Your car might be your pride and joy, but it’s your tyres that keep you on the road (literally). So, when it comes to tyre size, you might be wondering: Does size actually matter? The short answer: Absolutely. But it’s not about impressing the neighbours with the biggest treads on the block. It’s about safety, performance, and (yep) insurance implications.
The rubber meets the road: Why tyre size matters
Tyres aren’t just rubber hoops that happen to fit on your rims. They’re part of a finely tuned system engineered to keep your car safe and efficient. Here’s why the right size counts:
- Safety first (and always)
Too small or too large tyres can affect your car’s grip, braking distance, and stability. The wrong size can even mess with your ABS and traction control. That’s a no-no in anyone’s insurance book.
2. Speedo says huh?
Tyre size affects your speedometer reading. If your tyres are the wrong diameter, your speedometer might lie to you. You could be cruising at 80km/h thinking you’re doing 60km/h… And that could land you in hot water with more than just the traffic cops.
3. Insurance and cover implications
If your tyres don’t match the manufacturer’s recommended size and something goes wrong, King Price (or any insurer, for that matter) might raise an eyebrow. Any modification that affects your car’s performance and safety needs to be declared. If not, it could impact your insurance or the outcome of your claim.
What tyre sizes are we talking about
You’ll see a combo like this on your tyre: 205/55 R16.
- 205: Tyre width in mm.
- 55: Sidewall height as a percentage of the width.
- R16: Rim diameter in inches.
Changing any of these without understanding the impact is like replacing your trusty takkies with size 14 gumboots when you’re a size 8. It might work… But it probably won’t.
The legal tread
In South Africa, your tyre tread depth must be at least 1mm across the entire surface. Anything less is illegal, and not even the king can save you from a rejected claim if your tyres are worn down to the canvas.
What the king covers (and what he doesn’t)
At King Price, we offer tyre and rim insurance that covers damage caused by road hazards like potholes, rocks, broken glass, and steel. We’ll try to repair the rim if we can. But here’s the catch: This only applies if your car is roadworthy and your tyres are in good nick and the correct size.
You’re also limited to:
- 2 tyre claims and 2 rim claims per year.
- Replacement cover capped at reasonable replacement value.
- No cover for wear and tear, incorrect tyre pressure, or modifications.
Keep it royal: Our tyre tips
- Stick to the manufacturer-recommended tyre size.
- Check your tyre pressure and tread monthly.
- Replace tyres in pairs for even wear.
- Rotate regularly.
- Declare all modifications to your insurer.
So, does size matter
You bet your rubber it does. Tyre size affects safety, performance, and your ability to claim from insurance. If you want to stay covered, stay compliant… And let the king take care of the rest.
Tie it back to your cover
Tyre size isn’t just a number on the sidewall… It’s your link to safe driving and a smooth claims process. Stick to the specs, keep your tyres in shape, and let the king cover the rest.
Want to make sure your tyres, car, and home are properly insured? Chat to us about comprehensive car insurance and add tyre and rim cover while you’re at it. Click here to get a commitment-free quote today for comprehensive car insurance with tyre and rim cover, or call us on 0860 50 50 50. Because driving with the wrong size? That’s just a pain.
FAQs
What happens if I fit larger tyres to my car?
It could affect your speedometer, handling, and insurance. Always consult your manufacturer and insurer before upsizing.
Will my claim be rejected if I use the wrong tyre size?
Potentially, yes. Using incorrect tyre sizes can void certain parts of your cover if they contributed to the damage.
Is tyre and rim insurance worth it?
If you’ve ever met a South African pothole, you already know the answer: Absolutely.
Can I change tyre sizes for aesthetic reasons?
Sure, but you must declare the modification to your insurer.
How often should I replace my tyres?
Typically, every 5 years or when the tread depth drops below 1mm.