Tyre Types

Why are there different tyre types?

You might not have considered it before, but the type of tyre you choose for your vehicle significantly impacts its performance in various conditions. Every aspect, from the material to the tread design, is crucial in how your tyres grip the road.

Tyres are designed for many different types of vehicles and purposes, to provide the best possible performance for their intended circumstance.

The original tyres fitted to your vehicle are chosen during a joint consultation between vehicle and tyre manufacturers, where they will consider all aspects of the vehicle's performance before choosing tyres.

If you wish to change the tyre size or type of tyre fitted to your vehicle, you must first seek expert advice as the effect this will have on car handling and safety must be considered. You can buy tyres online with PTA.

All you need to do is enter your reg and find your local fast-fit centre to order your selected tyres.

Vehicle Tyres

At PTA, you’ll find premium manufacturers, mid-range manufacturers & budget tyres, to accommodate all your motoring needs.

Car Tyres

Car tyres are designed with road safety as the most important consideration. As there are a large range of vehicle makes and models on the market, with each model design requiring different specifications, there are tyres designed for every combination of specifications.
4x4 Tyres

Made to suit a variety of purposes. Some 4x4 tyres will be designed primarily for off-road driving and will be large with rugged tread patterns and multiple sipes to grip the varying terrain surfaces and resist damage from stones and dirt. Alternatively, sportier 4x4s demand tyres that can provide a car-like performance on-road.
Van Tyres

Van tyres need to be durable and are often required to support a heavy load, so they tend to be constructed with reinforced sidewalls and can distribute weight and pressure evenly. Like car tyres, van tyres are manufactured to provide varying levels of performance based on the type of van you drive.
Motorcycle Tyres

Motorcycle tyres are designed for a variety of different bikes from scooters to touring bikes and sports bikes. The main use may also vary - from conventional road use to touring, racing or off-road use. For this reason, there is a wide range of motorcycle tyres available on the market.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Tyres

EV tyres are specifically engineered to meet the unique demands of electric vehicles, which are typically heavier due to their battery packs. They are designed with low rolling resistance to help maximise driving range and improve energy efficiency. Many EV tyres also feature noise reduction foam technology to minimise road noise and enhance cabin comfort, complementing the quiet nature of electric motors. In addition, reinforced sidewalls help manage the instant torque produced by EVs, reducing uneven wear and maintaining stability and performance over time.

Seasonal Tyres

Vehicles tend to be fitted with summer, or standard tyres, by the manufacturer, however, some motorists choose to change their tyres to dedicated seasonal tyres to enhance their performance and road safety.

Summer Tyres

These tyres tend to be the widest in comparison with other seasonal tyres. This enables them to retain greater contact levels with the road to enhance grip, braking and cornering. This is also aided by the specialist compound used in summer tyres which keeps the rubber supple. Find out more
Winter Tyres

Made with different compounds to other tyres that are designed to provide optimal performance even when temperatures drop below 7 degrees Celsius. They also have a greater number of grooves and sipes which helps them to retain traction on icy, snowy and wet surfaces. Find out more
All Season Tyres

These tyres provide a balance between summer and winter tyres, offering reliable performance throughout the year. Modern all-season tyres are designed with advanced tread patterns and compounds that deliver dependable grip in wet, dry, and colder conditions, with many now meeting winter standards such as the 3PMSF (Three Peak Mountain Snowflake) certification. They are an ideal choice for drivers who want year-round convenience without the need to store or switch between separate seasonal tyre sets. Find out more

Tyre Variations

Run Flat Tyres

Run flat tyres enable motorists to continue driving for up to 50 miles following a puncture. Constructed with reinforced tyre sidewalls, they are designed to support the vehicle’s weight even when tyre pressure drops significantly, allowing drivers to reach home or a garage without needing an immediate tyre change. While run flat tyres offer added convenience and safety, they can be more expensive than standard tyres, may provide a firmer ride due to their stiffer construction, and are not always repairable. Vehicles fitted with run flat tyres also typically require a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) to ensure safe operation.
Energy Efficient Tyres

These tyres are optimised to deliver reduced rolling resistance, helping to lower fuel consumption and improve overall energy efficiency compared to high performance tyres. Many modern energy efficient tyres are also designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating recycled or bio based materials and manufacturing processes that reduce environmental impact and CO₂ emissions. Additionally, advances in tyre technology aim to minimise wear related microplastics while maintaining strong performance and safety. Most tyre manufacturers offer at least one energy efficient option, such as the Bridgestone Ecopia EP150 or the Michelin Energy Saver.
Ultra High Performance Tyres

Ultra high performance (UHP) tyres are engineered for superior handling, grip, and responsiveness, particularly at high speeds. They feature specialised tread patterns and advanced rubber compounds that maximise traction on both dry and wet surfaces, allowing vehicles to corner sharply and brake efficiently. Often used on sports cars and high-performance sedans, UHP tyres prioritise precision and stability over longevity, providing drivers with enhanced control, agility, and driving confidence in demanding conditions.
Noise Reduction Tyres

These tyres are designed to enhance driving comfort by reducing road noise and improving ride smoothness. Many feature advanced tread patterns and built-in acoustic foam technology to minimise sound transmission into the cabin, making them particularly well suited to electric and premium vehicles where quiet performance is a priority. Comfort focused tyres are also engineered to absorb road vibrations more effectively, helping to deliver a smoother, more refined driving experience.

Tyre Patterns

Directional Tyres are designed with an arrow-like tread pattern and can only be fitted to rotate in one direction (usually indicated by an arrow). Directional tyres tend to offer enhanced stability and traction. However, they wear more quickly than asymmetric tyres as they cannot be rotated to different sides of the vehicle.
Asymmetric Tyres are constructed with two different tread patterns featuring different block arrangements for enhanced wet weather performance and superior gripping abilities. They can be fitted to either side of the vehicle but must be fitted the right way around, as indicated by markings on the tyre sidewall.

To help you make an informed decision about the right tyres for your vehicle, the new EU Tyre Label evaluates a tyre's performance in three key areas: fuel efficiency, wet grip, and noise levels.