car tires

Looking for new car tires, tire service or tire advice? The right tires are essential for your safety, driving comfort, and fuel economy. At Faay Auto Groep in Nieuwegein, we offer a complete range of car tires from all the top brands at competitive prices, including professional mounting and balancing. RDW recognized car company With over 25 years of experience, we're happy to advise you on the best choice for your car and driving style. From summer tires to winter tires and all-season tires – we have everything in stock or can deliver it quickly.

Why Good Tires Are Essential

Your car tires are the only contact between your car and the road – just four palm-sized surfaces support your entire vehicle. Good tires are therefore crucial for:

• Safety: Good grip when braking, steering and accelerating in all weather conditions
• Braking distance: Quality tires can shorten your braking distance by meters – which can save lives
• Roadholding: Stable and predictable steering behavior, especially in corners
• Fuel consumption: Low rolling resistance tires save up to 0.5 liters per 100 km
• Comfort: Less road noise and better damping of bumps
• Lifespan: Quality tires last longer and are ultimately cheaper

Worn, damaged, or incorrect tires significantly increase the risk of accidents and are also not permitted under MOT regulations.

Types of Car Tires

Summer tires

Summer tires are optimized for temperatures above 7°C. They have a harder rubber compound that provides optimal grip in warm temperatures. The tread is designed to efficiently disperse water and prevent aquaplaning.

Advantages: Best grip in dry and wet weather above 7°C, longer life, lower fuel consumption, quiet and comfortable.

Disadvantages: Hard rubber at freezing temperatures, no grip on snow and ice.

When to use: April to October (in the Netherlands).

Winter tires

Winter tires have a softer rubber compound that remains flexible even in freezing temperatures. The tread has more sipes (small indentations) that provide grip on snow and ice. Recognizable by the mountain icon with snowflake (3PMSF).

Advantages: Much better grip below 7°C, safer in snow and icy conditions, shorter braking distance in cold temperatures, mandatory in many foreign countries.

Disadvantages: Higher rolling resistance (more consumption), wear out faster in hot weather, more road noise.

When to use: November to March (in the Netherlands), mandatory in many European countries in winter conditions.

All-Season Tires (Four-Seasons)

All-season tires are a compromise between summer and winter tires. They perform reasonably well in all seasons, but are never optimal. Recognizable by the M+S (Mud + Snow) symbol and often also the mountain icon.

Advantages: No need to change tyres, always reasonable performance, cost-saving (no need for a second set), practical for people who drive little.

Disadvantages: Not optimal in both summer and winter, shorter lifespan than specialist tyres, higher consumption than summer tyres.

When to use: All year round, especially suitable for temperate climates and people who travel few kilometers.

When Should You Get New Tires?

There are several signs that your tires need replacing:

1. Tread depth

• Legal minimum: 1.6 mm over the entire width (APK requirement)
• Safe minimum: 3 mm for summer tires, 4 mm for winter tires
• Advice: Replace tires at 3-4mm for optimal safety

You can check the tread depth with a tread depth gauge or the wear indicators in the tread (small raised areas between the tread blocks).

2. Age of the Tires

Rubber deteriorates with age, even if the tire has been used sparingly. Recommended replacement:

• 6 years: Check annually with a mechanic
• 8-10 years: Maximum lifespan, then replace regardless of profile

The production date can be found on the side: a 4-digit DOT code (e.g. “2319” means week 23 of 2019).

3. Damage

Replace tires immediately when:

• Cuts or tears in the tread or sidewall
• Bump formation or crookedness (internal damage)
• Visible wire rope or canvas
• Uneven wear (may indicate an adjustment problem)
• Flat tire that cannot be repaired (tear in sidewall, excessive damage)

4. Performance reduction

• Noticeably longer braking distance
• Less grip in corners
• Car pulls to one side
• Vibrations at certain speeds
• Increased road noise

Tire service at Faay Auto Group

We offer a complete tire service:

• New tires: All brands and sizes, from budget to premium
• Mounting and balancing: Professionally mounted and balanced
• Tire change: Summer/winter change from €30
• Tire storage: Safe storage of your 2nd set of tires
• Tire repair: Flat tire? We'll repair it if possible.
• Wheel alignment (toeing): For even tire wear
• Tire check: Free profile and tension check
• Tailor-made advice: Which tire suits your car and driving style?

