Tyre categories group tyres by vehicle type and intended use rather than terrain (which is a separate system — see our Terrain Types FAQ). The main categories are:

💡 Why it matters: Choosing the wrong category means your tyres are either over-engineered (wasting money) or under-engineered (compromising safety). A sedan on LT tyres rides like a truck. A loaded van on passenger tyres risks blowouts. Not sure which category fits? Enter your rego and we'll match it for you.

They answer different questions:

They overlap in some areas — an LT tyre can be HT, AT, or MT. A passenger tyre is almost always HT. But the distinction matters because category determines construction (how strong the tyre is) while terrain type determines tread pattern (what surfaces it grips).

For a complete terrain breakdown, see our 4WD Tyre Guide or Terrain Types FAQ. Not sure which you need? Enter your rego and we'll match both category and terrain type.

Check three things:

1. Door placard: The sticker on your driver's door jamb shows the original tyre size, load index, and speed rating. This tells you the minimum specification. Not sure how to read it? See our Tyre Sizes FAQ.
2. Current tyres: Look at the sidewall. If it starts with "LT" — you need Light Truck. If there's "XL" or "RF" — your vehicle expects Extra Load or Run-Flat.
3. How you use the vehicle: A RAV4 used as a city commuter can run passenger tyres. The same RAV4 towing a boat every weekend needs something stronger.

You can go up in capability, but not down.

• Passenger → XL (Extra Load) — same size, more capacity
• Standard → Reinforced — better puncture protection
• Regular → EV-specific — works on any car, not just EVs
• Passenger → Touring — longer tread life, quieter ride

• LT → Passenger on a loaded ute or van (insufficient load rating)
• XL → Standard if your vehicle requires XL (check placard)
• Run-Flat → Standard if your car has no spare and no puncture kit
• C-rated → Passenger on a work van (dangerous overload risk)

💡 WOF rule: Your tyres must meet or exceed the manufacturer's minimum load index and speed rating. Downgrading below these = WOF failure. For detailed rules on what you can mix and match, see our Tyre Compatibility FAQ. Want to upgrade? Get a quote — we'll confirm any category change is safe for your vehicle.

This is one of the most common questions in NZ because crossovers dominate our roads — RAV4, CX-5, X-Trail, Qashqai, and Sportage are consistently top sellers.

The answer depends on your specific vehicle:

Yes — if the load index and speed rating match your vehicle requirements. Many performance SUVs (BMW X5 M, Audi SQ5, Tesla Model Y Performance) come factory-fitted with UHP tyres in SUV load ratings.

For mainstream crossovers, HP or UHP tyres will give you sharper handling and shorter braking distances — but expect trade-offs:

• Shorter tread life — softer compounds wear 20-40% faster
• Harsher ride — stiffer sidewalls transmit more road feel
• Higher road noise — performance patterns are louder than touring
• More expensive — HP compounds cost more to manufacture

If you want better grip without the full HP trade-off, consider a sport touring tyre — it bridges the gap between comfort and performance. See our High Performance collection or Low Profile range. For rules on mixing different tyre types on the same vehicle, see our Compatibility FAQ.

Passenger tyres (sometimes marked with "P" before the size, e.g., P205/55R16) are designed for everyday cars, hatchbacks, sedans, and light crossovers. They prioritise:

• Ride comfort — softer compounds absorb road imperfections
• Fuel efficiency — low rolling resistance saves petrol
• Road noise — quiet tread patterns for highway cruising
• Wet/dry grip — balanced performance in NZ's mixed conditions

They are not designed for heavy loads, towing, or off-road use. If you regularly carry heavy cargo or tow trailers, step up to XL or LT tyres.

Browse our Passenger Tyre Collection or read the Passenger Car Tyre Guide.

Touring tyres are a premium sub-category of passenger tyres optimised for long-distance driving:

If you drive 20,000+ km/year mostly on sealed roads, touring tyres are worth the extra cost — the longer tread life alone can make them cheaper per kilometre. Our Anchee AC808 is a symmetric touring tyre with 40+ sizes from 13" to 18". Learn about tread pattern types in our Tread FAQ.

"Grand Touring" (GT) sits between Touring and High Performance — it adds sportier handling without fully sacrificing comfort and tread life.

