Engine Oil Change: When, Why & How Often?
Engine oil is the cheapest insurance your engine has. Here is how to know when it is due, which grade to pick and what a proper oil change includes.
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Buying Guide
How to Choose the Right Tyres
Size codes, tread patterns, load index and the date code on the sidewall — a simple guide to buying tyres that fit your car and your roads.
Tyres are the only part of your car that touches the road, so they decide how well it brakes, corners and handles rain. Choosing the right set is not about the most expensive brand; it is about matching the tyre to your vehicle and the way you drive.
Read the sidewall
A code such as 185/65 R15 88H tells you everything you need:
- 185 – the tyre width in millimetres.
- 65 – the sidewall height as a percentage of the width.
- R15 – radial construction for a 15-inch rim.
- 88 – the load index (how much weight each tyre can carry).
- H – the speed rating (the maximum safe speed).
Stick to the size, load index and speed rating listed in your owner's manual or on the sticker inside the driver's door.
Pick a tread for your roads
- City and highway driving: a standard all-season tread gives a quiet ride and good mileage.
- Heavy rain: look for wide grooves that channel water away and resist aquaplaning.
- Broken roads and rural use: a stronger sidewall handles potholes better.
Check the manufacturing date
The four-digit DOT code on the sidewall shows the week and year of manufacture; 3426 means week 34 of 2026. Rubber hardens with age even in storage, so avoid tyres that are more than a year or two old when you buy them.
When to replace
- Tread depth below 1.6 mm (the tread-wear indicator bars are flush with the tread).
- Cracks, bulges or cuts on the sidewall.
- Uneven wear — this also points to an alignment problem that should be fixed.
- Tyres older than about 5–6 years, even with tread left.