Working out which wheels and tyres are right for your vehicle may feel, well, a bit tyre-some! With different types of wheels and tyres available for different vehicles and driving conditions, it can be hard to know what you need to stay safe and road-ready.

In this handy guide, we’ll break down the different types of wheels and tyres available in the UK, explain what vehicles use them, and why it’s important to use the correct ones for your vehicle.

Whether you’re hitting the road on a motorcycle, cruising in a car, hauling heavy goods in a HGV or planning your summer vacation in a mobile home, we’ll help you avoid any bumps in the road.

Aren’t wheels and tyres the same thing?

Lots of people use the words wheel and tyre interchangeably, but they are actually different and distinct parts of your vehicle. The wheel is the solid, circular structure that attaches to the vehicle’s hub and rotates to keep your vehicle moving. The tyre, on the other hand, is the rubber casing that wraps around the wheel rim and stays in contact with the road surface.

The importance of choosing the right wheel and tyre

Fitting the right wheels and tyres to your vehicle is essential. The correct combination of wheels and tyres will ensure you stay safe and compliant with the law. It will also help to keep your vehicle performing optimally, reduce wear and tear and improve fuel efficiency.

You should always refer to your vehicle handbook and the manufacturer guidelines when purchasing tyres for your vehicle.

Types of wheels

From forged and cast wheels to split rims, beadlock, chrome, and carbon fibre– the world of wheels can feel a bit technical! With different materials and manufacturing methods available, there really is a wheel for everyone. But, for most everyday drivers, it really comes down to just a few types: steels, alloys and space savers.

Steel wheels

As you might suspect, steel wheels are made of steel. This means that they are typically stronger, heavier and more durable than other wheel types. Their heftier weight lends them extra stability, making them a solid choice for vehicles that frequently drive off-road or in wintry conditions. At the same time, their greater weight means they perform less efficiently and as a result, vehicles with steel wheels consume more fuel than others.

Alloy wheels

Alloy wheels are made from a mixture of metals, usually aluminium or magnesium. As a result, they are lighter, less susceptible to corrosion, better at dissipating heat, and more fuel-efficient than steel wheels. Thanks to their lighter design and superior heat dispersion properties, they also contribute to better traction and braking performance, helping tyres to last longer. They can also be creatively customised, making them a more aesthetically pleasing wheel than the alternatives.

That said, alloy wheels are less durable than steel wheels and they can be more challenging and costly to repair.

Space-saver wheels

If you’ve ever had to change a tyre on the roadside, you might already be aware of another option – a space-saver wheel. This is a type of spare wheel that some vehicles come equipped with, while others include a full-sized steel spare or a tyre puncture repair kit. You can purchase them separately, but it’s important to select the right one for your vehicle, as they are not universal.

These smaller, thinner wheels are only for emergencies. The tyre on them has a shallower tread depth and a softer rubber compound so you should only drive on a space saver to get to somewhere safe and replace it with a full-sized wheel as soon as possible.

Does size matter?

If you are buying a new car, you might find yourself having to decide not just what colour and brand to go for, but what size wheel you want. Generally speaking, larger wheels have more traction on the road and as a result, are better for handling and braking. They are considered more visually appealing, but they are also more expensive and less fuel-efficient. Small wheels can offer drivers a more comfortable, agile ride with greater fuel efficiency.

The tyres you fit onto your wheel as well as their overall condition will make a huge difference on your vehicle’s performance. You can find the size of your current tyres on the tyre sidewall.

Types of tyres

Choosing the right type of tyre for your vehicle and the road conditions you drive on is essential.

All-season tyres

All-season tyres are perfect for drivers who live in mild climates, like the UK. These tyres are engineered to perform well in all weather conditions, including rain, heat and cold, and are particularly suited to areas where ice and snow aren’t on the roads for too long. They have a wider and deeper tread profile than other tyre types which means that they provide more grip and traction on the roads.

All-weather tyres are suitable for most vehicles.

Winter tyres

Winter tyres are ideal for drivers who regularly drive in cold, icy or snowy conditions. These tyres are made with consistently below 7°C temperatures in mind. With a unique tread compound and multi-sipe tread patterns, these tyres provide more traction, better handling and shorter stopping distances in dicey conditions.

Winter tyres are appropriate for a variety of vehicles.

4 by 4 tyres

4×4, or off-road tyres are tyres designed specifically for vehicles that regularly drive on rugged, uneven surfaces. There are a few different types depending on the terrain you drive on, but generally these tyres have a deeper tread, a higher rubber ratio and reinforced sidewalls to prevent punctures.

Run-flat tyres

Run-flat tyres are tyres designed with reinforced sidewalls so that, in the event of a puncture, you can continue to drive for a limited time. This removes the need for a spare tyre, making your vehicle lighter and therefore, more fuel-efficient. Run-flats can also help you stay safe on the road as you don’t have to complete roadside tyre repairs and reduced tyre pressure shouldn’t affect vehicle handling.

Run-flat tyres cannot be fitted to every vehicle and must be fitted with a tyre pressure monitoring system. You should check your vehicle specifications and manufacturer guidelines to see if they are compatible.

Part worn tyres

Part-worn tyres are tyres that have been previously used by another vehicle or are fitted to second-hand car. While these are legal – if they meet strict requirements – we strongly recommend against purchasing them due to the concerning statistics around their safety.

Electric tyres

EV tyres are designed to meet the unique stresses placed on them by EV vehicles. These tyres are heavier than conventional ones and are crafted with reinforced sidewalls, distinctive tread patterns and rubber compounds to cope with the higher torque output of electric vehicles.

EV tyres can only be fitted to electric vehicles.

Learn more about tyres and tyre safety

At TyreSafe, we are dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of tyre safety. Stay safe and sound and road-ready with our tyre help and advice.