Just as there are different types of cars and trucks to suit different purposes, so too are there different tyres to suit these different vehicles. Although we’ve had a sneak peek at the best Eco tyres on the market during this year’s AUTA Tyre Test, there’s plenty of scope for them to be even more specialised than they already are.

Enter Pirelli, which has come up with a new tyre philosophy intended specially for electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs): Elect.

The new breed of EVs and PHEVs have introduced unique demands and driving characteristics that were never faced by the car industry in this manner before. On the one hand, rolling resistance and refinement are more important than ever to EVs, yet in direct contrast to those factors are the need to harness the immense torque, as well as support the extra weight of EVs. 

These contrasting needs are what Pirelli intends to address with its new Elect range. Naturally, efficiency and range are top priorities for EVs, and so low rolling resistance is one of the top priorities for Elect tyres. Silence is similarly important, as the lack of an engine means the noise from an EV’s tyres is more noticeable than ever before. 

But while the solutions to those two are complementary in nature (a more efficient tyre also tends to be a quieter one), they are at odds with EVs’ other defining traits. 

The prodigious instant torque and fearsome acceleration of EVs are a whole new dimension in the car world, so Elect tyres feature a softer compound that “bite” into the tarmac more effectively, to minimise wheelspin. Battery packs also make EVs far heavier than conventional cars, which is why Elect tyres are constructed with additional strengthening material in the sidewalls, to help support all that mass. Both of these, in turn, generally help extend the longevity of the tyre. 

Elect tyres first made their debut on the Porsche Taycan, arguably the current poster child for luxury performance EVs. In line with Pirelli’s “Perfect Fit” strategy, the P Zero Elects on the Taycan are custom tailored for its specific power delivery, weight, and handling characteristics, just as they also will be for the myriad of other car manufacturers Pirelli works closely with. 

Already, Elect versions of the P Zero and Scorpion (for SUVs) model lines have been developed for the BMW iX, Ford Mustang Mach E, Mercedes-Benz EQE, Polestar 1, Rivian electric pickup and SUV, and the VW ID.4 GTX, just to name a few, with plenty more to come.

Story first published on AUTA.sg. Learn more about tyres here, or WhatsApp AutoApp at 91-028-028 to get tyre recommendations for your ride!

By now, you should already know that there’s a lot more to tyres than just four innocuous black rubber things on each wheel of the car, truck, or bike. If you are an enthusiast driver, you might know a fair bit more about tyres than others. Nonetheless, it‘s good to get reacquainted with some tyre basics; after all, the point is not to go overboard with tyre upgrades.

What we need is to balance our quest to maximise grip with reasonable tyre lifespan and fuel economy. After all, our commutes to and from work are on normal city streets and highways, not the Nürburgring and unrestricted sections of Germany’s excellent Autobahn.

Let‘s say you are an enthusiast-focused daily driven car. We explore the possible tyre upgrades based on the 3.3-litre twin-turbo Kia Stinger GT and the 2-litre turbo Subaru WRX with the following profiles:

Rear-wheel drive KIA Stinger GT

Front tyres: 225/40R19
Front rims: 19X8J ET34 5X114.3
Rear tyres: 255/35R19
Rear rims: 19X8.5J ET46.5 5X114.3

All-wheel drive Subaru WRX

Front and rear tyres: 245/40R18
Front and rear rims: 18X8.5J ET55 5X114.3

Before we begin exploring the upgrades you can add to your tyres and rims, let‘s first have a look at what that complicated string of numbers in the rim size mean. (Meanwhile, you can check what the tyre sizes mean here.)

Understanding rim numbers

Earlier we saw numbers associated with rims such as 19X8J ET34 5X114.3, 19X8.5J ET46.5 5X114.3 and 18X8.5J ET55 5X114.3. At first glance, they seem complicated, so let’s break them down for simplicity.

The WRX in our example runs 18X8.5J ET55 5X114.3 rims. Here are what the numbers stand for.

Diameter and width

In the first set of numbers ‘18X8.5J’, we see 18 denoting rims that accept 18-inch tyres. Next to it, we see 8.5J which denotes how wide the rim is, 8.5-inches in this example.