Grand Touring tyres typically carry H or V speed ratings (210-240 km/h) vs T rating (190 km/h) on standard touring. They use slightly softer compounds for better cornering grip and have stiffer sidewalls for more responsive steering feel.

Best for NZ drivers who want a quiet highway tyre that can also handle spirited driving on roads like the Coromandel or Rimutaka Hill. Our Anchee AC818 sits in this sweet spot — UHP grip with touring-level noise control.

Typical NZ tread life for passenger tyres depends on the sub-category and driving habits:

NZ-specific factors that accelerate wear: Chipseal roads (rougher than asphalt), frequent roundabouts (scrubs front tyres), and hill driving (braking wears fronts faster).

💡 Tip: Rotate tyres every 8,000-10,000 km to even out wear. Front tyres on FWD cars wear 30-50% faster than rears. Our Anchee AC808 touring sits in the 60,000-80,000km range — one of the best-value options per kilometre. Learn more in our Tyre Care Guide.

Passenger tyres can handle short stretches of maintained gravel (like rural side roads or DOC carparks) at reduced speed. But they're not designed for it — the thin sidewalls are vulnerable to sharp stones, the tread pattern doesn't clear loose material well, and they won't provide the same grip as an AT tyre.

If gravel driving is a weekly occurrence, consider an All-Terrain tyre or at minimum an HT tyre with a harder compound. Your sidewalls and puncture risk will thank you. For heavy gravel or farm tracks, see our full 4WD Tyre range or Terrain Types FAQ.

Our top picks from what we stock, covering different budgets:

Not sure which fits your car? Get an instant quote with your rego plate — we'll match the best option to your vehicle. For a head-to-head comparison of 19 budget brands, see our Brand Comparison or Tyre Brands FAQ.

High Performance tyres are engineered for grip, handling precision, and shorter braking distances at the expense of tread life and ride comfort. They typically feature:

• Softer rubber compounds — more grip, faster wear
• Wider tread face — larger contact patch for cornering
• Stiffer sidewalls — less flex means more responsive steering
• V, W, or Y speed ratings — rated for 240-300 km/h
• Lower profile — shorter sidewall height (45 series or lower)

HP tyres are typically asymmetric — different inner and outer tread zones for separate wet and dry optimisation. Learn more about pattern types in our Tread Pattern Guide.

Browse our High Performance collection, Low Profile range, or read the HP Tyre Guide. If you're considering different rim sizes with HP tyres, our Rims & Wheels FAQ covers staggered setups and plus-sizing.

UHP is the top tier of road-legal performance tyres. They take everything about HP tyres and push it further — stickier compounds, wider tread, stiffer construction. The trade-off is even shorter tread life and higher cost.

Our Anchee AC818 is a UHP tyre achieving EU A-rated wet grip — matching or exceeding many premium brands at a fraction of the cost.

Honestly? Most NZ drivers don't. But some definitely benefit:

• Drive a car with 150+ kW that came factory-fitted with HP tyres
• Value responsive steering and confident cornering on twisty NZ roads
• Prioritise wet braking distance over tread life
• Do occasional track days or spirited driving

• Mostly do motorway commuting and want maximum tread life
• Prioritise a quiet, comfortable ride
• Drive on gravel or rough roads regularly
• Want the lowest cost per kilometre

If your car came with HP tyres but you want longer life, a Grand Touring tyre in the same size is often a good middle ground — still speed-rated for your vehicle but with harder compounds. Browse our HP collection or get a quote for your exact size.

Yes — typically 30-50% faster. This is the fundamental trade-off in tyre engineering: softer compounds grip better but wear faster. You can compare expected wear using the UTQG treadwear rating:

💡 Cost perspective: A $180 touring tyre lasting 80,000 km = $2.25/1,000km. A $200 UHP tyre lasting 30,000 km = $6.67/1,000km. That's 3× the running cost — but potentially life-saving braking distance in an emergency.

Check ratings for specific tyres using our Tyre Grades Guide. For context, the Anchee AC818 UHP delivers EU A wet grip at around 25,000-35,000km — while the AC808 touring gets 60,000-80,000km at EU B wet grip. Choose based on what matters more: grip or longevity.

Semi-slick tyres are road legal in NZ provided they meet the 1.5mm minimum tread depth across principal grooves. They carry proper speed ratings and load indexes, so they'll pass WOF.

