowy roads.

    The shorter the sidewall, the less cushioning between the wheel and the road. In pothole tests, Plus Two and Plus Three tires damaged the wheels on a BMW 5-Series and a Honda Accord.

    Pickups and SUVs are more prone to rollover than other vehicles. "Grippier tires that respond more quickly to the steering wheel may increase the chance of a rollover," ConsumerReports.org says. Editors don't recommend plus-sizing for pickups or SUVs unless it's a factory option.

There are many considerations that will factor into a decision to plus-size. First, your car must be able to accommodate the additional offset of a wider tire. "Be wary of spacers, which retailers often sell as a way to make wheels fit by moving them out from the hub," ConsumerReports.org says. Also, you must be sure that the tire's load rating is at least the same as your factory-specified tire; the tire may require a pressure change to achieve that. The new wheels should be made specifically to fit your vehicle to prevent strain on the lug nuts and bolts. Experts advise buying from a dealer/installer with experience in plus-sizing who can identify the appropriate size options for your car.

Three new big hitters pack a punch as Mer-cedes-AMG Performance Tour goes another round at YAS

Abu Dhabi, UAE – Three thundering new models from Mercedes-Benz’ fierce Affalterbach division stepped into the ring at YAS this week, as the white-knuckle test drive experience that is the annual AMG Performance Tour returns in 2012 for another round. The newly launched trio of the E 63 AMG, SLK 55 AMG and ML 63 AMG packed a mighty punch at the hotly anticipated exclusive event, which for the last five years has invited media and motoring enthusiasts from across the region to live AMG’s brand claim of ‘Driving Performance’.

Capping a fleet that included the C 63 AMG, C 63 AMG Coupé, CLS 63 AMG, SLS AMG, and SLS AMG GT3, the potent new trio of AMG models headlined an impressive act. Taking place under lights, participants had a chance at the wheel whilst being advised by top track experts and racers to command the full power, poise and pace of AMG in an arena of adrenalin fuelled activities.

Fully demonstrating the tremendous capabilities of the new-born beasts, a ‘Performance Parcours’ area provided an opportunity to learn the techniques of handling in extreme conditions. A one-on-one ML 63 AMG drag-race and braking showdown pushed drivers to the limit, whilst SLS AMG GT3 ‘taxi rides’ allowed the brave to suit up in full racing kit for mind-warping hot laps with professional AMG drivers.

Briefing drivers before they put pedals to the metal, Frank Bernthaler, Director, Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars Middle East & Levant, said: “Featuring not one, not two, but three new models for the Middle East, this year’s AMG Performance Tour is one of the most immersive test drive events we have held for our loyal customers and partners in the region. Now in its fifth year, the 2012 inception of the tour race-starts our Year of the AMG strategy by putting our most valued drivers in the driving seats of these incredible precision machines, that with a roar of the accelerator can transform comfort and luxury to heart-pounding, thrill-seeking joy in an instant.”

The ML 63 AMG

With unparalleled ride comfort, and cavernous, high-quality luxury interiors, the newly launched ML 63 AMG uniquely embodies both Mercedes-Benz Middle East and Levant’s 2012 strategies of ‘The Year of the SUV’ and ‘Year of the AMG’, confidently conveying intent to meet performance with sophistication.

Driven by 525 horses and 700 Nm of torque, the ML 63 AMG 5.5 litre V8 bi-turbo engine, made famous by the award winning CLS 63 AMG, thunders it from 0-100km/h in a sports car beating 4.8 seconds. An optionally available AMG Performance package delivers a further 15hp and 70 Nm, allowing the luxury sports SUV to harness 557hp and 760nm to rocket to a century in a blistering 4.7 seconds.

The SLK 55 AMG

With an AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine developing a peak output of 422 hp, 540 Nm of torque, and accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds with a (electronically limited) top speed of 250 km/h, the SLK 55 AMG outperforms all of its direct competitors and takes its place as the most powerful SLK of all time.

The new top-of-the range AMG’s eye-catching and unmistakable expressive design demonstrates its individuality even at first glance. Distinctive AMG light-alloy wheels, specific AMG bodystyling with AMG spoiler lip and two chrome-plated twin tailpipes at the rear complement the classic roadster proportions, while adding a markedly athletic touch. High levels of driving dynamics are ensured thanks to the AMG sports suspension with Direct-Steer system, Torque Vectoring Brakes and 3-stage ESP®, as well as the AMG high-performance braking system.

