The Ultimate NZ Tyre Guide
From reading sidewalls to passing WOF, from beach driving to towing trailers—this is New Zealand's most comprehensive tyre resource. Built by Kiwis, for Kiwis. Interactive calculators, complete charts, and real NZ scenarios.
TYRE FINDER
Search 15,000+ tyres by size. Filter by brand, pattern type, load rating, and price. Find exactly what you need with real-time stock levels.
Find Tyres →SIZE CALCULATOR
Compare up to 4 tyre sizes side-by-side. See diameter differences, speedo error, and WOF compliance. Perfect for plus-sizing or downsizing.
Compare Sizes →WOF TYRE GUIDE
Complete NZ WOF compliance reference. Interactive tread depth gauges, cracking examples, damage criteria, and axle matching rules explained visually.
View WOF Guide →PSI CALCULATOR
Calculate correct tyre pressure for your vehicle and load. Includes terrain adjustments for beach, gravel, towing, and highway driving.
Calculate PSI →AI TYRE SCANNER
Can't read your tyre sidewall? Take a photo and our AI instantly identifies size, brand, pattern, load index, and speed rating.
Scan Tyre →AXLE CHECKER
Interactive tool to check if your tyre setup meets NZ WOF same-axle requirements. Drag-and-drop interface with instant pass/fail results.
Check Axles →Every tyre has a code on its sidewall that tells you exactly what size it is. Understanding this code is the first step to buying the right tyres for your vehicle. This section covers all four main sizing formats used in New Zealand.
METRIC SIZING Most Common
Used on most passenger cars, SUVs, and vans in New Zealand. Example: 205/55R16 91V
Size code on sidewall
What the numbers mean
Breaking Down the Code: 205/55R16 91V
| Code Part | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 205 | Width in millimetres | This tyre is 205mm wide from sidewall to sidewall |
| 55 | Aspect ratio (height as % of width) | Sidewall height is 55% of 205mm = 112.75mm |
| R | Construction type | R = Radial (99% of modern tyres) |
| 16 | Rim diameter in inches | Fits a 16-inch wheel |
| 91 | Load index | Each tyre can carry up to 615kg |
| V | Speed rating | Rated for 240 km/h maximum speed |
Where to Find Your Tyre Size
1. Check Your Current Tyres
Look at the sidewall of your current tyres. You'll see the code moulded into the rubber, usually starting with three digits (the width). Make a note of the complete code including the load index and speed rating at the end.
2. Vehicle Placard (Door Jamb)
Car manufacturers place a placard sticker on the vehicle showing recommended tyre specifications. Common locations in NZ vehicles:
- Driver's door jamb (most common—open the driver's door and look at the door frame or pillar)
- Fuel flap (inside the fuel door)
- Glove box (inside on the door or back wall)
- Under the bonnet (occasionally on European vehicles)
3. Owner's Manual
Your vehicle's owner manual will list all approved tyre sizes for your model. Some vehicles have multiple approved sizes (e.g., 16-inch or 17-inch options). The manual may also specify different sizes for different trim levels or optional wheel packages.
4. Use Our AI Tyre Scanner
Can't read the sidewall? Take a photo and upload it to our AI Tyre Scanner—it reads worn or dirty markings instantly.
Why You Should Stick to the Manufacturer's Size
- Odometer accuracy (speedo will read incorrectly)
- Fuel economy (wrong size = wrong rolling resistance)
- WOF compliance (must be within 5% of original diameter)
- Handling and safety (affects braking distance and cornering)
- Wheel arch clearance (too large = rubbing on turns)
Plus-Sizing (Changing to Larger Wheels)
If you want to fit larger wheels (e.g., go from 16" to 17"), you must maintain the overall diameter within 5% of the original. This requires a lower profile tyre.
Plus-Sizing Example: Mazda 3
Original size: 205/60R16 (overall diameter: 652mm)
Plus-size option: 215/50R17 (overall diameter: 648mm)
Difference: 0.6% (well within 5% limit—WOF compliant)
Use our Tyre Size Calculator to compare up to 4 sizes and see exact diameter differences.
