5 Best Car Tyre Brands In Malaysia

 If you own a car, you’d already know that more than a dozen tyre brands are on the market today. Unfortunately, the mass production of car tyres with modern technology has opened up a breeding ground for poor-quality tyres and subpar brands to infiltrate the market.

This makes differentiating the good and the bad ones a challenge for many. If you are a car owner who’s not looking to compromise on quality, you should certainly consider investing in the best tyre brands in Malaysia for a rewarding experience.

1. Michelin 

French tyre manufacturer Michelin is known for producing some of the best car tyres and remains a top contender for other brands. Among other things, Michelin tyres are known for their excellent fuel efficiency while lasting for a long time with unbeatable performance.

As a pioneer in the market, Michelin also provides an extensive product catalogue that enables customers to choose the best tyres that suit their needs and driving conditions at all times.

Advantages:

• Excellent fuel-efficiency
• Durable
• Plenty of choices
• Excellent warranty

2. Bridgestone 

Everyone knows Japan’s position in the automotive industry. Apart from being a global importer of cars, the Eat-Asian country also specialises in tyres. Among the many famous brands from Japan, Bridgestone is well-known for car tyres that deliver top-notch performance and excellent handling.

Their tyres often have long tread life, so you can use them for extended periods. They are also smooth when driving and provide excellent support during dry and wet climates, which matches Malaysia’s tropical weather.

• Advantages:
• 
  
• - Good performance
• - Long tread life
• - Comfortable driving
• - Dry and wet climate support

3.Continental 

Originating from Germany, Continental car tyres provide superior performance and safety to its consumers. Continental is a popular tyre brand in Malaysia because of its comprehensive product catalogue, like Michelin and its versatility to support both dry and wet climates in Malaysia.

As a premium brand, Continental tyres produce less noise while driving, and their improved safety is hard to find cheap tyres.

Advantages:

- Great performance

- Dry and wet climate support

- Comprehensive product catalogue

- Less noisy

4. Goodyear 

American tyre brand Goodyear has innovative technologies and tyre designs that help improve fuel efficiency. Goodyear’s tyres provide comfortable and smooth rides with excellent braking performance, especially on wet surfaces. These tyres also offer good value for money, given their superb quality, which makes them last long.

Advantages:

• Excellent handling
• Value for money
• Excellent wet grip
• Comfortable and smooth ride

5. Yokohama

Yokohama is another tyre brand from Japan. These tyres deliver good performance, and they are affordable at the same time. This combo is hard to find in many other affordable tyre brands in Malaysia.

Yokohama tyres are suitable for car owners who are looking for eco-friendly options as they are made from oils from orange peels using nanotechnology. They are also durable and have high resistance to wear and tear.

Advantages:

- Good performance

- Durable

- Eco-friendly

- Affordable

Tyre Care and Car Tyre Maintenance

 Car tyre maintenance tips

1. Check your tyres weekly

When checking your tyres, make sure they are properly inflated and have sufficient tread depth remaining. Tyres must be replaced if worn down to any of the tread wear indicators as shown in the image. You should also look for any damage or cracks in the tyre’s surface. If you’re not sure about the condition of your tyres, come into one of our Bridgestone stores and have them inspected by a professional.

2. Rotate your tyres regularly

Rotating your tyres will help to make sure that they wear evenly and last longer. In general, you should rotate your tyres every 5,000 to 8,000km, even if there is no sign of uneven wear. However, it’s worth noting that different vehicles will wear their front and back tyres at different rates. Front wheel drives wear tyres differently from rear-wheel drives, and station wagons and utes also have different wear patterns. If you’re not sure when to rotate your tyres, ask one of our friendly mechanics.

3. Ensure tyres are inflated correctly

Under or over inflation of your tyres can lead to excessive wear, and can make it harder to handle your car on the road. To preserve your tyre’s wear life, inflate your tyres to the manufacturer’s recommended tyre pressure. You can find this information on the driver’s side door frame, inside the fuel door, in the glove box, or in your car’s manual.

4. Check age of your tyres

Driving on tyres that are too old can be a serious safety risk. As the rubber in a tyre ages and is exposed to the elements, the strength of the bond between the rubber and the steel belts is reduced. This can lead to cracks in the tyre’s structure when it is placed under load. Eventually, these cracks can even cause the steel belts in the tread to separate from the rest of the tyre.

