With summer travel in full swing, many drivers across Spain are hitting the roads for holidays, weekend getaways, and long-distance journeys. It’s also the season when tyre changes peak — a smart move for those looking to maximise safety and comfort. However, picking the right tyres isn’t always straightforward. To help motorists make the right choice, premium tyre manufacturer Bridgestone has shared five essential tips for choosing the ideal tyres for your vehicle and driving style.
1. Make Sure Your Tyres Are Fully Approved
Before anything else, it’s crucial that the tyres you purchase are homologated in line with EU regulations. Every car has a set of approved tyre dimensions, load ratings and speed symbols, which are listed in the vehicle’s technical documentation. The wrong size or rating could compromise both safety and legality.
When replacing your tyres, check section L.2 or the remarks section in your car’s technical sheet. This will show the standard and equivalent tyre options your car is approved to use — considering load capacity, speed rating, rim profile, and external diameter (within ±3%). All this information can also be found on the tyre’s sidewall, along with the DOT code that shows the date of manufacture — for example, “1024” means the tyre was made in week 10 of 2024.
2. Don’t Skimp on Safety
Although budget tyres might seem like an easy way to save money, they could cost you more in the long run — in performance, fuel economy, and safety. According to the Spanish consumers’ organisation OCU, selecting quality tyres and maintaining them properly can significantly reduce fuel consumption and avoid mechanical issues and accidents.
Premium tyres, while more expensive upfront, tend to offer greater durability, better grip in all conditions, shorter braking distances, and a quieter, more comfortable ride. When it comes to safety, quality pays off.
3. Match the Tyre to Your Car and Driving Style
Not all tyres are created equal — and not every tyre suits every driver. For example, if you drive a quiet electric vehicle or you’re a calm, efficiency-focused motorist, look for low rolling resistance tyres. These reduce energy consumption, increase range, and offer a smooth, quiet ride.
On the other hand, if you drive a powerful car or have a sportier driving style, you’ll need tyres that deliver precise handling, high-speed stability, and strong cornering grip. Matching the tyre’s performance characteristics to your vehicle and habits is key to getting the most out of your investment.
4. Think About Where — and When — You Drive
Geography and climate matter. Spain offers a wide range of driving environments — from snowy mountain roads in the north to hot, dry motorways in the south. Each of these conditions demands different tyre performance.
For hotter regions and everyday summer driving, standard summer tyres are usually the best fit. In contrast, if you regularly drive in colder, wetter or icy areas (particularly when temperatures drop below 7ºC), consider fitting winter tyres for better grip and braking. All-season tyres offer a practical middle ground, especially in areas with varied weather.
5. Check the European Tyre Label Before Buying
To help consumers make informed choices, EU tyre labels provide vital information on three key performance areas:
- Fuel efficiency – lower rolling resistance (rated from A to E) means less fuel consumed.
- Wet grip – better braking performance on wet roads (also rated from A to E).
- External noise – shown in decibels and rated from A (quiet) to C (loud).
Tyres may also display icons indicating suitability for snow (3PMSF symbol) or ice (ice grip symbol), making it easier to choose the right type for seasonal use.
Final Thoughts from Bridgestone
It’s easy to overlook, but tyres are the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road — and that contact patch is only about the size of a postcard. Every tyre is designed for specific performance needs, and choosing the right one could make a vital difference in an emergency.
As Bridgestone’s technical engineer Adrià Martínez puts it: “The road can test us at any moment. Choosing the right tyres doesn’t just enhance comfort and efficiency — it can make all the difference when it matters most.”
In short, while we can’t predict everything that might happen on the road, we can prepare for it — starting with tyres that are truly up to the task.
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