TYRE GUIDE
Everything you need to know before buying tyres in Australia.
READING YOUR TYRE SIZE
SPEED RATINGS
| Rating | Max Speed | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
| T | 190 km/h | Light trucks, SUVs |
| H | 210 km/h | Passenger cars, most AU roads |
| V | 240 km/h | Performance cars, sports sedans |
| W | 270 km/h | High-performance sports cars |
| Y | 300 km/h | Exotic sports cars |
Never fit a tyre with a lower speed rating than your car's top speed. Going higher is fine.
TYRE TYPES FOR AUSTRALIAN CONDITIONS
Best dry and wet grip for sealed roads. Not suited to cold or off-road. Most common type in AU cities.
✓ Best for: City, suburban, highway driving
Compromise between summer and winter performance. Good for varied conditions. Popular in SE Australia where winters can be cold.
✓ Best for: Melbourne, ACT, parts of NSW and VIC
Aggressive tread for dirt tracks and mud, still handles highways. Noisier and slightly higher fuel use.
✓ Best for: HiLux, Ranger, Patrol owners doing mixed on/off road
Maximum off-road grip. Very noisy on highways, high fuel use, shorter tread life. For serious 4WD use.
✓ Best for: Off-road enthusiasts, remote area driving
Designed for SUVs and utes primarily on sealed roads. Comfortable, quiet, longer wear.
✓ Best for: Daily driving in utes/SUVs that rarely go off-road
BRAND TIERS
Best wet/dry grip, longest tread life, quietest. Worth it if you drive daily or in wet conditions.
Excellent value. Often match premium brands in real-world performance for 60–75% of the price.
Lower grip, shorter life, less comfortable. Fine for low-km drivers or older cars. Avoid on wet-prone roads.