Offset

The next alphanumeric notation is ‘ET55.’ ET stands for the German word Einpresstiefe, which means offset and describes how much the mounting face of the rim is offset from its centre line. The number 55 is the actual offset in millimetres (+55mm in this case).

Rims with negative offset would show a negative ET number, such as ‘ET-12’ (-12mm offset).

Pitch Circle Diameter (PCD)

The last set of numbers, ‘5X114.3’, shows the PCD of the rim. 5 denotes the rim is for a 5-lug application, and has 5 lug-holes as a result. Next to it, we see 114.3 denoting the PCD, the diameter of an imaginary circle drawn through all of the lug-holes (114.3mm in this case).

Types of rims

There are 2 types of rims in the aftermarket that interest us — forged and cast.

Forged alloy rims are as tough as nails and lightweight to boot. They offer significant weight-savings when it comes to unsprung mass, thereby allowing a car’s suspension system to work more effectively. However, due to their (forged) construction-method, they are more expensive to produce.

Gravity-cast alloy rims are usually cheaper then their forged counterparts and the quality ones are heavier too, by virtue of requiring more metal for strength. Due to their (gravity-cast) construction-method, they are not as strong as forged rims.

Spun-cast, flow-formed and rim-rolled alloy rims are also considered cast rims but use a specific process in their construction, which starts with a low-pressure casting and uses a machine that spins the initial casting, heats the outer portion and uses steel rollers pressed against the rim area to form the rim into its desired width and shape. This process gives rise to a rim with similar strength to a forged item, but without the associated high cost.

For enthusiasts, we recommend spun-cast rims as the relatively budget-friendly everyday option, and forged rims as a top-of-the-heap choice.

We would also stay away from cheaply manufactured lightweight gravity-cast rims, as these are notorious for bending, cracking or breaking under light to moderate usage, such as running over a pothole to time-trial applications.

+1 tyre upgrade

The aim here is to switch to a slightly more grippy compound than the OE tyre from factory. Tyre sizes remain the same and factory rims are retained. This enables us to work within a more conservative budget while still achieving benefits from more grippy tyres.

In our example, this means keeping the Stinger GT’s stock sizes of 225/40R19 and 255/35R19 front and rear respectively, and 245/40R18 on all four corners of the WRX.

The reason this is ideal is because too much (width of) tyre can be detrimental in terms of increased risk of hydroplaning, as well as increased fuel consumption and noise. There’s a good reason — namely balance between grip and tyre lifespan — why engineers at the respective factories have specified these tyre sizes for their cars. However, we can enhance this a bit.

For instance, if the stock tyres are Michelin Pilot Sport 4, a good amount of extra grip can be had from moving to Pilot Sport 4S in the same size.

Such upgrades can also be had with other tyre brands, depending on size-availability:

• Bridgestone POTENZA RE050 to POTENZA Sport
• Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 to Eagle F1 Supersport
• Pirelli P Zero to P Zero (PZ4)

Cross-brand upgrades can also be done, for example from Bridgestone POTENZA RE050 to Michelin Pilot Sport 4S and can serve as a stellar upgrade.

If you are unsure which tyres are the perfect +1 upgrade, our AutoApp team would be more than happy to give you recommendations based on your car, tyre sizes and availability.

+1 rim and tyre upgrade

We know from the earlier sections what the rim specification stands for and what types of rims are available. Now, we can choose a suitable set of replacement rims for our car.

There are many reasons to change a car’s rims to an aftermarket set — aesthetics, lightness and strength being the oft-cited reasons. Many performance-oriented cars these days already come with suitable-width tyres from the factory. We would suggest simply improving upon what’s already there. In other words, choose a set of forged or spun-cast rims with the same diameter, width, offset and PCD as the stock rims, and pair them with more grippy tyres from the “+1 tyre upgrade” section of this article. Easy-peasy.

If the chosen aftermarket rim does not come with the same width and offset as the factory rim, we need to figure out the right offset needed for the width of aftermarket rim available. This is where an online Wheel Offset Calculator comes in handy.