For this reason, tyres older than ten years should be replaced, regardless of appearance, mileage, or actual wear. To check the age of your tyres, look at the Serial Tyre Identification Number (TIN).

5. Get professional wheel alignment

Misaligned wheels can cause your tyres to wear excessively and irregularly. They can also impact your car’s handling and braking on the road. To improve your tyre’s wear life and stay safe on the road, it’s important to have your wheels professionally aligned after 10,000km of driving or every six months. You may also need a wheel alignment if you feel as though your car is pulling to one side of the road.

6. Keep tyres balanced

If you notice a steering wheel wobble or vibration when driving at high speeds, your tyres may be out of balance. Out of balance tyres can create irregular wear, unnecessary loading on steering components, and may even be dangerous on the road.

Tyre balancing involves attaching small weights to the wheel to counterbalance the heaviest part of the tyre and wheel assembly. Vibrations are often caused by these weights becoming loose, or being incorrectly placed. 

7. Consider nitrogen tyre inflation

Keeping your tyres properly inflated is a crucial component of tyre maintenance. As Nitrogen molecules are larger than oxygen, naturally occurring pressure loss is reduced and ideal tyre pressure is maintained for longer. This can also deliver benefits for everyday driving such as better tyre life, and better fuel economy. Nitrogen is often used in motorsport due to its ability to maintain consistent tyre pressure throughout a race.

Tyre Pricing in Malaysia

INTRODUCTION

Tires are a critical component of any vehicle, serving as the only point of contact between the car and the road. Their performance, durability, and cost directly impact a vehicle’s safety, fuel efficiency, and driving experience. In Malaysia, tire pricing varies widely based on factors such as size, type, brand, and special features. Understanding these pricing dynamics is essential for making informed decisions when purchasing or replacing tires. This report explores the different categories of tires available in Malaysia, their price ranges in Ringgit Malaysia (RM), and the additional costs associated with tire maintenance and installation.

1. Price Range by Size

• Small car tires (e.g., 14"-16"):
  RM 150 - RM 400 per tire.
  
  
• Mid-sized car/SUV tires (e.g., 17"-19"):
  RM 400 - RM 1,000 per tire.
  
  
• Large SUV/truck tires (e.g., 20"+):
  RM 900 - RM 2,000+ per tire.

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2. Price Range by Type

• All-season tires:
  RM 200 - RM 800 each.
  
  
• Performance tires:
  RM 600 - RM 1,800 each.
  
  
• All-terrain/off-road tires:
  RM 600 - RM 2,200 each.
  
  
• Winter/snow tires (rare in Malaysia):
  RM 400 - RM 1,200 each.

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3. Influencing Factors

• Brand:
• Premium brands like Michelin, Pirelli, Bridgestone: RM 500 - RM 1,800 per tire.
• Budget brands like Silverstone, Nexen, Kumho: RM 150 - RM 500 per tire.

• Special Features:
  • Run-flat or low-profile tires: RM 700 - RM 2,000 per tire.

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4. Additional Costs

• Mounting and Balancing: RM 40 - RM 100 per tire.
  
  
• Alignment (if needed): RM 100 - RM 300.
  
  
• Disposal Fee for Old Tires: RM 10 - RM 20 per tire.

How to change a flat tyre

What tools do you need to change a tyre?

All you need is a few simple and easy-to-use tools.

Essential tools (keep these in your car at all times)

                                                                       -  Spare Tyre

-  Jack

-  Wrench

-  Car Manual

Steps to Change a Flat Tire

1. Find a Safe Location

   • Pull over to a flat, stable surface away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights.

2. Secure the Vehicle

   • Apply the parking brake and place wheel wedges or large objects behind the tires to prevent rolling.

3. Gather Tools

   • Locate the spare tire, jack, lug wrench, and any additional tools from your vehicle's kit.

4. Loosen the Lug Nuts

   • Use the lug wrench to loosen (but not fully remove) the lug nuts while the car is still on the ground. Turn counterclockwise.

5. Lift the Vehicle with the Jack

   • Place the jack under the car's designated jack point (refer to the owner’s manual) and lift the car until the flat tire is off the ground.

