Replacing old car tyres can be confusing for a first time car owner, especially if you do not understand the fine technicalities involved. So, in today’s blog we are first discussing the basics of car tyre replacement and then sharing some of the best tyres from Apollo Tyres to help you make the transition. Let’s get started!
Technical Details
When buying new tyres you need to know the technical specifications of your car’s stock tyres. This can be easily ascertained by checking the sidewall of the old tyres on your car. The technical specifications are an alphanumeric code which reads something like this - 205/65 R15.
205: This is the section width of the tyre in millimeters. It means the tyre is 205 millimeters wide at its widest point when properly inflated and mounted on a wheel.
65: This is the aspect ratio. It represents the height of the tyre's sidewall as a percentage of its section width. Sidewall height is measured from the inner section of the tyre where it meets the rim, to the outer section of the tyre where it meets the road surface. In this case, the sidewall height is 65% of 205 mm (approximately 133.25 mm).
R: This indicates the tyre's construction type. "R" stands for radial. Radial tyres are the most common type of tyre construction for passenger vehicles.
15: This is the wheel or rim diameter in inches. It means this tyre is designed to fit on a wheel that is 15 inches in diameter.
Now with that out of the way, let’s understand some of the tyre types that you may want to look into.
Type of Tyres
There are different types of tyres for different types of vehicles. For example, a sedan or hatchback will have smaller tyres with an all-season performance rating, in comparison an SUV will have bigger and bulkier tyres that come with specific use-case like all-terrain or highway-terrain rating. Broadly the tyres can be divided into three categories:
All-Terrain (A/T): These tyres are a versatile compromise, designed for both on-road comfort and decent off-road capability. They feature a more aggressive tread pattern than highway tyres, providing better grip on gravel, dirt, and moderate off-road surfaces. However, they can be noisier on the road and may not perform as well as dedicated off-road tyres in extreme conditions.
Highway Terrain (H/T): These tyres are primarily designed for on-road use, prioritizing comfort, quietness, and long tread life. They have a less aggressive tread pattern that provides good handling and fuel efficiency on paved surfaces. They are not well-suited for off-road driving or challenging terrain.
Mud & Snow (M+S or M/S): These tyres have a tread pattern designed to provide better traction in muddy and snowy conditions than standard tyres. The "M+S" designation indicates that the tyre meets certain industry standards for mud and snow performance. While M+S tyres offer improved grip in these conditions, they are not the same as dedicated winter tyres (which have the "3 Peak Mountain Snowflake" symbol). Some All-Terrain tyres also carry the M+S rating.
Depending on your use case and geographical area, you can pick and choose a tyre type that’s most suited to your needs.
Best Performing Tyres from Apollo Tyres
To help you find the perfect fit, we've organized our tyres by vehicle type and how you plan to use them.
Hatchback & Sedan Tyres
Apollo Amazer 4G Life: For smaller hatchbacks like the Maruti Alto or Tata Tiago and people mover vehicles like the Maruti Eeco and Ertiga, we recommend getting the Amazer 4G Life, a highly durable car tyre offering up to 1 Lakh kilometers of rubber mileage. The Amazer 4G Life is a landmark product when it comes to mixing performance and durability. It offers improved braking and enhanced resistance toward punctures owing to its micro puncture technology.
Apollo Alnac 4G: For more premium cars and personal vehicles in the hatchback and sedan segment, we recommend getting a set of Apollo Alnac 4G tyres. The Alnac 4G is a favorite among our customers and OEM partners due to its high-quality driving precision, outstanding control, improved braking and impeccable stability while cornering. Moreover, the tyre offers quieter and smoother rides with its specially optimized contact patch.
Apollo Aspire 4G: Built to match the performance requirements of luxury sedans and hatchbacks, the Aspire 4G is a class apart when it comes to tyre technology. Promising excellent handling, brilliant traction, and improved stability under all conditions, the Aspire 4G offers outstanding safety and acoustic comfort at highway speeds.
Compact SUV Tyres
Apollo Alnac 4GS: Catering the growing trend of compact SUVs like the Maruti Grand Vitara and Skoda Kushaq, the Apollo Alnac 4GS is known for providing excellent vehicle stability during highway driving and precise vehicle control during city driving. Moreover, the tyre inspires confidence in emergency situations with its exceptional dry braking prowess.
Apollo Apterra Cross: For a more premium and specialized performance, Apollo Tyres offers the Apterra Cross which brings our high-performance SUV tyre technologies to the compact SUV segment. It comes with JCP protection technology for higher puncture resistance and its block based design gives you maximum road grip for great handling and braking. The Apterra Cross also features a rounder contact patch to balance the ride quality on highway terrains, lowering the NVH levels inside the cabin.
SUV Tyres
Apollo Apterra AT2: The Apterra AT2 is engineered for superior performance, offering best-in-class durability, high-precision control, and excellent all-terrain traction. Built to last with a Triplex Casing and patented polymer blend compound incorporating DPF Technology, the AT2 delivers exceptional durability and puncture resistance on any surface. Experience responsive handling and stability thanks to its herringbone grooves, wider tread, and enhanced aquaplaning resistance.
Apollo Apterra HT2: The Apterra HT2 (OWL) delivers a refined driving experience with a focus on silence and comfort, complemented by stylish white lettering on the sidewall. Engineered for long-lasting performance, the Apterra HT2 utilizes a wear-resistant tread compound to ensure an enhanced service life. Its specially designed tyre contour and construction provide best-in-class road shock absorption without compromising geometric stability, ensuring a comfortable ride, even on rough roads.
Apollo Apterra HL: The Apterra HL delivers a balanced blend of performance, comfort, and value. Featuring an asymmetric pattern, these tyres offer excellent wet and dry performance, ensuring confident grip in various conditions. Circumferential grooves provide superior directional stability, making them highly reliable at high speeds, especially when carrying heavy loads. Built with robust construction, the Apterra HL offers a Load Index Rating of 94.
So, that concludes our blog on finding the best car tyres for Indian roads. We hope you found the information useful. For more automotive and tyre advice, stay tuned to the Apollo Tyres blog and follow our social media handles. For specialized help, visit an Apollo Tyres shop near you or call us at 1800 102 1838.