IMPERIAL SIZING 4x4 / Off-Road
Used on 4x4s, trucks, and off-road vehicles. Common in New Zealand on Rangers, Hiluxes, Defenders. Example: 31×10.5R15 109Q
Size code on sidewall
What the numbers mean
How Imperial Sizing Works
Imperial sizing is simpler than metric—it directly states the overall diameter and section width in inches, making it easy to visualise tyre dimensions.
Key Differences from Metric:
- First number (31) = Overall tyre diameter in inches (metric requires calculation)
- Second number (10.5) = Section width in inches (metric uses mm)
- No aspect ratio = Height is already given, so profile percentage isn't needed
- Common on 4WDs = Rangers, Hiluxes, Navaras, Colorados, BT-50s
Converting Imperial to Metric
| Imperial Size | Approximate Metric | Common Vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| 31×10.5R15 | 265/75R15 | Hilux, Ranger (older models) |
| 33×12.5R15 | 315/75R15 | Lifted 4WDs, modified Rangers |
| 35×12.5R17 | 315/70R17 | Heavy-duty 4WDs |
| 37×12.5R17 | 315/75R17 | Extreme off-road builds |
SPECIAL TYRE CODES
Additional letters and symbols you might see before or after the size code. These indicate construction type, load rating class, and special features.
Service Descriptor Prefixes
| Code | Meaning | Example | Common On |
|---|---|---|---|
| P | P-Metric (Passenger) | P205/55R16 | US-market vehicles, some imports |
| LT | Light Truck | LT265/70R17 | Rangers, Hiluxes, Navaras, Colorado |
| C | Commercial | 195R15C | Vans (Hiace, NV350, Transit) |
| T | Temporary Spare | T125/70D16 | Space-saver spares |
| ST | Special Trailer | ST205/75R15 | Boat trailers, horse floats |
Load Rating Suffixes
| Code | Meaning | Example | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| XL | Extra Load | 205/55R16 91V XL | Can carry more than standard at higher pressure |
| RF | Reinforced | 225/45R17 94W RF | Same as XL, different label |
| LL | Light Load | 175/65R14 82T LL | Reduced load capacity (rare) |
Run-Flat Tyre Codes
| Brand | Code | Example |
|---|---|---|
| BMW | RSC, RFT | 225/45R17 91W RSC |
| Mercedes | MOE, ROF | 245/40R18 93Y MOE |
| Bridgestone | RFT | 225/50R17 94W RFT |
| Continental | SSR | 225/45R18 91Y SSR |
| Goodyear | ROF, EMT | 245/45R19 98Y ROF |
| Michelin | ZP | 225/45R17 91W ZP |
| Pirelli | RFT | 225/45R17 94W RFT |
Construction Type Codes
| Code | Meaning | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| R | Radial | 99% of modern tyres. Flexible sidewalls, low rolling resistance |
| D | Diagonal/Bias-ply | Old construction (pre-1980s). Stiff, poor handling. Trailers only now. |
| B | Bias-Belted | Rare. Hybrid construction between bias and radial. |
| ZR | Z-Rated Radial | High-speed rated (240+ km/h). Common on sports cars. |
Original Equipment (OE) Codes
Some tyres have special codes indicating they're designed for specific vehicle manufacturers:
| Code | Manufacturer | Example |
|---|---|---|
| MO | Mercedes Original | 245/40R18 93Y MO |
| ★ (star) | BMW | 225/45R17 91W ★ |
| N0, N1, N2 | Porsche | 245/35ZR20 95Y N1 |
| AO | Audi Original | 245/45R18 96W AO |
| J | Jaguar | 245/45R19 98Y J |
| VOL | Volvo | 235/45R18 94W VOL |
| MGT | Maserati/GT | 245/35ZR20 91Y MGT |
OTHER SIZE FORMATS
Less common sizing formats you might encounter on older vehicles, commercial trucks, and motorcycles.