Using the example of the WRX, we enter the width and offset of the stock rim in the respective boxes under Current Wheel Specs.

We then enter the available aftermarket rim’s width and offset into the respective boxes under New Wheel Specs and hit Calculate.

Below the Calculate button, under Results, the calculator presents different clearance numbers to help us ascertain if the aftermarket rim would be suitable for our application.

Ideally, we’d have the same-to-similar inner clearance, plus-minus a few mm, and some protrusion toward the outside. This extra protrusion to the outside would also go toward achieving a ‘flush’ fitment that is so popular with car enthusiasts, without the need for wheel spacers.

We can then physically measure inward to the strut housing and outward to the fender lip to ensure that there would be no interference from the aftermarket rim-and-tyre combination.

Once these measurements are ascertained, the rim-and-tyre combination can be purchased with peace of mind.

Beyond +1 rim & tyre upgrades

The goal here is to blend and balance improved driving pleasure with everyday usability. As such, upgrades that go further than those described above go beyond the current scope, but that‘s a discussion we‘ll table until next time.

Suffice to say, the principles behind going beyond +1 have already been explored. Both the online tyre calculator and the wheel offset calculator would be used to achieve the desired goal.

However, caution is advised, since there have to be overwhelmingly good reasons for upgrades such as upsizing to larger diameter and/or wider rims and tyres. We also recommend that daily-driver comfort and drivability be considered when performing such upgrades.

Some parting tips

The last thing anyone wants after upgrading tyres or rims is for your drive to go oh-so-wrong, so here are some tips to help with your upgrade.

Remember, always change tyres in pairs for 2-wheel drive vehicles, or a set of four for all-wheel drive vehicles. The reason for changing tyres in pairs is simple — the same grip levels side-to-side across the front or rear axles, which allows for more predictable handling.

With all-wheel drive vehicles, the rolling diameter of each tyre affects how differentials and/or the transfer-case operates. Having different rolling diameters front-to-back and/or side-to-side would put these components into slip-states. While differentials and transfer-cases are designed to slip, they are not designed to continuously slip over thousands of kilometres, and can be severely damaged, requiring thousands of dollars in replacement parts.

And there you have it!

Now that you know more about how to choose the right tyres and rims for your ride, head on over to Asia’s Ultimate Tyres, and keep your eyes peeled for the results of the inaugural Asia’s Ultimate Tyres Awards 2022!

Tyres are like shoes for a car. They cushion the car from impacts from the road, keep the body off the ground, and most importantly, provide the traction needed to go, stop and steer.

Much like shoes however, there can be a bewildering array of brands and models to choose from. Take a shoe brand like ASICS, for example; they produce many different models of shoes; Metaride, Gel Kayano and Gel Nimbus, to name a few, all with differing use-cases.

Now that we know the brand and model of tyres our car came with, the next item is tyre size.

Size matters

We wouldn’t walk into an ASICS shop, say, “I wanna buy Gel Nimbus,” and simply stand there blinking at the sales assistant, expecting to be given the right pair of shoes for our feet; we need to know the specific shoe size that works best for us. Similarly, it would be better to know the correct tyre size for your car before going shopping. Luckily, unlike shoes, you don’t need to take off a tyre to check its size; all the information you need is written right there on its sidewall.

There are various shoe sizes as well as shoe widths. So for a perfect fit, we need to choose the right size (length) and width of shoe to match our feet, for example, US 11D.

Things are pretty similar in the world of tyres. Look for a set of numbers on our tyre-sidewall that read something like this: 245/50R19 105W

Analogous to a shoe’s length is the first number — 245 — which represents how wide the tyre is (245mm in this example). Analogous to a shoe’s width is the second number — 50 — which represents how tall or thick the sidewall is in relation to the tyre’s width (50% of 245mm). R stands for ‘radial’ — most tyres today use a radial construction method, as opposed to bias-ply construction, which is now used generally for classic cars. 19 tells us the rim diameter that the tyre is mounted on, in inches. The last number and letter, 105W, represent the load and speed rating of the tyre respectively, but can be ignored for now for simplicity’s sake.