Top Brands and Budget Tires

We supply all well-known tire brands:

Premium brands: Michelin, Continental, Goodyear, Bridgestone, Pirelli, Dunlop – The best performance, safety, and durability. Price range: €€€

Mid-range brands: Hankook, Vredestein, Kumho, Falken, Nexen, Toyo – Excellent value for money. Price range: €€

Budget brands: Various top brands such as Maxxis, Nankang, and Firestone – affordable and meet all safety requirements. Price range: €

Whichever brand you choose, all tires we supply meet European safety requirements and have the E-mark.

Tire label: Grip, Consumption and Noise

Since 2012, all new tires have an EU label with three important features:

• Fuel efficiency (rolling resistance): A (economical) to E (high consumption). The difference can be up to 0.5 liters/100km!
• Braking on wet roads: A (short) to E (long). The difference can be several meters of braking distance!
• External rolling noise: Displayed in decibels, the lower the quieter

Note: The label doesn't provide information about durability, snow grip (except for the mountain icon), or comfort. Ask us for advice on making a complete assessment.

Tire Pressure: Why It's Important

Correct tire pressure is crucial for safety and costs:

Too low voltage:

• Increased rolling resistance (more consumption, up to 0.3 liters/100km)
• Faster wear on the outer edges of the tread
• Reduced roadholding and longer braking distance
• Risk of overheating and tire blowout at high speed

Too high voltage:

• Driving harder and more uncomfortable
• Wear in the center of the tread
• Reduced grip (smaller contact surface)
• Higher risk of damage from holes/obstacles

Advice: Check your tire pressure at least once a month and always before long trips. You can find the correct pressure in your owner's manual or on a sticker in your door frame. At Faay Auto Groep, we check and adjust your pressure free of charge.

Cost of New Car Tires

The cost of new tires varies greatly depending on size and brand:

Small car (e.g. 175/65 R14):

• Budget: €40 – €60 per tire
• Mid-range: €60 – €85 per tire
• Premium: €85 – €120 per tire

Middle class car (e.g. 205/55 R16):

• Budget: €55 – €80 per tire
• Mid-range: €80 – €110 per tire
• Premium: €110 – €160 per tire

Larger car/SUV (e.g. 225/45 R18):

• Budget: €75 – €110 per tire
• Mid-range: €110 – €160 per tire
• Premium: €160 – €250 per tire

Mounting and balancing: €10 – €15 per tire
Disposal of old tires: €2 – €3 per tire
Valves: €3 – €5 each (recommended for new tires)

Please contact us with your license plate number or tire size for an exact quote.

Frequently Asked Questions about Car Tires

Should I replace all four tires at once?

Ideally, yes, for optimal handling and safety. At a minimum, you should replace tires per axle (both front tires or both rear tires simultaneously). Different tread depths on the left and right sides can affect steering and are dangerous. With four-wheel drive, it's often mandatory to replace all four at the same time (a maximum tread difference of 3-4 mm is permitted).

Are all-season tires a good choice?

All-season tires are a practical choice for people who drive sparingly, don't participate in winter sports, and primarily drive in cities. However, for optimal safety and performance, specialized summer and winter tires remain the better choice. In areas with severe winters (snow, ice), all-season tires are not a viable alternative to winter tires.

How often should I check my tire pressure?

At least once a month and always before long rides or during temperature changes. Note: check the pressure when the tires are cold (not immediately after riding). Pressure drops approximately 0.1 bar for every 10°C drop in temperature, so check extra carefully during seasonal changes.

When should I change my summer and winter tires?

As a rule of thumb, switch to winter tires when the temperature consistently drops below 7°C (usually mid-November) and switch back to summer tires when the weather consistently rises above 7°C (usually April). At Faay Auto Groep, you can quickly schedule a tire change appointment online or by phone.

