Tyre Tips

Nitrogen vs Air in Tyres
You may be offered nitrogen instead of regular compressed air when getting your tyres filled. Here's what the difference actually means in practice.What's the difference?Regular compressed air is already about 78% nitrogen. Nitrogen fill simply increases that percentage, typically to 93–99% pure nitrogen, by purging out most of the oxygen and moisture. Regular air 78% N2 Nitrogen fill ~95%+ N2 Claimed benefits Slower pressure loss over time — nitrogen molecules are larger than oxygen molecules and escape through the tyre more slowly, so pressure may stay more stable for longer.... Read more...
How to Change a Tyre Safely
A flat tyre can happen anywhere. Knowing the safe steps to change it yourself — or knowing when not to — can make a stressful moment much safer.Before you start Pull over somewhere flat and stable, well away from traffic if possible. Turn on your hazard lights. Apply the parking brake. If you're on a busy road or feel unsafe, it's better to call for roadside assistance than to change a tyre in a dangerous position. Tighten wheel nuts in a star pattern 1 3 5 2 6 4 Cross-pattern... Read more...
Different Types of Vehicle Tyres Explained
Not all tyres are built the same — the tread pattern and construction is tuned for very different jobs. Here's a rundown of the main categories you'll come across. Type Best for Trade-off Passenger / touring Everyday commuting — Highway terrain (HT) SUVs on sealed roads Limited off-road grip All-terrain (AT) Sealed + gravel mix More road noise Mud-terrain (MT) Serious off-road Noisy, wears faster on-road UHP Performance driving Shorter tread life Light commercial Vans, utes, heavy loads — Passenger / touring tyresDesigned for everyday sedans and hatchbacks, prioritising a... Read more...
Tyre Rotation Guide
Tyre rotation means moving your tyres to different positions on the vehicle at regular intervals, to even out wear across all four tyres.Why rotate?Front and rear tyres wear differently depending on your vehicle's drivetrain, weight distribution, and whether they're doing the steering. Without rotation, some tyres wear out faster than others, meaning you may need to replace them one or two at a time rather than getting even life out of a full set. FL FR RL RR Example pattern only — the correct pattern depends on your specific vehicle... Read more...
Wheel Alignment Explained
Wheel alignment refers to adjusting the angles of your wheels so they point in the correct direction relative to each other and the road — it's not about the wheels or tyres themselves, but how they're set up on your vehicle.What alignment affects CamberInward/outward tilt ToeIn/out from above CasterSteering axis angle Camber — the inward or outward tilt of the tyre when viewed from the front. Toe — whether the wheels point slightly inward or outward when viewed from above. Caster — the angle of the steering axis, affecting stability... Read more...
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Tyres
You may see "OEM" mentioned when shopping for tyres — here's what it actually means and whether it matters for your replacement tyres.What OEM meansOEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. An OEM tyre is one that was specified by your vehicle's manufacturer to be fitted from the factory.How to spot an OEM-specific tyre Sidewall Mark Manufacturer MO Mercedes-Benz Original N0 / N1 / N2... Porsche Original AO Audi Original ★ (star) BMW Original These markings mean the tyre has been specifically tuned and approved for that manufacturer's vehicles, but it... Read more...
Run-Flat Tyres Explained
Run-flat tyres are designed to keep you moving for a limited distance after a puncture, without needing to stop and change a wheel on the roadside.How they workRun-flat tyres have reinforced sidewalls strong enough to support the vehicle's weight even with little or no air pressure. Puncture occurs ~50–80km limit at reduced speed (~80km/h) Always check your specific tyre's rated distance and speed — this varies by model. What to know before choosing run-flats They're not a permanent fix. You still need to get the tyre repaired or replaced as... Read more...