To recap, in the same way we’d walk into an ASICS store and say, “I’d like a pair of Gel Nimbus in US 11D please,” we’d pull up to a tyre shop and say, “I’d like to buy a pair/set of Pirelli Cinturato P7s (or whatever brand/model of your choosing) in two-four-five, fifty, R nineteen please. Or “one-nine-five, fifty-five, R fifteen“, or “two-two-five, forty-five, R seventeen“, or whatever is appropriate for your car.

Now that we know more about tyres, tyre sizes, and the appropriate tyre shop lingo, let’s look at how to choose a suitable set of replacements.

If it ain’t broke…

If you’re happy with the way the existing tyres felt and performed, and how long they have served you, simply purchase another set of the same model and size from the same manufacturer. Keepin’ it simple, as they say.

But what if it isn’t available any more?

Sometimes, a tyre manufacturer may discontinue a particular tyre model due to low market demand, or to make way for a successor.

So in our example, let’s assume that our car currently wears Bridgestone Turanza T005A 185/65R15 tyres. Let’s also assume that, for whatever reason, they are not currently available for purchase. What is one to do?

The hassle-free answer of course, is to use AutoApp — our friendly Service Ambassadors would only be too happy to recommend the perfect replacement tyres for your car.

However, if you’d like to do the homework to know more about what you’re buying, we’d suggest Googling for tyres that promote the tyre characteristics that you prioritise, such as:

• Ride comfort and noise
• Grip and handling
• Safety (dry & wet stopping distances, and aquaplaning resistance)
• Recommended pricing
• Size availability

It also wouldn’t hurt to check out test results and reviews both from tyre review and car magazine sites, as well as users’ testimonials. That said, you should take the latter with a pinch of salt, as these are entirely subjective, and depending on geography, those drivers’ usage patterns and weather conditions likely differ from ours here in Singapore.

How about a +1 upgrade?

Despite everything discussed so far, it’s not an absolute necessity to use the exact same tyre size. Sometimes a tyre brand and/or model you want to switch to might not be produced in your existing size. Sometimes the tyre shop you visit might not have your size in stock. And sometimes you might want to try a slightly different width.

A wider tyre offers more rubber on the road. This usually translates to better grip in both dry and wet, with minimal-to-no increase in aquaplaning, as well as slightly shorter braking distances due to better grip. Using a slightly different size from stock is perfectly fine, as long as the overall diameter of the wheel+tyre remains the same. If it differs too much, your speedometer and odometer readings will be affected.

Of course, the diameter can be calculated using geometry. But, just in case you’ve given back all mathematical concepts to your secondary school teacher and now only know π of the apple or chicken variety, there are handy tyre calculators online that can help you quickly get those numbers.

Using the calculator on 1010tires.com, we can quickly check the next appropriate size for our car, based on our 185/65R15 example. Here’s how to use it:

Firstly, enter the current tyre size under “Tyre Size” tab” and click ‘Convert.’

Next, look at the “green rows” in the ‘Results’ section of the same page. These green rows represent various tyre sizes that are closest to the one you originally selected.

In our example, the next nearest (and slightly wider) tyre size is 205/60R15. This size represents a 20mm increase over the stock 185-width tyre, and could very likely be a suitable candidate for a +1 upgrade.

Finally, check with the staff at your preferred tyre shop to confirm that your car’s stock factory rims can accommodate the slightly wider tyre (they usually can).

Of course, if you’re changing to a different set of rims for whatever reason (aesthetics, performance, or damage), you may well have to change tyre sizes too. Just bear in mind that if you’re using larger rims, you’ll consequently need tyres with a thinner sidewall in order to maintain that crucial consistent overall diameter.

So, that’s pretty much all you need to know for Tyre Basics 101!

When colleague and fellow performance-enthusiast Jon swapped to larger rims on his family car, he also had to switch tyre sizes from 215/60R16 to 225/50R17 — because he fancied his family’s Mitsubishi Grandis to be an Evo. Roll on over to our Tyres 102 article if you’re like Jon.

And if you want to know what the best tyres on sale in Singapore are, head on over to Asia’s Ultimate Tyre Awards, which will be conducting Singapore’s first ever comprehensive and scientific tyre test very soon!