Can I have a flat tire repaired?

This depends on the location and extent of the damage. Repairable: small holes (up to 6mm) in the tread from nails/screws. Not repairable: damage to the sidewall, large cracks, multiple repairs on a single tire, very old tires. We will assess free of charge whether repair is possible and safe. Repair costs: €15-€30.

What do the numbers and letters on my tire mean?

For example “205/55 R16 91V”:
205 = bandwidth in mm
55 = height-width ratio in % (55% of 205mm)
R = Radial construction
16 = rim diameter in inches
91 = load capacity code (91 = 615 kg per tire)
V = speed index (V = up to 240 km/h)

Always use the size prescribed by the manufacturer for your car.

Why Choose Faay Auto Group?

• Competitive prices – Competitive prices for all brands
• Wide range – From budget to premium, all sizes
• Professional installation - Expertly mounted and balanced
• Fast delivery Out of stock? Usually available the next day.
• Free tire check – Profile, tension and condition
• Tire storage - Stored safely and dry
• Personal advice – Which band suits your situation?
• RDW approved – Certified service
• Online appointment possible - Quick and easy scheduling
• Warranty – On mounting and balancing

Do you need new tires or would you like advice on the best choice for your car? Then contact Faay Auto Groep in Nieuwegein. We're happy to help you with professional tire advice and competitive prices.

Frequently Asked Questions about Car Tires

What is the minimum tread depth for car tires?

The legal minimum tread depth in the Netherlands is 1.6 mm across the entire width of the tire. However, for optimal safety and grip, we at Faay Auto Groep recommend replacing winter tires at 4 mm and summer tires at 3 mm. At lower tread depths, grip on wet roads decreases dramatically, significantly extending the braking distance and increasing the risk of aquaplaning. We always check your tire pressure and tread depth during your vehicle inspection.

When should I switch to winter or summer tires?

The general rule of thumb is the "O-to-O" rule: October to Easter for winter tires. In practice, this means that winter tires are best installed when the temperature consistently drops below 7 degrees Celsius (usually late October/November) and that you can switch back to summer tires around April. Winter tires offer better grip below 7°C, while summer tires perform optimally above this temperature. All-season tires are a compromise for those who don't want to switch.

How much does a new set of tires cost including installation?

Costs vary significantly by tire size, brand, and quality. A budget set of four summer tires for a smaller car, including mounting and balancing, costs from €250-€350. Mid-range A-brand tires (such as Michelin, Continental, Goodyear) cost €400-€700 for four tires. Premium brands for larger cars or SUVs can cost €800-€1,200. At Faay Auto Groep, we always recommend several options in different price ranges, so you can make the best choice for your budget and driving style.

Do I always have to replace all 4 tires at the same time?

For optimal safety and handling, we recommend replacing at least two tires per axle at a time, preferably all four at the same time. Replacing only one or two tires creates differences in tread depth and grip between them, negatively impacting stability and handling. For 4WD and SUVs, replacing all four tires is often mandatory due to the four-wheel drive system. If you only have one damaged tire, replacing two new tires on the same axle may be sufficient.

What is balancing and why is it necessary?

Balancing is the process of evenly distributing the weight of the wheel (tire + rim) so that it rotates perfectly without vibration. Unbalanced wheels cause vibrations in the steering wheel at high speed, uneven tire wear, and additional stress on the suspension and bearings. At Faay Auto Groep, we balance all wheels as standard after installing new tires using professional balancing machines. We also recommend rebalancing every 10,000-15,000 km for optimal performance.

Can you store my tires?

Yes, at Faay Auto Groep, we offer tire storage for customers who don't have the space to store their winter or summer tires at home. We store your tires in optimal conditions: cool, dry, and dark, so they last longer. When the seasons change, simply schedule an appointment – we'll retrieve your stored tires, change them, and then store the other set. Ask about our tire storage and changing service for a worry-free season.