The E 63 AMG

The Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG has always been the businessman’s dirty secret. A pinstriped wolf in sheep’s clothing, the thunderous AMG sports saloon masquerades as a refined and palatial vehicle for the corner-office elite. Yet beneath its distinguished exterior lies its true character; a huffing, snorting mechanical beast, ever-ready to devour its more placid contemporaries in the corporate lot with its roaring engine note and unmatched performance.

Packing the earth-shattering AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine, the base level E 63 AMG produces 525 hp and 700Nm of torque which can be called upon across the rev range between 1750 and 5000rpm. Combined with the optional AMG Performance package, these figures increase to 557 hp and 800 Nm, through 2000 to 4500 rpm. The E 63 AMG achieves exceptional performance: acceleration from zero to 100 km/h takes 4.3 and 4.2 seconds respectively, with an (electronically limited) top speed of 250 km/h.

BMW Motorsport and Castrol EDGE unveiled Augusto Farfus as the driver of Castrol EDGE BMW M3 DTM

BMW Motorsport and Castrol EDGE have unveiled Augusto Farfus as the driver of the Castrol EDGE BMW M3 DTM for the manufacturer’s first season in the championships for twenty years. The 28 year old Brazilian will be competing in the number 16 Castrol EDGE branded BMW M3 DTM for the eleven race events.

As Premier Technical Partner, Castrol has been a member of the BMW Motorsport family for many years. As well as working together on the commercial brands within the BMW group, both have a history of working together having teamed up across a number of motorsport properties including F1, the World Touring Car Championship, 24 hour racing, and motorcycle racing events.

Augusto Farfus, BMW DTM Driver, said: “Ever since my debut as a BMW driver in 2007, I have always enjoyed working with Castrol. A strong oil is very important in racing and you need to be confident that you can push your engine to the absolute maximum at any point during the race.”

“The DTM is a very competitive series and for this reason you’re never going to win anything unless you have great technical partners on board, so to have Castrol’s technical expertise is a real boost for the team.”

“Pre-season testing has gone really well and all the team are confident that we have the strength to compete at the top this season. Now I’m just looking forward to finally getting out there for my DTM debut and showing everyone what I can do.”

Donald Smith, Castrol Sponsorship Manager, said: “Everyone at Castrol is really happy to have Augusto behind the wheel of the new Castrol EDGE BMW M3 DTM for the 2012 season. We’ve worked closely with him before so we know how hard he works and most importantly what a strong driver he is.”

“The DTM really is one of the most spectacular racing series in Europe and pushes the drivers, teams and cars to the very limit. Our newly developed Castrol EDGE FST™ engine oil will help Augusto deliver maximum engine performance and will give the whole team the strength to perform at the highest level.”

 “Together with our long-term partner, BMW Motorsport, we are looking forward to the challenges ahead and will do everything in our power to ensure that BMW is able to triumph in the DTM as they have done in the past.”

Audi Q 3

he Audi Q3 (internally designated Typ 8U), is a five-door compact coupe crossover by Audi that debuted commercially in 2011. The car uses the Volkswagen Group A5 (PQ35) platform of the Volkswagen Golf Mk5, the same as the Volkswagen Tiguan/SEAT Tribu small SUVs. The Q3 slots above the proposed Audi Q1 mini crossover. Compared to the mid-luxury compact Q5 and full-size Q7 which are positioned more for family practicality and off-road performance, the Q3 is aimed as more of a lifestyle/sports automobile. It was launched in the same model year as the BMW X1, a similar competitor.

Mini Coupe 2012

With so many similarities to the hatchback, why stop now. Under the hood are three engine options, all of which are identical to the rest of the MINI lineup. A bit disappointing perhaps, but if Volkswagen can use its 2.0T motor in everything, then who’s to fault MINI for making full use of its 1.6?

In the base Copper model look for 121-hp and 114 lb-ft of torque delivering a 0-60 time of 8.5 seconds. Turbocharged Cooper S models make 181-hp and 177 lb-ft (192 with an overboost function) to deliver a 6.5 second time. And finally, the top-dog John Cooper Works model ups the power further to 208-hp and 192 lb-ft (207 in overboost), making it the fastest accelerating MINI ever with a 6.1 second 0-60 time. When compared to the hatch, these times are roughly a tenth or two quicker, adding a smidge more performance to back up the xy-chromosome styling.

MINI cleverly kept us away from the base Cooper model with what is sure to be underwhelming performance, although MINIs do have a tendency to feel faster than they are and even a base hard top model can deliver its share of thrills. Instead we tested both the Cooper S and JCW models – the latter looking particularly impressive with its custom 17-inch wheels and aero kit.