It’s inevitable that you get plenty of advice (solicited or otherwise) when buying a new set of tyres. Go for the cheapest, some might say. Go for the one with most grip, say others. Contrary to popular belief, choosing tyres requires more homework than just looking at prices.

Out there, there are several types of tyres that you might be offered, depending on what car you drive. Common tyre types include fuel-saving eco tyres, or comfort touring tyres. For the more spirited drivers out there, there are high-performance tyres, and even track driving tyres. If we get even more specialised, there are the comfort SUV and off-road tyres. Due to our urban landscape, however, the latter aren’t particularly common.

Now that you’re aware of the tyre types, you can decide which works best for your needs and preferences! Do you prioritise fuel economy? Or perhaps you’re set on a whisper-quiet tyre that’ll let your baby sleep easier on roadtrips? Once you have a good idea of what’s important to you, choosing tyres now become much easier.

To get you started, we’ll run you through the various tyre types on the market. Although this isn’t an exhaustive list, it should cover the bases for over 95 percent of drivers in Singapore!

Comfort & Touring Tyres

Touring tyres are suitable for those who place a high priority on quietness and comfort. They’re the most common type of tyre, offering a good balance of characteristics to cater to the majority of drivers. They perform equally well in the dry and wet, and are suitable for most cars.

Typically, comfort & touring tyres are engineered with noise dampening technology to reduce road noise and increase comfort. However, more enthusiast drivers might find comfort & touring tyres too soft and roly-poly.

Examples of comfort & touring tyres include the Bridgestone Turanza range, or the Michelin Primacy range.

Eco-Friendly Fuel Saving Tyres

Eco-friendly tyres are suitable for multiple groups of people. Those who want to reduce their environmental impact, or those looking to get more out of each litre of petrol. They’re the second-most common type of tyre, offering good performance on wet roads. As such, they’re suitable for most cars, but are commonly used on hybrid and electric vehicles.

Eco-friendly tyres are first and foremost engineered for low rolling resistance performance, to allow maximum mileage with minimum fuel consumption. However, this may in turn reduce dry weather performance.

Examples of eco-friendly fuel saving tyres include the Bridgestone Ecopia range, or the Yokohama BluEarth range.

High-Performance Tyres

High-performance tyres are suitable for those who demand good handling and response, as well as stability at high speeds. Although they cater to a specific audience, high performance tyres are increasing in popularity due to the performance they offer.

Typically, high-performance tyres are engineered with innovative tread compound and pattern technology to maximise performance in all weather conditions. However, the aggressive tyre compound may negatively impact fuel efficiency.

Examples of high-performance tyres include the Bridgestone Potenza range, or the PIRELLI P Zero range.

Comfort SUV Tyres

Comfort SUV tyres are suitable for those who want the best of both worlds. They drive SUVs and crossovers, but still desire the quietness and comfort offered by comfort touring tyres. As the popularity of SUVs rise, these tyres with a good balance of characteristics for all-weather driving have correspondingly increased.

Comfort SUV tyres are engineered similarly to comfort touring tyres, with noise dampening technology. Designed specifically for SUVs, they augment the on-road manners of these typically off-road vehicles.

Examples of comfort SUV tyres include the Bridgestone Alenza range, or the PIRELLI Scorpion range.

Run Flat Tyres

Run flat tyres are suitable for those who would prefer a form of ‘insurance’ against unforeseen circumstances on the road. These tyres are less common, but usually come fitted as original equipment on premium brands such as BMW and Audi.

Run flat tyres are engineered with thicker, reinforced sidewalls that can be driven on even at zero tyre pressure. However, the firmer reinforced sidewalls do negatively impact ride comfort to a certain extent.

Looking to further simplify your tyre choosing process? Let our concierge do the work! We’re also an official concierge tyre e-tailer for Bridgestone tyres.

Bridgestone Tyre Singapore has just launched the new Bridgestone Potenza Sport, the latest flagship in its range of high-performance Potenza tyres. It’s been introduced with the tagline ‘Better Never Settles’, hinting at performance enhancements. Indeed, this latest addition promises to be better in various aspects, including high-speed stability and wet cornering.

