Car tyres endure the most wear out of all car parts since they are in direct contact with the
ground. Having proper tyres is important for safety, car performance, and ride comfort, among
other benefits. This buying guide is meant to help you make more informed decisions when
buying car tyres in Kenya.
Premium Tyres
There are various factors to consider when buying tyres in Kenya. For example, you must
consider your car type and driving style. If you do long commutes regularly, we recommend
purchasing a set of premium tyres, as they will provide more value for money in the long run.
Premium tyres will give you a minimum of 60,000 km, subject to the motorist’s usage.
Premium tyres in the Kenyan market are Bf Goodrich, Continental, General grabber,
Michelin, Pirelli, Goodyear, Bridgestone, Dunlop, Kumho, Hankook, Maxxis, and Falken. These
tyres are more expensive than midrange and budget tyres. However, premium tyres provide the
ultimate durability and value for money. Autoways Tyres Kenya Ltd stocks premium tyres at
competitive prices, so you don’t have to break the bank!
Mid-range Tyres
Mid-range tyres are the middle ground between budget and premium tyres. The tyres are
more durable than budget tyres and more affordable than premium tyres. Mid-range tyres are a
decent option for many car owners in Kenya, especially if you rarely strain your vehicle or carry
heavy loads.
The main difference between mid-range and premium tyres is the materials used. So,
while the manufacturing methods are the same as for premium tyres, you can still expect a
quality tyre at a more affordable price. However, they won’t offer the same performance and
durability as premium tyres.
Midrange tyres are ideal for:
- Fairly frequently driven vehicles
- Vehicles that don’t travel too often in bad road or weather conditions.
- Drivers who don’t drive aggressively putting too much stress on the vehicle.
Midrange tyre brands available in the Kenyan market and stocked at Autoways Tyres kenya
Ltd include Achilles, GT Radial, Firestone, Marshal, Otani, Nexen, Forceum, Lassa, and Kenda.
Budget Tyres
Budget tyres are an economical option whose price tag is lower than premium and midrange tyres. In this regard, you get less in terms of functionality and durability. However, budget
tyres are functional and meet specific safety standards. Otherwise, they can’t be sold if the
standards are not met.
That being said, budget tyres provide less traction on wet terrain, and their stopping
distance is longer than mid-range and pre mium tyres, which means reduced control and
handling in such conditions. The tyres typically cover a minimum of 40,000 km, subject to
usage. Budget tyres in the Kenyan market include Comforser, Petromax, Matrek, Aptany, Yeada
and Boto.
Budget tyres are ideal for:
- Vehicle that is not used very often, mainly travels short distances or is a backup to another primary vehicle.
- If you’re strapped for cash but need to replace a worn out or punctured tyre urgently.
- Slower speed driving in high-traffic areas.
- Dry weather conditions.
Minimum car tyre tread
Car tyre treads are critical for both legal and safety reasons. Keep in mind that Kenya’s
legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm. Care tyre treads are useful for your car to break, steer or
accelerate properly. When it comes to tyre tread, the golden rule is always better to be safe than
sorry!
Essentially, the less the tyre tread, the more you compromise performance and safety. In
this regard, we recommend doing regular tyre checks. It’s imperative to replace tyres more
frequently if you drive a lot in wet conditions.
How to do a tyre tread check
Before buying car tyres, it’s imperative to do a thorough tread check to ascertain their
general quality and condition. First, you start with a visual inspection which entails turning the
steering wheel and looking for any signs of wear. For tyres that have been on the road before,
make sure that they are wearing evenly. Ultimately, the importance of having enough tread on
the tyre(s) cannot be overstated
Post-purchase care
As much as tyre wear is inevitable, you can take various actionable steps after buying car
tyres in Kenya to enhance their longevity. First, it’s worth mentioning that tyres tend to wear
more in case they are over or under-inflated. In this regard, you want to check your tyre pressure
regularly. You can consult your car tyre supplier in Kenya if you are unsure about the
recommended tyre pressure for particular tyres.
The driving style significantly affects tyre wear. For example, hitting curbs, potholes, and
sudden breaking. As a car owner or driver, having good driving habits will save you a lot of tyre
costs in the long run. Finally, well-aligned wheels tend to wear less than misaligned ones, thus
the need for regular wheel alignment.
Choosing the right car tyre supplier
The importance of choosing the right car tyre supplier cannot be overstated. Ideally, the
tyre supplier should offer a variety of competitively priced tyres, while at the same time not
compromising on product quality. Also, the supplier must be ready and willing to answer any
queries that the customer may have.
As a customer-centric car tyre supplier in Kenya, the experienced team at Autoways
Tyres Kenya Ltd ensures your car tyres of choice are fit for purpose and without any defects. We
offer discounted prices for bulk orders! Feel free to contact us for more insight into our products
and services.