Numeric (Commercial Truck) Format
Used on older commercial vehicles and light trucks. Example: 7.00R16
| Format | Example | Meaning | Approximate Metric |
|---|---|---|---|
| Width in inches | 7.00R16 | 7 inches wide, radial, 16" rim | ~185R16 |
| Truck format | 7.50R16 | 7.5 inches wide | ~195R16 |
| Heavy truck | 9.00R20 | 9 inches wide, 20" rim | ~255/100R20 |
Alpha-Numeric Format
Used on older American vehicles (pre-1980s). Example: GR78-15
| Format | Example | Approximate Metric |
|---|---|---|
| GR78-15 | G = Load range, R = Radial, 78 = Aspect, 15 = Rim | 215/75R15 |
| FR78-14 | F-range, 78 profile, 14" rim | 205/75R14 |
| HR70-15 | H-range (high performance), 70 profile | 235/70R15 |
Missing Profile Number Format
When no aspect ratio is shown, it's assumed to be 80% or 82%. Example: 155R13
| What You See | What It Means | Equivalent | Common On |
|---|---|---|---|
| 155R13 | 155mm wide, ~80% profile | 155/80R13 | Old Corollas, Suzuki Swifts |
| 165R14 | 165mm wide, ~80% profile | 165/80R14 | Older Camrys, Lancers |
| 185R14 | 185mm wide, ~80% profile | 185/80R14 | Classic cars, vans |
| 195R15C | 195mm, commercial rating | 195/80R15C | Toyota Hiace, older vans |
Motorcycle Tyre Sizes
Motorcycles use their own sizing systems. Not covered in this guide as they have different WOF requirements.
Motorcycle Examples (For Reference Only)
- 120/70ZR17 — Metric format (similar to car tyres)
- MT90-16 — Alpha-numeric (older bikes)
- 4.00-18 — Numeric (classic/vintage bikes)
Motorcycle tyres have different load ratings, speed codes, and WOF requirements. Consult a motorcycle specialist.
Dual Load Index Format
Light truck tyres often show two load index numbers. Example: LT265/70R17 121/118S
| Position | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| First number (121) | Single wheel configuration | 1,450kg per tyre |
| Second number (118) | Dual wheel configuration (dually) | 1,320kg per tyre |
Interchangeability Table
Converting between different size formats:
| Metric | Imperial | Numeric | Alpha |
|---|---|---|---|
| 215/75R15 | 29×8.5R15 | — | GR78-15 |
| 235/75R15 | 30×9.5R15 | — | HR78-15 |
| 265/75R16 | 31×10.5R16 | — | — |
| 185R16 | — | 7.00R16 | — |
| 195R16C | — | 7.50R16 | — |
There are three main tread pattern types. For WOF, tyres on the same axle must have the same pattern type. Click any card to expand and see pros/cons.
✓ Pros
- Easy rotation — any position
- Cost-effective to manufacture
- Quiet on motorway
- Long, even tread life
✗ Cons
- Less wet grip
- Basic handling feel
- Not performance-oriented
How to identify: No arrows or "OUTSIDE" markings on sidewall
Common NZ brands: Goodyear Assurance, Kumho Solus, Maxxis MA-P5, Hilo Green Plus
✓ Pros
- Better cornering grip
- Excellent wet handling
- Optimized for mixed conditions
- Can swap left-to-right
✗ Cons
- Must mount correct way
- More expensive
- Limited rotation options
How to identify: "OUTSIDE" or "THIS SIDE OUT" marking on sidewall
⚠️ WOF Fail if: Inside wall facing outward
Common NZ brands: Goodyear Eagle F1, Continental SportContact, Maxxis Victra
✓ Pros
- Excellent wet grip
- Water channeling V-pattern
- Hydroplaning resistance
- Great for NZ wet roads
✗ Cons
- Can be louder
- Limited rotation options
- DANGEROUS if backwards
How to identify: Arrow on sidewall showing rotation direction
⚠️ WOF Fail if: Fitted against rotation direction
Common NZ brands: Goodyear EfficientGrip, Continental WinterContact, Hankook Ventus
🚗 PATTERN MATCHING EXAMPLES
For WOF, tyres on the same axle must match. Different patterns are allowed front-to-rear.