However: Semi-slicks have minimal tread pattern. In NZ's frequent rain, they offer dangerously little wet grip compared to standard tyres. They're designed for:

• Track days where they're driven to the circuit on public roads
• Drag racing and motorkhana events
• Competition use where maximum dry grip is critical

You want a UHP tyre with a UTQG treadwear of 200-400 — soft enough to perform on track but durable enough for daily driving.

The ideal "dual purpose" tyre has:

• W or Y speed rating — handles sustained high speeds without overheating
• Asymmetric pattern — stiff outer blocks for cornering, inner channels for wet grip
• EU A or AA traction rating — so it's still safe in the wet on your drive home

From our range, the Anchee AC818 and Anchee AC718 both perform well in this dual-purpose role — W/Y rated with genuine wet weather capability.

💡 Tip: Dedicated track tyres and daily tyres is always the best approach if you're serious about track performance. But if you only do a few track days a year, a good UHP tyre handles both roles.

XL (Extra Load) or Reinforced tyres are passenger-sized tyres with stronger internal construction that can carry more weight than standard tyres of the same size.

Example: A standard 235/45R18 94H carries 670kg per tyre. The XL version 235/45R18 98H XL carries 750kg — 12% more capacity with no change in fitment.

They achieve this through additional body plies and reinforced bead areas. The tyre looks identical from outside but is structurally stronger. XL tyres are marked with "XL", "Extra Load", or "RF" (Reinforced) on the sidewall. For help reading these markings, see our Tyre Sizes FAQ or Load Rating Guide. Check if XL is available in your size →

Check your door placard first. If the specified load index can only be met by an XL tyre in your size, then yes — it's mandatory for WOF.

Even if not required, XL tyres are recommended if you:

• Drive a heavier crossover or SUV (RAV4, CX-5, Outlander)
• Regularly carry heavy loads or full passenger loads
• Tow a small trailer occasionally
• Want extra sidewall strength for pothole protection

Use our Load Rating Guide to check exactly what load index your vehicle requires.

This is a commonly misunderstood point. XL tyres only achieve their higher load rating at higher inflation pressure than standard tyres.

If your vehicle originally came with XL tyres: Follow the door placard — it already accounts for XL pressure requirements.

If you're upgrading from standard to XL: You may need to increase pressure by 2-4 PSI above the placard recommendation to match the XL's load curve. Use our PSI Calculator for guidance, or get a quote and we'll include the recommended pressure for your setup.

They're different levels of reinforcement for different vehicle types:

LT tyres are purpose-built for vehicles that carry heavy loads or tow — utes, vans, light trucks, and 4WDs used for work. They're identified by "LT" before the size (e.g., LT265/70R17) or by a ply rating suffix (e.g., 265/70R17 10PR).

Key differences from passenger tyres:

• Multi-ply construction: 6-12 plies vs 2-4 in passenger tyres
• Reinforced sidewalls: Resist punctures and cuts under load
• Higher inflation pressure: Up to 80 PSI vs 35 PSI for passenger
• Dual load ratings: e.g., 121/118 — first number for single wheel, second for dual-wheel setups

Browse our Commercial / Light Truck collection or read the LT Tyre Guide.

They serve the same purpose but use different marking systems:

In NZ, you'll find both systems on the shelf. The key is to match the load capacity, not the letter. A 215/65R16C with load index 109 carries the same weight whether it's labelled "C" or "8-ply".

C-rated tyres are most common on European vans (Sprinter, Transit, Ducato), while LT tyres dominate on utes (Hilux, Ranger, Navara, D-Max). Browse our LT & Commercial collection — we carry both systems. Enter your rego and we'll match the correct rating.

It's about who the tyre was designed for:

Same size numbers, completely different tyres. This catches many NZ ute owners — a P265/70R17 on a loaded Hilux or Ranger is dangerously underrated for the weight. If your vehicle has a GVM over 2,500kg or you carry loads/tow regularly, always choose LT.

Check your vehicle's requirements with our Load Rating Guide, or learn how to decode the full size markings in our Tyre Sizes FAQ. Browse LT options in our Commercial collection.

Yes to both — that's the trade-off for load-carrying capability.