Bridgestone has established a legacy with its Potenza performance tyre series, thanks to its storied racing heritage. Now, with the new European-developed Potenza Sport, they aim to set a new standard for premium sports tyres.

Succeeding Bridgestone’s flagship Potenza S007A, the Potenza Sport is targeted at discerning drivers of premium sedans, SUVs and coupes. Piloting high-performance cars such as the BMW M5, good all-weather grip and stability at high speeds are must-haves for them.

The Potenza Sport features various new and innovative technologies in tread pattern design, compound and construction. For starters, innovative 3D sipes have been applied to the tread pattern. This increases shear stiffness, as well as improves and enhances braking and abrasion resistance. Within the compound, an optimised formula is combined with innovative mixing technology to improve both wet and dry handling performance.

Several prestigious automotive manufacturers have also chosen the Potenza Sport as original equipment for their cars. At launch, the Potenza Sport has already been fitted as original equipment on Maserati’s new MC20 supercar, as well as Lamborghini’s track-ready Huracan STO. Bridgestone indicates that Original Equipment fitment for other car models will soon follow.

The Potenza Sport is now available through the AutoApp concierge tyre e-tailer and all Bridgestone authorised dealers. 59 sizes are available at launch, ranging from 17- to 21-inch fitments.

AutoApp brings yet another level of convenience to its customers. This time, it comes in the form of a virtual tyre dealership. The Bridgestone concierge tyre E-tailer is the result of a collaboration between Bridgestone Tyre Singapore and AutoApp.

“AutoApp is proud to be part of this innovative collaboration with Bridgestone,” said Joel Tam, Chief Executive Officer of Ignition Labs, the company behind AutoApp. “As an online dealer, we offer customers value-for-money pricing and exclusive convenience services such as home or office pick- up and return assistance, performed by our Service Ambassadors who are professionally- trained and comprehensively insured.”

Buying tyres online may not be new. AutoApp however, goes a step further by saving the customer the trouble of driving to the tyre shop. AutoApp’s signature Collection & Delivery (C&D) takes care of this chore with insurance coverage for the car owner’s peace of mind. Should there be an unforeseen accident, the customer’s car insurance policy will not be affected.

How it works

From the AutoApp virtual tyre store, customers only need to fill up a simple survey, which will help find a suitable Bridgestone tyre for their car. Then, they set an appointment date and time for their car to be picked up by an AutoApp Service Ambassador.

Before the the pick up, the customer will be contacted by AutoApp, where a quotation will be advised along with more information about the tyres recommended for their car.

Once agreed, the tyre replacement is booked and paid for through the smartphone app. While the owner relaxes at home or anywhere they choose, AutoApp takes care of everything needed to have a fresh set of rubber fitted to their car.

Free Collection & Delivery for first-time users

If you are new to AutoApp, you’re in luck. First time customers will be entitled to a free C&D worth $68. This includes purchasing tyres from the AutoApp Bridgestone concierge tyre E-tailer.

The price of the Bridgestone tyres quoted includes wheel balancing and installation.

With the year-end rainy season upon us, a new set of tyres may be exactly what we need to stay safe on the roads.

Get your new set of Bridgestone tyres here!

Let AutoApp arrange this service for you. Click here to make an online booking, or download the app below.

You’ve probably heard a friend or relative tell you that tyres should be changed regularly. They might have said every 3 years, or maybe after every 30,000km covered. Although this might seem logical, it’s not exactly true that your tyres need to be replaced at a fixed time or mileage interval.

Tyre wear depends on multiple factors, including weather, road conditions, and personal driving style, amongst others. Instead of replacing tyres using a time- or distance-based scale, the key determining factor that decides if a tyre should be replaced is tread depth. That’s the measurement from the base of your tyre’s grooves to the surface of the tyre.

Although tread depth is the key factor in determining if a tyre needs replacement, there are other factors to note. Here’s what you need to know!