The legal minimum tread depth in NZ is 1.5mm for all tyres. However, different tyre types have different NEW tread depths — a mud terrain might start at 16mm while a passenger tyre starts at 8mm.
📋 TYRE CATEGORY REFERENCE
- Passenger Car (PC)
- High Performance / UHP
- Grand Touring (GT)
- Trailer tyres
- SUV Highway Terrain
- Light Truck Highway
- Commercial Van/Truck
- Winter / Snow tyres
- SUV All Terrain (e.g., KO2)
- Light Truck All Terrain
- Rugged Terrain
- Mud Terrain
- Tread clearly visible above TWI markers
- Groove depth measured in principal grooves
- Must be met around entire circumference
- Tread flush with or below TWI markers
- Any bald spots around circumference
- Uneven wear exposing low areas
🔍 FINDING TREAD WEAR INDICATORS (TWI)
Look for these markers on the sidewall — they point to wear indicator bars inside the main grooves:
△ Triangle mark on sidewall
"TWI" text mark on sidewall
📏 WHERE TO MEASURE TREAD DEPTH
Measure in the principal grooves (main channels) where the TWI markers are located. The yellow highlighted areas below show correct measurement zones:
Tread depth measurement locations — measure in yellow highlighted grooves
Tyre Age (Even with Good Tread)
Tyres degrade over time even if they have plenty of tread left. Rubber compounds harden, sidewalls crack, and structural integrity weakens.
| Age Range | Condition | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| 0-3 years | Optimal condition | No action needed. Regular checks. |
| 3-6 years | Monitor for cracks | Check sidewalls quarterly for cracking |
| 6-10 years | Replace recommended | Replace even with good tread |
| 10+ years | Unsafe - immediate action | Replace immediately, WOF risk |
Speed rating is the letter at the end of your tyre code (e.g., 205/55R16 91V). It indicates the maximum safe sustained speed the tyre can handle.
Complete A1-Y Speed Rating Chart
| Rating | Max Speed | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | 5 km/h | Special equipment, industrial |
| A2 | 10 km/h | Special equipment, industrial |
| A3 | 15 km/h | Special equipment, industrial |
| A4 | 20 km/h | Special equipment, industrial |
| A5 | 25 km/h | Special equipment, industrial |
| A6 | 30 km/h | Special equipment, industrial |
| A7 | 35 km/h | Special equipment, industrial |
| A8 | 40 km/h | Special equipment, industrial |
| B | 50 km/h | Compact temporary spares |
| C | 60 km/h | Temporary spares, space savers |
| D | 65 km/h | Light commercial, special use |
| E | 70 km/h | Light commercial vehicles |
| F | 80 km/h | Light commercial, older vehicles |
| G | 90 km/h | Commercial, off-road, agricultural |
| J | 100 km/h | Commercial, some 4WD |
| K | 110 km/h | Light trucks, older 4WDs |
| L | 120 km/h | Light trucks, commercial vans |
| M | 130 km/h | Light trucks, heavy-duty vans |
| N | 140 km/h | Light trucks, some SUVs |
| P | 150 km/h | Commercial, passenger vans |
| Q | 160 km/h | Winter tyres, studded tyres |
| R | 170 km/h | Heavy-duty light trucks |
| S | 180 km/h | Family sedans, minivans, SUVs |
| T | 190 km/h | Family cars, touring vehicles |
| U | 200 km/h | Sport sedans |
| H | 210 km/h | Sport sedans, performance coupes |
| V | 240 km/h | Sports cars, performance vehicles |
| W | 270 km/h | High-performance, exotic cars |
| Y | 300 km/h | Supercars, ultra-high performance |
| ZR | 240+ km/h | Requires manufacturer confirmation of max speed |
🚗 Common NZ Vehicle Speed Ratings
| Vehicle Type | Typical Rating | NZ Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Family Sedans/Hatchbacks | T or H | Corolla, Mazda 3, Civic, Golf |
| SUVs/Crossovers | S or T | RAV4, CX-5, Outlander, X-Trail |
| Utes/4WDs (HT tyres) | S or T | Ranger, Hilux, BT-50, Navara |
| Utes/4WDs (AT tyres) | Q or R | Ranger AT, Hilux AT, Colorado AT |
| Performance Cars | V or W | BMW M3, Subaru WRX, Golf GTI |
| Vans | Q or S | Hiace, NV350, Transit |
Understanding ZR Rating
ZR is a special designation that appears before the rim diameter in high-performance tyres. Example: 275/40ZR18 99Y
- ZR alone (no Y after load index) = Rated above 240 km/h, but specific max speed must be confirmed with manufacturer
- ZR with Y (e.g., 275/40ZR18 99Y) = Maximum 300 km/h
- ZR with W (e.g., 275/40ZR18 99W) = Maximum 270 km/h
Common ZR Confusion
If you see 275/40ZR18 with NO letter after the load index, the maximum speed is unknown without checking the manufacturer spec sheet. This is rare on modern tyres — almost all ZR tyres now include the final speed symbol (W or Y).