Ride quality: The multi-ply construction that makes LT tyres strong also makes them stiffer. At highway speeds on smooth roads, you'll feel more road vibration and sharper impacts from bumps. On an empty ute (no load in the tray), LT tyres can feel bouncy because the stiff sidewalls have nothing to compress.

Fuel economy: Expect 5-15% more fuel consumption compared to equivalent passenger tyres due to heavier construction and higher rolling resistance. On a Hilux doing 15,000 km/year, that's roughly $150-400 extra per year at current fuel prices.

The Hiace is NZ's most popular commercial van, and it needs C-rated or LT tyres — never passenger tyres, even if the same size exists in passenger form.

Common Hiace sizes:

• Pre-2019 (H200): 195/80R15C or 215/70R16C
• 2019+ (H300): 215/65R16C or 235/55R18

For work vans carrying tools and materials daily, prioritise:

1. Load rating — must meet or exceed placard (typically 104-109)
2. Tread life — you're doing high km so touring-compound LT is ideal
3. Wet grip — a fully loaded van takes longer to stop

Our Anchee AC838 and Anchee AC858 both come in common van sizes with commercial load ratings. Get a quote with your van's rego for exact sizing.

Use this decision guide:

• Your vehicle GVM exceeds 2,800kg (Hilux, Ranger, Navara, D-Max)
• You regularly carry 300kg+ in the tray or canopy
• You tow over 1,500kg (boats, caravans, trailers)
• You drive on rough gravel, farm tracks, or building sites
• Your door placard specifies LT tyres

• Your ute is primarily a daily commuter (no regular loads)
• You want better ride comfort and fuel economy
• Your placard load index can be met with XL passenger tyres
• You don't tow or only tow light loads (<1,000kg)

Important: Some newer utes (Hilux, Ranger) come factory-fitted with P-Metric tyres in low-spec models. This is fine when empty but may be under-rated when loaded. Always check your vehicle's maximum load against the tyre's capacity using our Load Rating Guide. Our LT & Commercial collection includes popular ute sizes — get a quote with your rego and we'll confirm whether LT or P-Metric is right.

Dedicated ST (Special Trailer) tyres are the ideal choice. They're engineered specifically for towed vehicles with:

• Stiffer sidewalls — resist sway and lateral forces during towing
• Higher load capacity — designed for constant heavy static loads
• Harder rubber compounds — resist flat-spotting from extended parking
• Lower speed ratings — typically L (120 km/h) or N (140 km/h), which is fine for towed loads

For boat trailers specifically, also consider saltwater exposure — rinse tyres with freshwater after beach launching to prevent rubber degradation. Browse replacement trailer tyres in our LT & Commercial collection. Many NZ boat trailer owners get only 3-4 years from tyres due to saltwater, even with good tread remaining.

We stock a range of trailer sizes from 12" through 16". Get a quote with your trailer tyre size for pricing.

ST stands for Special Trailer — a tyre classification designed exclusively for towed vehicles that never steer or provide drive force. The key engineering differences:

Need trailer tyres? Browse our LT & Commercial range or get a quote with your trailer's tyre size.

While passenger tyres in the same size will physically fit your trailer rims, they create dangerous handling characteristics:

• Sway amplification — passenger tyres flex more under side loads, amplifying trailer sway at highway speed. This is the #1 cause of caravan rollovers.
• Load capacity mismatch — a loaded trailer often exceeds the static load a passenger tyre is rated for
• Flat-spotting — softer passenger compounds develop flat spots when parked for weeks/months
• Heat buildup — flexible sidewalls generate more heat under sustained load, risking blowout

The cost difference between passenger and ST tyres in small sizes (13-14") is minimal — often under $20 per tyre. Not worth the risk. Browse trailer-rated options in our LT & Commercial collection.

Ply rating indicates load-carrying strength. Higher ply = more weight capacity but also heavier and stiffer tyre. Common NZ trailer ply ratings:

NZ has 120,000+ NZMCA members touring in everything from compact campervans to bus conversions. Tyre requirements vary significantly by platform:

Critical motorhome tyre tips:

• Always use C-rated or LT — never passenger tyres on a loaded motorhome
• Check tyre age, not just tread — motorhomes often park for weeks between trips, and rubber degrades from UV and ozone even with good tread
• Consider TPMS (tyre pressure monitoring) — motorhome blowouts are more dangerous due to weight and height

For detailed campsite-by-campsite tyre recommendations, see our Summer Camping Tyre Guide. Browse LT and commercial options in our Commercial collection or get a quote with your motorhome's tyre size.

