DRIVING IN AN URBAN ENVIRONMENT
Fuel consumption typically increases when driving in urban/city areas. Save money by choosing a tyre with low rolling resistance, which has less friction when the tyre meets the road.
Decreased rolling effort can improve fuel efficiency by approximately 5–15%.
In addition, durable tyres with good stopping distance are advised, to help drivers navigate traffic lights, pedestrians and cyclists safely.
MOTORWAY DRIVING
High performance tyres offer maximum comfort and minimum noise for vehicles doing a lot of dual carriageway or motorway miles. A healthy tread depth is essential for effective traction and safe handling, and correct tyre pressure is a must to ensure safety when traveling at speed and in changeable weather.
OFF ROAD / 4 x 4 DRIVING
Vehicles intended for mixed-road and off-road use - such as SUVs and pick-ups - need tyres that perform on dry and wet roads, while maintaining mobility, grip, and resistance to shocks and cuts.
TYRES FOR DIFFERENT or ALL SEASONS
You can choose between tyres suitable for every season (summer and winter) or a combination of Summer and Winter tyres known as All Season or Four Season tyres. If you travel many miles a year and make long journeys, the best choice is the combination of Summer tyres in 'hot weather' and Winter tyres in the 'cold season'.
Summer tyres are designed and engineered to work best during the warmer summer months. They are created with a specific tread pattern for optimal performance on both dry and wet roads when the air temperature is above +7°C.
Winter tyres look very similar to summer tyres but are specially developed to provide additional driving performance in 'winter' conditions. It is a common misconception that 'winter' tyres are only for driving in the snow. Winter tyres are designed to work best in conditions below +7°C, so even in wet and frosty icy conditions, you’ll benefit from their superior grip and handling.
However All Season tyres will suit more drivers in Ireland and the UK where winters are less severe and are characteristically more cold and wet with a low likelihood of snow are ideally suited for 'All Season' tyres. Because they are designed to cope with less extreme climates, they are sometimes referred to as 'four season' tyres as they can be used in spring, summer, autumn or winter.
RUN FLAT TYRES
In the event of a puncture, run flat tyres will support the vehicle at reduced speed for up to 50miles, so you can get to safety without having to pull over.
Run flat tyres are made with reinforced sidewalls and tough rubber inserts so they can temporarily hold the weight of the vehicle, even when a tyre is losing air.
Key Benefits of Run Flat tyres
- Safety
- Convenience
- Maintain control
- No need to carry a spare, saving energy and boot space
Can any vehicle be fitted with Run Flat tyres?
An increasing number of vehicles come fitted with run flat tyres as standard, removing the need for a spare.
For vehicles with a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, run flat tyres can be fitted on request.
Do Run Flat tyres need to be checked?
Run flat tyres need to be maintained like any other tyre.
Check monthly for wear, damage and tyre pressure.
The team at First Stop can do this for you, free of charge.