6. Remove the Flat Tire

   • Fully unscrew the loosened lug nuts and pull off the flat tire. Place the nuts in a safe spot.

7. Mount the Spare Tire

   • Align the spare tire with the wheel bolts, slide it onto the hub, and hand-tighten the lug nuts.

8. Lower the Vehicle

   • Use the jack to carefully lower the vehicle until the spare tire touches the ground but is not fully supporting the car's weight.

9. Tighten the Lug Nuts

   • Fully tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure even pressure on the wheel.

10. Fully Lower the Vehicle

    • Lower the car completely and remove the jack. Double-check that the lug nuts are secure.

11. Store Tools and Flat Tire

    • Put the flat tire and tools back in the trunk.

12. Check the Spare Tire

    • Ensure the spare tire is inflated to the correct pressure before driving.

HOW TO READ THE TYRE SIZES?

Understanding tire sizes is important for choosing the right tires for your vehicle. The numbers and letters on the tire's sidewall provide key information about its dimensions, performance, and compatibility. By learning how to read these markings, you can ensure safety, comfort, and efficiency while driving.

Once you know what the letters and numbers mean, reading tire sizes is simple. This is a summary:

Example Tire Size: 205/55 R16 91V

1. 205: Tire Width (in millimeters)

   • This is the width of the tire from sidewall to sidewall, measured in millimeters. In this case, the tire is 205 mm wide.

2. 55: Aspect Ratio (percentage)

   • This is the height of the tire's sidewall as a percentage of the width. Here, the sidewall height is 55% of the tire's width (205 mm). A lower aspect ratio usually means a sportier tire.

3. R: Construction Type

   • "R" stands for radial construction, which is the most common type. It indicates the layers of fabric inside the tire are arranged radially.

4. 16: Wheel Diameter (in inches)

   • This specifies the diameter of the wheel (rim) the tire is designed to fit. In this example, the tire fits a 16-inch rim.

5. 91: Load Index

   • This is a numerical code that corresponds to the maximum load the tire can carry. In this case, "91" means the tire can handle up to 615 kg. Load index charts can be used to look up the exact value.

6. V: Speed Rating

   • This letter indicates the maximum speed the tire can safely handle under its maximum load. "V" means the tire can sustain speeds up to 240 km/h (149 mph).

Different & Advantages and Disadvantages Wheels and Tyres

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENT BETWEEN WHEELS AND TYRES?

Wheels:

The alloy or metal component of the car on which the tire is placed is called the wheel. Its main purpose is to support the tire and make it easier for the car to rotate. It is made up of parts such the spokes, hub, and rim. Wheels are in charge of the vehicle's overall handling and look and come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and materials, including steel and aluminum.

Tires:

The rubber parts that cover the wheel and come into direct touch with the road are called tires. In addition to providing traction, they also absorb shocks and aid in preserving stability and grip when driving. For durability, tires are strengthened with steel belts and composed of a mixture of rubber compounds. The tire's tread pattern has a significant impact on traction, water dispersion, and overall performance.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF WHEELS AND TYRES.

1) WHEELS

     Advantages

• Durability and Strength: Wheels are built to be strong and long-lasting, especially those composed of steel or alloy. For instance, alloy wheels improve vehicle performance because they are strong and lightweight.
  
  
• Improved Handling: Handling, stability, and ride quality are all greatly influenced by the wheel's design. A vehicle's overall driving dynamics can be improved with high-quality wheels.
  
  
• Aesthetic Appeal: The vehicle's visual appeal can be enhanced by customizing the wheels' designs and coatings. Cars with custom wheels may appear more aggressive or fashionable.
  
  
• Fuel Efficiency: By lowering the vehicle's total weight, lightweight wheels (such as alloys) can increase fuel economy and lower the energy needed to turn the wheel.

    Disadvantages

• Cost: Both the initial purchase and replacement costs of high-quality wheels, particularly custom or alloy wheels, can be high.
  
  
• Damage Risk: Wheels, especially those with elaborate patterns, are more likely to sustain damage from bumps or holes, requiring expensive replacements or repairs.
  
  
• Wear and Corrosion: Over time, wheels may rust, particularly in areas where winter road salting is practiced. If alloy wheels are not properly maintained, they might rust.
  