CP stands for "Camping" or "Camping-Car" — a European tyre designation specifically for motorhomes and campervans. CP tyres are built differently from standard C-rated van tyres:

• Higher static load tolerance — motorhomes sit parked for days/weeks at full weight, unlike delivery vans that are loaded and unloaded daily
• Anti-flat-spotting compounds — resist deformation from extended stationary periods
• UV-resistant sidewalls — motorhomes live outdoors more than vans
• Lower speed rating — typically M (130 km/h), which suits motorhome driving

CP tyres (e.g., Michelin Agilis Camping) are the gold standard for motorhomes but are more expensive and less available in NZ. A quality C-rated tyre with correct load index is a perfectly acceptable alternative for most NZ motorhome owners. Browse our LT & Commercial range for C-rated van and motorhome sizes.

This is especially critical for trailers and motorhomes because they often do low annual kilometres but accumulate age. A caravan tyre with 6mm of tread but 10 years of age is more dangerous than one with 3mm of tread and 3 years of age.

Why age matters:

• Rubber compounds oxidise over time — even when not in use
• UV exposure degrades sidewall integrity
• Ozone in the atmosphere causes micro-cracking
• Extended parking under load causes internal structural fatigue

Check your tyre's manufacture date using the DOT code on the sidewall — the last four digits show week and year of manufacture (e.g., "2521" = week 25 of 2021). Use our DOT Code Calculator to decode yours. If your tyres are 5+ years old, get a quote for fresh replacements — your safety depends on it. For more on age-related tyre dangers, see our Tyre Safety FAQ.

EV-specific tyres address three fundamental challenges that electric vehicles create:

Additionally, EV tyres use low rolling resistance compounds to maximise battery range — every 10% reduction in rolling resistance adds roughly 3% to driving range.

Read our full EV Tyres NZ Guide for detailed comparisons, or browse our EV Tyre Collection.

Regular tyres will physically fit your EV and pass WOF. However, you'll compromise on range, noise, and wear:

• Range: Standard tyres can reduce range by 5-10% compared to EV-optimised tyres due to higher rolling resistance
• Noise: Without foam liners or optimised tread, road noise in an EV cabin is significantly more noticeable
• Wear: Regular compounds not designed for instant torque wear 15-25% faster on an EV
• Load: Some standard tyres may be under-rated for EV weight — always check load index

Our Anchee EPFOUNDER CE101 is purpose-built for EVs with low rolling resistance, noise reduction technology, and appropriate load ratings for NZ's popular EVs (Tesla Model 3/Y, BYD Atto 3, MG ZS EV).

You must match or exceed these specifications:

1. Load index — EVs are heavier. A Tesla Model 3 weighs ~1,830kg vs a Toyota Camry at ~1,500kg. You may need XL-rated tyres to handle the extra weight.
2. Speed rating — must match vehicle placard
3. Correct size — don't deviate from manufacturer specification

What you'll sacrifice: Approximately 3-8% of battery range, higher cabin noise levels, and potentially faster tread wear — particularly on front tyres if your EV is FWD.

Mild hybrids (e.g., Corolla Hybrid, RAV4 Hybrid): No — the small battery adds minimal weight (30-50kg). Standard passenger or touring tyres in the correct size and load index are perfectly fine.

Plug-in hybrids (e.g., Outlander PHEV, RAV4 Prime): These have larger batteries adding 100-150kg. Consider XL-rated tyres if the standard load index is borderline, and low rolling resistance tyres to maximise electric-only range.

Three compounding factors accelerate tyre wear on EVs:

1. Instant torque: Electric motors deliver 100% torque from 0 rpm. Every "spirited" start from traffic lights scrubs tread. A petrol car builds torque gradually — an EV hits maximum force immediately.
2. Extra weight: The heavier the vehicle, the more the tyre deforms on every rotation, generating more heat and wear. A Tesla Model Y weighs ~300kg more than a comparably-sized petrol SUV.
3. Regenerative braking: When you lift off the accelerator, regen braking decelerates through the drive wheels — this creates additional wear on the driven axle's tyres that wouldn't occur in a petrol car coasting.

