The short answer to the question in the title is yes. Your tyres can have a huge effect on your car’s ride, depending on their quality, condition, age and other factors. Let us take a quick look at some of the tyre issues that can make your ride a trial rather than a delight.
Noise
The noise your tyres makes might seem like a small thing, but a minor background irritant over a ten-minute drive can become a form of torture over a two- or three-hour long drive. Cheaper, more rigid tyres, such as those sold from budget tyre websites, tend to be the worst offenders when it comes to noise. This is because a higher rubber content makes the tyre more flexible so it moulds to the road rather than remaining rigid and scraping against the surface.
Rough
Poorer quality tyres can also offer a rougher ride for the same reasons that cause the loud noise – the rigidity of the rubber. Always buy the best quality tyres you can afford from reputable vendors, as this is often the most economical way to proceed. High quality premium tyres last a long time, compared to budget offerings, so spending a little more can actually be a saving in the long term. Headley Basingstoke Tyres Supplier has a friendly and professional staff that is always ready to supply you with premium or budget tyres!
Unbalanced
Tyres need to be properly aligned and balanced for good operation. Alignment means that all four tyres are properly sited on the axles, so that they will drive forward when the driver wants to go straight. Even a millimetre or so’s discrepancy in the alignment can make the tyre pull away from or push towards the others, putting strain on the wheels, axles and suspension, offering a bumpy ride, and setting the vehicle up for sudden failure when the wear and tear gets too much for the metal. Your mechanic can balance and align your tyres in a few minutes these days – the process used to be a lengthy one without the guarantee of minute accuracy that computer aids now offer – and it should be a standard provision with all major services.
Under- or Over-Inflated
Ensure your tyres are maintained within the recommended range given by your vehicle’s manufacturer. Not only is this best for the maintenance of your car, but it is a legal requirement, too. Tyre inflation levels is the newest addition to the MOT test, and for good reason. Modern tyres are designed to work best at optimum and this will give you the most comfortable ride and help your car stay in great condition for longer.