Tyre Tread Depth

In a perfect world, the sun is constantly shines and the roads are always dry. In these conditions, a tyre tread actually reduces the level of grip, as it effectively shrinks the surface area of the tyre’s contact patch. However, the world isn’t perfect. Stormy weather and surprise puddles do happen.

In wet weather, the tyre’s tread plays a key role of dispersing water from the contact patch. This helps the tyre maintain contact with the road, effectively maintain grip on the tarmac so you’re still able to control the car.

Without tread, the tyre’s ability to grip wet tarmac becomes severely limited as a film of water between the tyre and the road has nowhere to go. You’ll find that it would be nearly impossible to stop, turn, accelerate, or control the car in any way.

Tyres work best on wet roads when they’re new with deep grooves or tread. This is because they’re able to disperse water most efficiently, through the sizeable drainage channels. However, as you drive, friction with the road wears down your tyres which reduces tread depth. This diminishes its ability to give the driver control on wet roads.

The loss of control on wet roads is known as aquaplaning or hydroplaning. This usually happens with worn tyres that have a low tread depth.

What a tyre needs is friction in order to do its job. However, the consequence of friction is that it also causes wear and tear as the mileage accumulates.

How much tread do you need?

Although Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) legally requires that all vehicles need to have a minimum tyre tread depth of 1.6mm, if you measure this out, you’ll see that it’s very, very short depth.

We don’t recommend you wait until it gets below 1.6mm before you decide on a new set of tyres for your car.

To check your tyre’s tread depth, use a tread depth gauge which is available at your accessories store. You can also look out for the tread wear indicator bars embedded at the 1.6mm mark – if the tread is flushed with the indicator bars, it’s time for new tyres!

As tyres play an important role in your car’s safety, AutoApp Service Ambassadors will always check the tyre tread depth after each job and make a recommendation to replace them if necessary. This is part of a complimentary 15-point car health check, for your convenience.

Tyre Damage

Tyres might require premature replacement in certain conditions. For example, when they’ve suffered damage. This is despite the fact that they still seem to hold pressure, as the structural integrity may have been compromised.

Damage can occur due to a variety of reasons, and it can happen without you being immediately aware that there’s a problem. For most drivers, the most common types of damage include cuts, tears, or bulges.

Tyre cuts or tears are the unfortunate result of external influences. This includes bad road conditions, protruding car bodywork, or sharp foreign objects on the road such as nails, stones or glass. The internal structure of a tyre could be compromised if it is been cut or torn.

Tyre bulges indicate that the tyre’s internal construction has been damaged. Hitting kerbs, potholes or road dividers at excessive speed or at odd angles can cause this. Due to the impact, the tyre carcass may have been overstressed and structural cords broken.

Tyre Age

Although we mentioned earlier that tyres do not need to be replaced by time intervals, there are exceptions. This is especially true for less-often used cars such as off-peak cars (OPC) or classic vehicles.

Over time, tyres will begin to harden and oxidise, unless unused and stored in a dry location away from sunlight and heat. Oxidation occurs when oxygen reacts with the compounds in the rubber, causing them to become brittle with age.

Manufacturers recommend that tyres older than ten years old be replaced, even if they appear to have plenty of tread depth. With age, tyres can get stiff and get brittle. This causes tiny cracks that are barely visible to form on the tread and sidewall, significantly reducing grip.

Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Many new cars come with a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Some claim that a TPMS can alert you when it’s time for new tyres – but that’s actually false.

The purpose of a TPMS is to alert you when there’s a sudden drop in tyre pressure, indicating that there may be a puncture, which could create unsafe driving conditions. Don’t panic if the TPMS light is illuminated. The system is merely notifying you of a loss of pressure due to underinflation or leakage.

Need tyres replaced? There’s no better place than AutoApp, the first Bridgestone Concierge E-tailer! Click to get a quote and enjoy a new retail experience.

First time using AutoApp? We’d like to welcome you to the family with our complimentary Collection & Delivery service (U.P. $68)!

It’s been more than a century since the humble rubber tyre appeared on automobiles. Before that, metal or wooden wheels clattered along unpaved roads, much to the chagrin of drivers and pedestrians.

