If you’re like most Aussie drivers, tyres are one of those “out of sight, out of mind” things… until someone at a service tells you it’s time for a new set, or you find yourself skidding a little too much on a wet roundabout.

The truth is, your tyres are the only part of your car that actually touch the road. They play a huge role in how safe your car is, how comfortable your ride feels, and even how much you spend on fuel.

Whether you’re a parent driving a packed SUV full of kids, or you just want your daily drive to feel safer and smoother, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about tyres — in plain English.

How to read your tyre size?

If you’ve ever glanced at the side of your tyre and seen something like 205/55 R16 91V, you might have wondered if it’s a secret code. It’s not — it’s just a very standardised way of describing your tyre’s size and capabilities.

Let’s break that example down:

205 – This is the width of your tyre in millimetres from one side to another. Think of it if you're measuring your tyre width and looking at it from the top, not the side.
55 – This is the aspect ratio, which is a fancy way of saying the height of the tyre’s sidewall compared to its width. In this case, the height is 55% of the width.
R – This means the tyre has radial construction (which almost all modern tyres do).
16 – This is the diameter of your wheel in inches. So this tyre fits a 16-inch wheel.
91 – This is the load rating, telling you how much weight the tyre can safely carry.
V – This is the speed rating, telling you the maximum speed the tyre can safely handle.

Knowing how to read these numbers matters because it ensures you buy the right tyres for your car. Using the wrong size can affect handling, braking, and even fuel efficiency. If it makes you feel any better, we had no clue this secret code existed before getting schooled by the Bridgestone team.

All tyres have different sizes and yes you can change your tyre size from the set that came standard to your vehicle. What you need to take into account if you change them if the placard or tyre pressure in which the new set needs to be at.

You don’t need to be a mechanic to figure out your tyre size. You can usually find it:

On the sidewall of your tyre (as in the example above).
On a sticker inside your driver’s door frame if you haven’t changed the size.
In your car’s owner manual.

It’s important to match the size exactly unless a professional recommends a safe alternative. Even a small change in tyre size can throw off your car’s speedometer reading or create clearance issues in the wheel arch.

How do I do a quick tyre check?

You can do a basic tyre health check in under five minutes, and it can save you from dangerous situations — and expensive repairs. Here’s how:

First, look for visible damage. Walk around the car and check for cracks, bulges, cuts, or stones stuck in the tread - this is the part of the tyre which touches the ground. A bulge in the sidewall usually means internal damage, which can be dangerous at high speeds.

Second, check your tread depth. In Australia, the legal minimum tread depth is 1.5 mm, but most safety experts recommend replacing tyres at around 3 mm for better wet-weather grip. You can use the 20-cent coin test: put the coin into the tread. If you can see the platypus’ bill, it’s time for new tyres.

Third, check tyre pressure. Underinflated tyres wear out faster, reduce fuel economy, and can make handling sloppy. Overinflated tyres can make the ride harsh and reduce grip. Use a tyre pressure gauge or a free air station at most servos. Always check when the tyres are cold (before a long drive). The correct pressure for your car is listed inside the driver’s door or in your manual.

How long do tyres last?

Tyre lifespan depends on how and where you drive. On average, most tyres last 40,000 to 60,000 kilometres or around 5–6 years, whichever comes first.
However, harsh Aussie conditions — like long hot summers, pot holes, and carrying heavy loads — can shorten their life. Even if a tyre still has plenty of tread, rubber hardens over time, reducing grip.

If you’re a parent regularly doing school runs, weekend sport trips, and the occasional road trip, check your tyres every 6–8 months, and especially before holidays.

How to check tyre pressure

Park the car on a flat surface and make sure the tyres are cold.
Unscrew the valve cap and press the gauge or air hose onto the valve.
Compare the reading to the recommended PSI (found inside the driver’s door or in the manual).
Add or release air until the pressure matches.
Replace the valve cap.

If you loose your valve cap, you can head into a tyre shop locally or if you have Bridgestone Tyre Shop near you. To find your local store click here.

Where are Bridgestone tyres made?

Bridgestone is a global brand, and their tyres are manufactured in various locations including Australia, Japan, Thailand, and China. Regardless of where they’re made, Bridgestone’s quality control standards are the same worldwide, so you can expect consistent performance.

What is the right Bridgestone tyre for my car?

Bridgestone offers several tyre ranges in Australia, each designed for a different driving need:

Ecopia – For maximum fuel efficiency and lower rolling resistance, great for eco-conscious drivers.
Turanza – Bridgestone’s touring tyre range, designed for long-distance comfort and safety. The latest model, the Turanza 6, combines touring comfort with the grip and handling tech from their performance-focused Potenza range. We recently tested it in a Toyota Camry, RAV4, and C-HR at the launch— and it was impressively comfortable, quiet, and stable in both dry and wet conditions. It gripped confidently in emergency braking situations and had a wide contact patch that made cornering feel secure.
Potenza – For sports and performance driving, delivering sharp handling and high-speed stability.
Dueler – For 4x4s and SUVs used off-road, with extra durability for gravel and rough terrain.

Are Bridgestone tyres good?

Yes, well we can only speak for our experience in the new Turanza 6— however they’ve built a strong reputation for safety, durability, and all-round performance.

The Turanza 6 is an everyday tyre that doesn’t feel like the cheaper options on the market when you’re behind the wheel. On the wet handling course at the launch, it outperformed cheaper tyres with shorter braking distances and better cornering grip. On regular roads, the cushioning made bumpy city streets feel smoother — exactly what you want when you’ve got kids in the back.

To ensure you're doing your homework jump on Facebook Groups, Reddit and other forums to check out other people’s experience.

Where can I get new tyres in Australia?

You can buy tyres at Bridgestone Select stores, independent tyre shops, and even dealership service centres. The key is to buy from a reputable source that will fit and balance the tyres correctly.

To find your closest store click here.

Tyres aren’t exciting, but they’re one of the most important safety features your car has. Learning how to read them, check them, and choose the right ones can make a massive difference to how safe, comfortable, and affordable your driving is.

If you want an easy step-by-step guide for your next at-home check, see our Tyre Safety Checklist for Aussie Families.

Tyre FAQs: Everything you need to know before going in for a service