Real-world impact: EV owners typically replace tyres 20-30% sooner than petrol equivalents. On a Tesla Model 3, expect 30,000-45,000 km from quality tyres vs 50,000-70,000 km on a comparable Camry.

💡 Tip: Moderate your acceleration and use the gentlest regen setting to extend tyre life. Regular tyre rotation (every 8,000 km) also helps equalise wear. Our Anchee EP Founder CE101 uses a harder EV-specific compound designed to resist the instant-torque wear that shreds regular tyres.

Because EVs wear drive-axle tyres faster (due to regen braking and instant torque), regular rotation is essential to get even wear across all four tyres:

• FWD EVs (Nissan Leaf, MG ZS EV): Rotate front-to-back every 8,000 km
• RWD EVs (Tesla Model 3 RWD): Rotate rear-to-front every 8,000 km
• AWD EVs (Tesla Model Y LR, BYD Atto 3): Still rotate every 8,000-10,000 km — rear motor typically does more work

When it's time to replace, our EV tyre collection includes sizes for Tesla, BYD, MG, Nissan, and more. Get a quote →

Run-flat is a technology, not a category. Run-flat construction can be applied across multiple tyre categories — passenger, touring, HP, UHP, and SUV tyres can all be manufactured with run-flat capability.

Run-flat tyres use reinforced sidewalls that support the vehicle's weight even at zero pressure, allowing you to drive up to 80km at 80km/h to reach a tyre shop.

Common run-flat markings on sidewalls include:

• RFT — Run-Flat Technology (Bridgestone)
• ROF — Run on Flat (Goodyear/Dunlop)
• ZP — Zero Pressure (Michelin)
• RSC — Runflat System Component (BMW spec)
• SSR — Self-Supporting Runflat (Continental)

They're most common on BMW, Mini, and Mercedes vehicles that ship without a spare tyre. Browse our full range filtered by size, or get a quote and mention you need run-flats — we can source them in popular BMW and Mercedes sizes.

The same reinforced sidewalls that support the car when flat also make the tyre stiffer during normal driving. A standard tyre sidewall flexes to absorb bumps — a run-flat's thicker, reinforced sidewall transmits more impact into the cabin.

How noticeable is it?

• On smooth motorways — barely noticeable
• On NZ chipseal — moderately harsher than standard
• On potholes and rough roads — significantly harsher impacts

Modern run-flats have improved significantly — brands like Bridgestone DriveGuard and Michelin ZP are much closer to standard tyre comfort than run-flats from 10 years ago. If you need run-flats, get a quote with your size and we'll find the best option for ride comfort.

Self-sealing tyres have a layer of viscous sealant inside the tread area that automatically fills punctures up to ~5mm in diameter. When a nail or screw penetrates the tread, the sealant flows around the object and seals the hole — often without the driver noticing.

Pros for NZ:

• NZ roads generate plenty of punctures — construction sites, rural gravel, farm debris
• No ride quality penalty (unlike run-flats)
• Works silently and automatically

Limitations:

• Only seals tread punctures — sidewall damage is not repairable
• Large objects or cuts won't seal
• More expensive than standard tyres
• Limited size availability in NZ

Self-sealing is available from Continental (ContiSeal) and Michelin (Selfseal) but is less common in NZ than in Europe. For most Kiwi drivers, a standard tyre plus a puncture repair kit or spare wheel remains more practical. If you want puncture protection without the run-flat ride penalty, browse our full tyre range — we can help match your needs via our quote tool.

Foam-lined tyres have a strip of polyurethane foam bonded inside the tyre cavity that absorbs road noise resonance. The foam dampens the cavity noise (the "hum" you hear at highway speed) by up to 50%.

They're particularly beneficial for EVs because:

• No engine noise to mask road noise — cabin is otherwise very quiet
• EV owners are more sensitive to tyre noise (it's the dominant sound source)
• The foam adds negligible weight (typically 100-200g per tyre)

Common foam-lined markings include:

• ContiSilent (Continental)
• AcousticTechnology (Pirelli)
• SoundComfort (Goodyear)

Eco tyres (also called "green" or "fuel-saver" tyres) prioritise low rolling resistance to reduce fuel consumption. They achieve this through silica-rich compounds, optimised tread geometry, and lighter construction.