Since their debut, rubber tyres are a feature that we take more and more for granted. In the modern day, there’s a continuous quest in improving those bouncy black rings we have around our wheels, in the aspects of grip, comfort, or fuel efficiency.

Tyres are quite a lot more important than you’d think, too. Being the only contact between your car and the road, they play an essential role in keeping you safe.

Fun fact – on an average tyre, the contact patch is smaller than a sheet of A5-sized paper. This means that all the contact your car has with the road fits within an A3-sized sheet of paper!

As with all wear & tear items though, tyres will need to be replaced throughout the life of the vehicle. For many consumers, that’s not a small investment, and knowing the ins and outs of buying tyres can be overwhelming.

At AutoApp, however, we’re making tyre changes a breeze by bringing today’s door-to-door convenience you’re so used to. Gone are the days of waiting around a stuffy shop while new tyres are fitted – get work done, go to the gym, or indulge in some retail therapy instead!

AutoApp x Pirelli

For nearly 150 years, the Pirelli brand has stood for prestige and innovation, challenging the boundaries of technology, style and sustainability. Leading car manufacturers all over the world, such as Porsche, Lamborghini, and Jaguar, have all picked Pirelli tyres as original equipment on their premium vehicles.

In the motorsports arena too, Pirelli is actively involved in about 230 motor racing championships at various levels of competition. Being an exclusive tyre supplier to prestigious motorsports events such as the Blancpain GT Series, all the way to Formula One, the pinnacle of motorsports, provides Pirelli with valuable technical information that can then be applied to road-going tyres.

Keen to experience Pirelli’s technology and innovation for yourself? As an AutoApp customer, we’ve made it even easier for you to have a set of Pirelli tyres fitted. Simply purchase four genuine Pirelli tyres in a 17-inch or larger size through the AutoApp app, and you’ll get to enjoy our concierge service (worth SGD 68) absolutely free!

Need your tyres replaced? Sit back, relax, and let our friendly Service Ambassadors take care of them for you. Download the app today!

To learn more about AutoApp and the services we offer, head on over to https://autoapp.sg/about/.

Let AutoApp arrange this service for you. Click here to make an online booking, or download the app below.

Ever needed to get your tyres changed only to find that you keep putting it off? Well, PIRELLI, the official F1-tyre and premium Italian brand is working with AutoApp to offer you a ‘butler’ service like never before!

For a limited time only, get free concierge service (worth SGD 68!) for your car with every set of four (4) PIRELLI tyres fitted. For every confirmed purchase, AutoApp will collect your car and bring it to an authorised PIRELLI workshop for installation, before returning your car to your preferred location.

This special promotion is applicable to tyre sizes 17-inch or larger, starting at SGD 142 per tyre only! Don’t fall for cheaply-priced gimmicks elsewhere, our tyres are genuine and come with an official PIRELLI warranty. There are also no hidden costs and charges!

All prices quoted are inclusive of installation, balancing and wheel alignment!

PRICE GUIDE. FIND YOUR TYRES HERE!

Prices are subject to GST

All prices quoted are inclusive of:
• Fully-insured pick-up and delivery service (worth SGD 68)
• Installation of tyres (worth SGD 80)
• Wheel balancing (worth SGD 36)
• Wheel alignment (worth SGD 80)
Total savings of SGD 264!

To reserve your tyres, simply:

• Download our app at these following links

• Click on the PIRELLI promo banner
• Indicate your preferred PIRELLI tyres in the ‘Others’ remarks box below
• If you are not sure of your tyre size, enter ‘Unsure’ into the box

• Book a pick-up appointment
• Orders must be made at least 24-hours in advance to ensure stock availability

And you’re done! Just wait for our Service Ambassador to arrive at your doorstep!

TERMS OF USE

• This promotion is in collaboration with PIRELLI Asia Pte Ltd.
• Valid for purchases of a full set of four (4) PIRELLI tyres.
• Valid for tyre sizes from 17-inches and above.
• All prices quoted are subjected to GST.
• Tyres are fitted at authorised PIRELLI workshops.
• Genuine PIRELLI products with warranty provided.
• Offer valid till 31 October 2020.