The Ultimate Guide to Buying Car Tyres Online

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Not too long ago, buying car tyres meant booking time off, heading to a garage, and hoping they had your size in stock. These days, it’s a different game. Ordering tyres online has become just as common as booking a service, and with a bit of know-how, it can be quick, affordable and completely hassle-free. If you’re ready to replace your tyres but want to skip the waiting room, visit Magowan Tyres website to buy car tyres and see just how easy it can be.

Know Your Tyre Size Before You Start

Before diving in, the first thing you’ll need is the correct tyre size. It’s written on the sidewall of your current tyres — usually a mix of numbers and letters like 215/60 R16. This tells you the width, height ratio, diameter, and tyre construction.

If you’re not near your car, you can also check your vehicle handbook. Better still, some websites let you pop in your reg number, and they’ll pull up your options in seconds. Handy if you’re not too keen on crawling around in the driveway.

Which Type of Tyre Do You Actually Need?

Not every tyre suits every driver. There’s no point forking out for high-performance tyres if your car rarely sees more than 40 mph on the school run. Here’s a quick rundown of what’s out there:

Summer tyres: Standard choice for most drivers. Good grip in dry and wet, not great in icy weather.
Winter tyres: Better traction in snow and ice. Worth it if you live in the hills or drive in rural areas during winter.
All-season tyres: A decent compromise for drivers who want one tyre to handle a bit of everything.
Performance tyres: More grip and stability for drivers who enjoy a bit of spirit behind the wheel — though they come at a price.

Your driving style, weather, and how often you’re on the road should all factor into your decision.

What Makes Online Shopping for Tyres Worthwhile?

Let’s be honest — price plays a big part. Tyres bought online are often cheaper than at your local garage, simply because online retailers don’t have the same overheads. On top of that, you get access to a wider selection of brands and models — not just whatever’s in stock that day.

But it’s not just about saving money. Shopping online gives you time to compare options, read reviews from other drivers, and avoid being pressured into making a snap decision in front of a fitter.

Reading the Label – What Those Ratings Really Mean

Tyres sold in the UK come with standard EU labels showing:

Fuel efficiency (rated A to E)
Wet grip (also rated A to E)
Noise level (measured in decibels)

A tyre with a high fuel efficiency rating can genuinely save you a bit on your fuel bill over time, especially if you do a lot of motorway miles. Meanwhile, a good wet grip rating is worth prioritising — especially with the British weather being what it is.

Booking Fitting – What Happens After You Order?

Once you’ve picked your tyres and paid, you’ll usually be given a choice of fitting options. Most sites offer:

Local fitting: Choose a partner garage near you, book a time slot, and turn up with your booking details.
Mobile fitting: A fitter comes to your home or workplace and does the job there.

Check what’s included in the fitting fee — some offer extras like wheel balancing, new valves, and even old tyre disposal. Others don’t, so it’s worth checking before you book.

A Few Common Mistakes to Dodge

Online tyre shopping’s simple enough, but people do still trip up now and then. Here’s what to avoid:

Guessing your size – Always double-check before ordering.
Forgetting to check the speed/load rating – Using tyres below the manufacturer’s recommendation can affect handling and insurance.
Ignoring the condition of other tyres – Replacing just one worn tyre on the front might throw off the balance if the others are nearly bald too.
Choosing the cheapest option – A budget tyre might save you £20 now, but cost you more in the long run if it wears out twice as fast.

How to Keep Your Tyres in Good Nick

Once your new tyres are fitted, a few simple checks will help them last longer:

Check the pressure regularly – Underinflated tyres wear faster and waste fuel.
Inspect for damage – Look for cuts, bulges, or uneven wear.
Rotate tyres – Swapping front and rear tyres every 6,000 miles helps them wear more evenly.
Keep an eye on wheel alignment – If your car starts pulling to one side, get it checked before it eats through a new set of tyres.