Real-world fuel savings: Switching from average to low-rolling-resistance tyres can save 0.3-0.5 L/100km. On a car doing 15,000 km/year at $2.60/L, that's roughly $115-195 per year.

Trade-offs:

• Wet braking distance may be slightly longer (harder compound = less grip)
• Handling feel less "sharp" than HP tyres
• Not all eco tyres sacrifice grip — check the EU Wet Grip rating (A or B is still excellent)

If you drive an EV, rolling resistance matters more — every watt-hour counts toward range. Our Anchee EP Founder CE101 is purpose-built with low rolling resistance for EVs, while the Anchee AC808 touring tyre offers a good balance for petrol cars.

The core difference is the rubber compound and how it performs at different temperatures:

Why temperature matters: Rubber hardens in cold and softens in heat. Summer tyres become dangerously rigid below 7°C (dramatically longer braking distances). Winter tyres become too soft above 15°C (excessive wear and sloppy handling).

All-season tyres are a compromise — they work adequately across all temperatures but don't excel at either extreme. For NZ's maritime climate with mild winters and wet conditions year-round, quality all-season tyres are the most practical choice for most drivers. Get a quote and ask about all-season options for your size — see our Technical FAQ for more on tyre markings.

NZ's coastal climate means most regions rarely sustain temperatures below 7°C where winter compounds activate. However, there are specific situations where winter tyres make sense:

You should consider winter tyres if:

• You live in or regularly drive through Central Otago, Mackenzie Country, or Canterbury high country in winter
• You commute over alpine passes (Crown Range, Lindis, Porters, Arthur's) between June and September
• You regularly drive to ski fields and want to avoid chains

For most Kiwis, a good all-season tyre with the 3PMSF snowflake symbol provides adequate cold-weather performance without the hassle and cost of seasonal changeovers. Read more in our winter driving guide or get a quote for all-season options in your size.

These are two different cold-weather performance certifications — and they're not the same level of capability:

Many all-terrain tyres carry M+S marking (including our Predator X-AT), which indicates reasonable traction on loose surfaces. True 3PMSF-rated all-season tyres are increasingly available for passenger cars and SUVs in NZ — ask us about availability in your size. For more on tyre markings and sidewall codes, see our Technical Specifications FAQ.

Rideshare and fleet drivers do high kilometres with constant passengers, so the priorities are tread life, wet safety, and cost per kilometre:

1. Touring tyre with high UTQG treadwear (500+) — maximises km before replacement
2. EU B or better wet grip — you're carrying passengers in all conditions
3. XL rating — constant full passenger loads mean extra capacity is smart
4. Low rolling resistance — fuel savings compound over 50,000+ km/year

Our recommendation: The Anchee AC808 in XL sizes where available — high treadwear, EU B wet grip, and competitive pricing that makes the cost-per-km calculation compelling for high-mileage use.

Noise is a major concern on NZ's chipseal roads, which are inherently louder than the smooth asphalt found in many other countries. Here's how categories rank from quietest to loudest:

💡 Check the EU noise label before buying — tyres are rated in decibels (dB). A 3dB difference is barely perceptible; a 10dB difference sounds twice as loud. Look for tyres rated under 70dB for the quietest ride. Compare using our Tyre Grades Guide.

Our quietest options: Anchee EP Founder CE101 (noise-optimised EV tyre) and Anchee AC808 (touring). For the noisiest category you're already running (AT/MT on a daily commuter), consider a second set of Highway Terrain tyres — dramatically quieter while retaining light gravel capability.

NZ's Department of Conservation manages hundreds of roads ranging from well-maintained gravel to barely passable 4WD tracks. The tyre you need depends on the access classification:

For most NZ trampers and campers accessing DOC campsites, a quality HT or light AT tyre is sufficient. Only the most remote backcountry tracks require full AT or MT with LT construction. Browse our All-Terrain, Mud-Terrain, or Highway-Terrain collections.

For campsite-specific tyre recommendations including 30+ NZ locations, see our Summer Camping Tyre Guide. For terrain comparison, see the 4WD Tyre Guide or Terrain Types FAQ.