  
  

2) TYRES

    Advantages 

• Grip and Safety: Tires are essential for improving the vehicle's handling, giving it traction on a variety of road surfaces, and minimizing sliding and loss of control.
  
  
• Comfort: By minimizing the impact of bumps and other imperfections on the road, tires assist absorb road shocks and make for a smoother ride.
  
  
• Fuel Efficiency: By lowering rolling resistance, proper tire services, such as proper price inflation, can increase fuel efficiency.
  
  
• Variety for Special Needs: There are many different types and tread patterns of tires for various driving conditions, including performance, winter, and all-season tires, which guarantee the best performance in a range of weather conditions.

   Disadvantages 

• Wear and Tear: Over time, tires naturally decline especially the tread, which lowers tire performance. To ensure maximum safety and effectiveness, replacement must be done on a regular basis.
  
  
• Cost: Buying and replacing high-quality tires, particularly performance or specialized tires, can be costly.
  
  
• The risk to Damage: Road hazards and sharp objects can cause punctures, cuts, and other damage to tires, which can result in blowouts or unexpected deflation.
  
  
• Impact on Fuel Efficiency: Fuel efficiency may be impacted by the type of tire you use. For example, tires made for off-road use or with deep treads may have more rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency.

TYPES OF RIMS

INTRODUCTION

Rims are an essential component of a vehicle's functionality and appearance, providing as more than just a tire support system. Choosing the correct rims is essential if you want to improve the handling or appearance of your vehicle. There are many different kinds of rims available, each with unique qualities and uses, therefore it's critical to know about them in order to select the ideal one for your car.

TYPES OF RIMS

There are several types of rims, each catering to different needs and preferences.

1. STEEL RIMS

Steel rims are known for being reasonably priced and long-lasting. These rims are an excellent choice for cars operated in cold conditions or in the winter because they are heavy but highly strong. They are frequently chosen for their dependability and affordability, even though they are not as fashionable as other options.

2. ALLOY RIMS

Alloy rims are lightweight and available in a range of fashionable styles. These rims, which are made of a magnesium or aluminum combination, improve a car's handling and fuel economy. Because of their streamlined design and practical advantages, they are commonly used in modern passenger and performance cars.

3. CHROME RIMS

For those seeking a luxurious and flashy look, chrome rims are a popular choice. The highly polished, glossy surface of these rims gives any vehicle a luxurious look. They need to be maintained frequently to maintain their mirror-like shine, even though their beauty is the main reason they were chosen.

4. FORGED RIMS

The strength and lightweight design of forged rims make them highly attractive. Often used in luxury and high-performance cars, these rims are made using a unique forging process and are extremely strong. They are perfect for drivers that value longevity and performance due to their excellent build quality.

5. SPLIT RIMS (MULTI-PIECE RIMS)

Multi-piece rims, which are made up of two or three separate parts, offer an additional choice for enthusiasts. Through the possibility to mix, match, or replace individual elements, these rims allow an amazing amount of customisation. Because of their versatility and unique look, they are particularly well-liked in the tuning and customizing community.

6. WIRE SPOKE RIMS 

Wire spoke rims add a timeless charm for fans of antique and classic cars. These rims, which have elaborate wire patterns, are frequently seen on vintage cars. Even though they are less popular now, many who restore vintage vehicles or want to achieve a classic look still like them.

7. CARBON FIBER RIMS

For sports and racing cars, carbon fiber rims are a cutting-edge choice. These rims are perfect for optimizing acceleration and quickness because they are extremely strong and lightweight. However, they are among the priciest solutions available due to their complex materials and manufacturing method.

Selecting the ideal rim requires striking a balance between cost, functionality, and appearance. Forged rims meet high-performance requirements, alloy rims provide lightweight performance and style, and steel rims provide durability and practicality. Multi-piece rims are a great choice for individuals seeking customisation, while wire spoke and chrome rims are ideal for improving a car's aesthetic appeal. For sports fans, carbon fiber rims represent the ultimate in innovation, despite their high cost. You may choose the rim type that best suits your car by being aware of the characteristics of the various types. Investigate your possibilities and use your rims to express your distinct driving style!