Tyre Number Meaning
205/55R16 91VTyre sidewalls look like a wall of code, but each part tells you something specific. Take a size like 205/55R16 91V as an example. 205 /55 R 16 91 V Width (mm) Aspect ratio (%) Radial construction Rim (in) Load index Speed rating 205 — the tyre's width in millimetres, measured sidewall to sidewall. 55 — the aspect ratio: the tyre's sidewall height as a percentage of its width. Here, the sidewall height is 55% of 205mm. R — construction type. R means radial, the standard construction for almost... Read more...
Load Rating & Speed Rating Explained
Alongside the size, every tyre sidewall carries a load index and speed rating — for example, in "91V", 91 is the load index and V is the speed rating.Load rating (load index)The load index is a code that corresponds to the maximum weight a single tyre can carry when properly inflated. It's not a weight in kilograms directly — it's an index number that maps to a weight via a standard chart. Load Index Max Weight (kg) 75 387 kg 82 475 kg 91 615 kg 98 750 kg 104... Read more...
Tyre Pressure Explained
Correct tyre pressure affects your safety, fuel economy, and how long your tyres last — and it's one of the easiest things to check yourself.Where to find your correct pressure Placard Inside driver's door frame Your vehicle manufacturer's recommended pressure is usually printed on a placard inside the driver's door frame, in the fuel flap, or in your owner's manual. This is the figure to use — not the maximum pressure printed on the tyre's sidewall, which is a different number.How to check it properly Check pressure when tyres are... Read more...
When to Replace Tyres?
Tyres degrade in two ways: through wear, and through age. Knowing both signs helps you replace them before they become a safety risk.Tread depthOnce your tread reaches the legal minimum (1.5mm in New Zealand), your tyre is no longer roadworthy. Many safety experts recommend replacing earlier, around 3mm, particularly for wet-weather performance. See our guide on tyre tread legality for how to check.Visible damage Cracks in the sidewall or between tread blocks (often from age or UV exposure) Bulges or blisters, which indicate internal structural damage Cuts or punctures in... Read more...
How to Choose the Right Tyres for My Car
Choosing tyres isn't just about size — the right choice depends on how and where you drive.Start with your correct sizeCheck your tyre placard (usually inside the driver's door or in the owner's manual) or the sidewall of your current tyres for the size code, e.g. 205/55R16. This is your starting point — always match the size your manufacturer specifies unless you've had a confirmed alternative fitment checked.Match the tyre to your driving You mostly... Consider Commute on sealed roads Passenger / touring Drive an SUV on sealed roads Highway... Read more...
Tyre Wear Guide
How your tyres wear can tell you a lot about your vehicle — and uneven wear is often the first sign of an issue worth checking out. Even wear Pressure & alignment OK Centre wear Overinflated Edge wear Underinflated Even wear across the treadThis is what you want to see: consistent wear across the full width of the tyre. It means your tyre pressure, alignment, and suspension are working well together.Wear concentrated in the centreIf your tyre is wearing more in the middle of the tread than at the edges,... Read more...
Puncture Repair Guide
A puncture doesn't always mean a new tyre. Depending on where and how big the damage is, a repair may get you safely back on the road. Repairable zone Main tread area Sidewall Not repairable Sidewall Not repairable Can it be repaired?As a general rule, a puncture can usually be repaired if: It's in the main tread area (not the sidewall) The hole is no larger than about 6mm The tyre hasn't been driven on while significantly underinflated or flat for an extended distance There's no other damage to the... Read more...
Is Your Tyre Tread Legal?
Your tyre tread is the only part of your car actually touching the road, so keeping it within legal limits matters for your safety and your Warrant of Fitness (WOF).What's the legal minimum in New Zealand?The legal minimum tread depth in New Zealand is 1.5mm, measured across the principal grooves and around the entire circumference of the tyre. Tyres below this depth will fail a WOF inspection and are illegal to drive on. 1.5mm Legal minimum (illegal / WOF fail) 3mm+ Recommended replacement point Legal isn't always safeWhile 1.5mm is... Read more...