Load index is the two-digit number before the speed rating (e.g., 205/55R16 91V). It indicates the maximum weight each tyre can safely carry at the specified pressure.
Complete Load Index Chart (50-160)
| Load Index | Kg per Tyre | Common Vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 190kg | Small trailers, motorcycles |
| 55 | 218kg | Motorcycles, mopeds |
| 60 | 250kg | Small cars (old Minis) |
| 65 | 290kg | Compact cars |
| 70 | 335kg | Small hatchbacks |
| 75 | 387kg | Compact cars (Vitz, Swift) |
| 80 | 450kg | Small cars (Corolla, Civic - older) |
| 82 | 475kg | Passenger cars |
| 84 | 500kg | Sedans, hatchbacks |
| 86 | 530kg | Mid-size sedans |
| 88 | 560kg | Sedans, small SUVs |
| 90 | 600kg | Sedans, wagons |
| 91 | 615kg | Corolla, Civic, Mazda 3 |
| 92 | 630kg | Mid-size sedans |
| 94 | 670kg | Larger sedans, small SUVs |
| 95 | 690kg | Camry, Accord, CX-5 |
| 96 | 710kg | SUVs, crossovers |
| 98 | 750kg | SUVs, larger sedans |
| 100 | 800kg | RAV4, Outlander, X-Trail |
| 102 | 850kg | Larger SUVs |
| 104 | 900kg | SUVs, light commercial |
| 106 | 950kg | Heavy SUVs, light vans |
| 108 | 1000kg | Hiace, Transit (front) |
| 109 | 1030kg | 4WD utes (AT tyres) |
| 110 | 1060kg | Hilux, Ranger (HT tyres) |
| 111 | 1090kg | Utes, 4WDs |
| 112 | 1120kg | Ranger, Hilux, BT-50 |
| 113 | 1150kg | Utes with heavy loads |
| 114 | 1180kg | Commercial utes |
| 115 | 1215kg | Utes, commercial vans |
| 116 | 1250kg | Ranger, Hilux, D-Max, Colorado |
| 117 | 1285kg | Heavy-duty utes |
| 118 | 1320kg | Commercial utes (dual load) |
| 119 | 1360kg | Heavy commercial |
| 120 | 1400kg | Heavy-duty utes, vans |
| 121 | 1450kg | LT-rated utes, vans |
| 122 | 1500kg | Commercial vans, 1-tonne utes |
| 123 | 1550kg | Heavy commercial |
| 124 | 1600kg | Commercial trucks |
| 125 | 1650kg | Heavy trucks |
| 126 | 1700kg | Heavy trucks |
| 130 | 1900kg | Heavy commercial trucks |
| 135 | 2180kg | Heavy trucks, buses |
| 140 | 2500kg | Trucks, buses |
| 145 | 2900kg | Heavy trucks |
| 150 | 3350kg | Trucks, agricultural |
| 155 | 3875kg | Heavy trucks |
| 160 | 4500kg | Heavy trucks, industrial |
⚠️ Critical: Calculating Total Vehicle Capacity
To find your vehicle's total tyre capacity:
Total Capacity = Load Index (kg) × 4 tyres
Example: 91 load index = 615kg × 4 = 2,460kg total
This is the MAXIMUM your tyres can carry. Your actual vehicle weight + cargo + passengers must be BELOW this number.
