
The principle for changing tires is that the same brand, pattern, specification, load index, and speed rating must be installed on the same axle, with similar tread depth, for safe driving considerations. Tire classification: Automotive tires can be divided into more than 10 types according to their purpose, such as passenger car tires, truck tires, and off-road tires. Based on structure, they can be categorized into radial tires, conventional bias tires, full-size spare tires, and non-full-size spare tires. Tire characteristics: Automotive tires have different characteristics depending on their use. Passenger car tires offer higher comfort, while off-road tires provide better road passability. When selecting tires, it is essential to consider the road conditions the vehicle will be driven on to avoid choosing the wrong type, which could affect tire performance.

I just replaced the tires on my Octavia last year, opting for the Michelin Primacy 4, mainly for its quietness and comfort. After driving for almost a year, I’ve noticed a significant reduction in road noise, and its wet grip is quite stable—perfect for someone like me who commutes daily in the city. Actually, choosing tires depends heavily on your driving conditions. If you frequently drive on highways, the Continental UC7 might be more suitable due to its strong handling performance. For those mostly driving on rough suburban roads, the Pirelli Scorpion tires are more durable. Also, remember to check the original specifications—my Octavia uses 205/55 R16 tires. When I was replacing them, I found a huge price range for the same size, from 400 to over 1,000 yuan, so don’t get tricked into installing the wrong model. Pay attention to the tire production date as well—I once almost got a two-year-old stock tire but caught it in time.

I chose the Hankook Ventus S1 evo3, recommended by the auto repair shop owner at the time. This tire offers great value for money, costing just over 400 yuan per tire. After using it for half a year, I find its performance on both dry and wet roads to be excellent, with strong support during lane changes on elevated roads. What surprised me the most was its drainage capability—it didn’t slip when passing through waterlogged areas during heavy rain last week. When choosing tires, it’s important to consider the brand positioning. For family cars like our Octavia, there’s no need to go for high-end performance tires; options like Bridgestone Turanza or Dunlop LM705 are more than sufficient. I recommend getting a wheel alignment when changing tires. Last time I skipped it and noticed uneven wear after just 3,000 kilometers. Also, remember to lower the tire pressure slightly in summer, as hot weather can cause it to rise and increase the risk of a blowout. I usually keep mine around 2.3 bar.

Just replaced all four tires on my Octavia with Nexen SU4, costing less than 2,000 RMB in total. The main attraction was the tire's economic efficiency, with low rolling resistance that truly saves fuel—about half a liter less per 100 kilometers. The tread pattern features five longitudinal grooves, offering good drainage design. Before changing tires, it's advisable to check the tire parameters first. A speed rating of V (240km/h) is completely sufficient, and the load index of 91 meets the requirements. Make sure the production date doesn't exceed two years; look for the four-digit production week number on the tire sidewall. Tread depth varies significantly between brands, with new tires generally around 8 millimeters—replace them when worn down to 3 millimeters.

I replaced my Octavia with Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 tires, and what I'm most satisfied with is their shock absorption. The bumpiness when going over speed bumps is significantly reduced, and the rubber compound is relatively soft, making it very comfortable. These tires are particularly suitable for family cars with elderly or children, as passengers sleeping in the back won't be woken up by tire noise. When buying tires, make sure to purchase from authorized dealers. Although online prices may be cheaper, there's a higher risk of getting altered serial number tires—my friend fell victim to this. Remember to perform wheel balancing during installation; otherwise, there will be vibrations at high speeds. In winter, the tire pressure can be adjusted to 2.5 bar due to the principle of thermal expansion and contraction. The shelf life of tires is typically five years, so don't be misled by sellers' claims.