Dual Load Index (Light Truck Tyres)
Light truck (LT) tyres often show TWO load index numbers. Example: LT265/70R17 121/118S
| Position | Meaning | Example (121/118) |
|---|---|---|
| First number (121) | Single wheel configuration | 1,450kg per tyre |
| Second number (118) | Dual wheel configuration | 1,320kg per tyre (when paired) |
🚙 Real NZ Scenario: Dave in Rotorua with a Ford Ranger
Situation: Dave's Ranger came with 265/65R17 LT 121/118S tyres. A budget tyre shop offers him 265/65R17 112T (passenger car tyres) for $200 less per set. Dave tows a 2-tonne boat regularly.
The Numbers:
- Original 121 tyres: 1,450kg each = 5,800kg total capacity
- Proposed 112 tyres: 1,120kg each = 4,480kg total capacity
- Difference: 1,320kg LESS capacity
✗ WRONG CHOICE:
- Voids insurance if accident occurs
- Instant WOF fail
- Risk of tyre failure under load (blowout)
- Towing 2 tonnes requires full load rating
Pay the extra $200 — it's not worth your life.
Complete reference for New Zealand Warrant of Fitness tyre requirements as per NZTA VIRM (Vehicle Inspection Requirements Manual). All information current as of December 2025.
| Requirement | Rule | Pass/Fail Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Tread Depth | 1.5mm | Must be 1.5mm or greater in principal grooves around entire circumference |
| Same Axle - Size | Must match | Both tyres on same axle must be same size (e.g., 205/55R16) |
| Same Axle - Construction | Must match | Cannot mix radial (R) and bias (D) on same axle |
| Same Axle - Pattern | Should match | Mixing patterns (SYM/ASYM/DIR) on same axle may fail at inspector discretion |
| Diameter Change | Within 5% | Overall diameter must be within ±5% of original. Exceeding requires LVV cert. |
| Speed Rating | Meet or exceed | Must match or exceed manufacturer's specified rating |
| Load Index | Meet or exceed | Must match or exceed manufacturer's specified load index |
| Damage | None visible | No cords, fabric, or plies exposed. No bulges or lumps. |
| Cracking | Must not expose cords | Surface cracks OK if they don't reach fabric/cords |
| Repairs | Restrictions apply | No sidewall repairs. Crown repairs must be professional. Max 2 repairs per tyre. |
| Age | No specific limit | No legal age limit, but 10+ years likely to fail due to cracking/deterioration |
| Directional Tyres | Correct direction | Must rotate in direction of arrow on sidewall |
| Asymmetrical Tyres | Correct orientation | "OUTSIDE" marking must face outward |
| Required Markings | Must be legible | Size, load index, speed rating must be readable |
Instant WOF Fail Scenarios
- Tread below 1.5mm anywhere on circumference
- Exposed cords, fabric, or plies
- Bulges or lumps (internal damage)
- Directional tyre fitted backwards
- Asymmetrical tyre inside-out
- Different sizes on same axle
- Radial mixed with bias on same axle
- Load rating below manufacturer spec
- Speed rating below manufacturer spec
- Diameter >5% different from original
- Mixed pattern types on same axle
- Severe cracking (even if no cords)
- Tyres 15+ years old
- Sidewall repairs
- More than 2 crown repairs per tyre
- Required markings illegible
- Unusual wear patterns indicating alignment issues
📖 Official NZTA References
All information in this guide is derived from official NZTA sources:
- Tread depth >1.5mm (use 20 cent coin test)
- No visible damage or bulges
- Directional arrows pointing forward (if applicable)
- "OUTSIDE" facing out (if applicable)
- Tyres not older than 10 years
The most commonly asked tyre questions in New Zealand, answered comprehensively.
Q: Can I fit different size tyres on front and rear?
A: Yes, this is called "staggered fitment" and is common on performance cars (e.g., BMW M3, Porsche 911). WOF rules require:
- Both tyres on SAME axle must be same size
- Front can be different from rear
- Both front and rear sizes must be within ±5% of original diameter
Example: Front 225/40R18, Rear 255/35R18 is legal if manufacturer approved.
Q: Do I need to replace all 4 tyres at once?
A: Not necessarily, but it depends:
- 2WD: Replace in pairs (both fronts or both rears). New tyres go on the REAR axle for stability.
- AWD/4WD: Depends on system. Subarus require all 4 within 2-3mm of each other. Check owner's manual.
- Best practice: Replace all 4 for optimal handling and safety
Q: Can I use my space-saver spare on the motorway?
A: Technically yes, but with restrictions:
- Max speed: 80 km/h (marked on sidewall)
- Max distance: 80-100km
- Pressure: Check placard - usually 60 PSI (420 kPa)
- WOF: Legal to use, but don't drive to WOF with a spare fitted
NZ Reality: If you get a flat on SH1 heading to Auckland, you CAN use the spare to get home at 80 km/h. Replace ASAP.
Q: Is it illegal to drive with a flat tyre in NZ?
A: Yes and no:
- Short distance to safety: Legal (e.g., pulling onto shoulder, driving 100m to safe spot)
- Extended driving: Illegal under "vehicle in dangerous condition" laws
- Run-flat tyres: Can drive up to 80km at 80 km/h even when deflated
Insurance note: Driving on a flat can cause wheel damage ($500+ repair). Stop safely ASAP.
Q: Can I fit wider tyres without changing rims?
A: Maybe, within limits:
- Each rim width has a range of compatible tyre widths
- Example: 7" wide rim can fit 205-245mm tyres
- Check wheel arch clearance (steering, suspension travel)
- Must stay within ±5% overall diameter
Safe approach: Consult a tyre shop with your rim width before buying.
Q: What's better for NZ roads: 16", 17", or 18" rims?
A: Depends on use:
- 16": More tyre sidewall = better ride comfort, pothole protection. Good for rural NZ roads.
- 17": Balance of comfort and handling. Most common on modern cars.
- 18"+: Sharper handling, worse ride comfort. Better for smooth city roads only.
NZ verdict: 16-17" is optimal for our mixed road quality (state highways with potholes, gravel, etc).
Q: Can I use tyres from Japan/Australia/USA?
A: Yes, tyres are global. However:
- Speed rating: Must match NZ requirements (often higher overseas)
- Load rating: Must meet vehicle spec
- Size: Japan uses metric (same as NZ), USA uses imperial or P-metric
- Import: Legal to import used tyres if >1.6mm tread
Reality: Most NZ tyres come from Thailand, China, Indonesia manufacturing plants anyway.
Q: Do I need winter tyres in NZ?
A: Depends where you drive:
- Auckland/Wellington/North Island: No, all-seasons are fine
- Central Otago/Canterbury winters: Recommended if driving in snow
- Ski fields (Whakapapa, Ruapehu, Queenstown): Chains required by law in snow
- Legal requirement: None, except chains when signs posted
Most Kiwis: All-season tyres year-round + chains in boot for ski trips.
Q: Can I repair a tyre with a puncture?
A: Depends on location and size:
- ✓ Repairable: Puncture in tread area (crown), <6mm diameter, no previous repairs nearby
- ✗ Not repairable: Sidewall puncture, shoulder puncture, >6mm hole, multiple punctures close together
- WOF rule: Maximum 2 crown repairs per tyre
- Cost: $25-40 for professional repair vs $150+ for new budget tyre
Q: How do I know if my tyres are made in China?
A: Check the DOT code:
- DOT code shows factory location (2-letter code after "DOT")
- Made in China: Quality varies from excellent (Michelin China factory) to budget
- Don't judge by country alone: Focus on brand reputation and reviews
- Reality: 60%+ of world's tyres made in Asia (China, Thailand, Indonesia). Even premium brands.
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