Looking for advice on choosing tyres, checking tyre pressure, repairing a puncture or booking a wheel alignment? Browse answers to common tyre and service questions below. If you need help with your vehicle or a local service, contact your nearest Tyre General store.
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How do I find the right tyre size for my vehicle?
You’ll find your tyre size printed on the sidewall of your tyre. It looks something like 205/55R16. You can also check the tyre placard inside the driver’s door frame or your vehicle’s owner manual.
When buying replacement tyres, check the size recommended for your vehicle. If you’re unsure, contact your nearest Tyre General store. Our team can help find the right tyres for your car, SUV or 4WD and your driving needs.
What tyre services do we offer?
For in-depth information on what services we offer, see our services page. From tyre replacements, to wheel alignments and everything in between. If it is to do with tyres, we can help.
How do I choose the right tyres for my car, SUV or 4WD?
Start with the tyre size recommended for your vehicle, then think about how and where you drive. A car used mainly around town may need different tyres from an SUV or 4WD that regularly travels on gravel roads or off-road. Wet-weather grip, tyre life, ride comfort and your budget can also help guide your choice. If you’re not sure which tyres will suit your car, SUV or 4WD, contact your nearest Tyre General store. Our team can help compare suitable options for your vehicle and driving needs.
Where can I buy tyres near me?
Tyre General has 17 stores across the South Island. Use our Find your nearest store tool to see your closest branch, check its contact details and get help choosing tyres for your vehicle. You can also call 0800 484 725 and we’ll help you find a nearby store.
How often should I replace my tyres?
Tyres should generally be replaced every 5-6 years or when the tread depth reaches the legal minimum tread depth 1.5mm. However, we recommend to change your tyres at 3mm or sometimes earlier depending on the terrain and season.
How can I extend the lifespan of my car tyres?
Regularly maintaining correct tyre pressure, rotating tyres, wheel alignments and avoiding harsh braking can help prolong the lifespan of your car tyres.
What is the recommended tyre pressure for my car?
Consult your vehicle manual or tyre placard for the manufacturer's recommended tyre pressure specifications. Or call in to your local Tyre General and we will check your tyre pressure for free.
What is the best tyre brand for a 4x4?
The best tyre brand for a 4x4 can vary depending on individual preferences and specific driving needs. Some popular tyre brands known for their quality and performance in off-road conditions include Maxxis and Goodyear.
What is the Tyrewise stewardship fee?
The Tyrewise Stewardship Fee is a charge applied to the sale of tyres and covers the costs associated with the collection, recycling, and environmentally responsible disposal of used tyres. This fee is part of the Tyrewise product stewardship scheme, aimed at managing the end-of-life tyres in a sustainable manner, implemented by the New Zealand Government.
The exact fee can vary depending on the type and size of the tyre. For the most current and detailed information, including specific fee amounts and categories, you may want to check the official Tyrewise website or contact them directly.
What tyre pressure should I use for my car?
Check the tyre pressure recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. You’ll usually find it on a placard inside the driver’s door frame or in your owner’s manual. Use the pressure listed for your vehicle, as the front and rear tyres may have different recommendations.
Check tyre pressure when the tyres are cold, and don’t use the maximum pressure printed on the tyre sidewall as your vehicle’s recommended setting. If you’re unsure, visit your local Tyre General store for a free tyre pressure check.
What is the legal tread depth for tyres in NZ?
For tyres with tread-wear indicators, the legal minimum tread depth in New Zealand is 1.5 mm in the main grooves around the whole tyre. If the tread is level with the wear indicators, or below the minimum, the tyre doesn’t meet the requirement.
Don’t wait until the tread reaches the legal limit to get it checked. If your tyres look worn or uneven, visit your local Tyre General store for a tyre safety check.
Can a tyre with a nail in it be repaired?
A tyre with a nail in it may be repairable, depending on where the nail has gone in, the size of the puncture and the tyre’s condition. If the puncture is small and in a repairable part of the tread, our team can check whether it’s safe to repair. Damage to the shoulder, a bulge, multiple punctures or damage from driving on a flat tyre may mean the tyre needs replacing.
At Tyre General, we aim to repair a tyre whenever it’s safe to do so. Bring it to your local store and we’ll inspect it and recommend the safest option.
Can I drive with a punctured tyre?
If your tyre is flat, losing pressure quickly or affecting how your car handles, pull over somewhere safe and don’t keep driving on it. A flat or under-inflated tyre can make steering less responsive and may be damaged further.
If you’ve found a nail but the tyre still seems inflated, contact your nearest Tyre General store for advice and arrange to have it checked as soon as possible. If your vehicle has run-flat tyres, follow the instructions in your owner’s manual.
How much does a wheel alignment cost?
A standard wheel alignment has an RRP of $99 including GST. Tyre General often runs wheel alignment promotions, including deals when you purchase tyres. Check our current promotions or contact your local store to see what offers are available before booking.
Can I get a puncture repaired today?
Yes, no booking is needed for a puncture repair. Visit your local Tyre General store and the team will assess whether the tyre can be safely repaired. Wait times can vary, so you can call ahead to check how busy the store is before you travel.
Which Tyre General store is closest to me?
Tyre General has 17 stores across the South Island. Visit Find your nearest store to browse locations and see each store’s contact details, or call 0800 484 725 and we’ll help you find the closest branch.
How long does it take to fit new tyres?
For a standard car, allow about an hour to have a set of four tyres fitted and balanced. The time can vary depending on your vehicle, tyre size and how busy the workshop is. If you’re also having a wheel alignment, allow extra time. Contact your local Tyre General store if you’d like an estimate for your vehicle.
Does Tyre General offer mobile tyre service?
Yes. Tyre General’s mobile service vehicles provide on-farm tyre fitting and repairs, commercial tyre support, and emergency breakdown assistance across the South Island. Availability depends on your location and the type of vehicle or job, so contact your nearest store to check whether we can come to you.
How much does it cost to replace a tyre?
The cost to replace a tyre depends on your vehicle’s tyre size and the brand and type of tyre you choose. Tyre General has options to suit different vehicles, driving needs and budgets. For an accurate tyre replacement quote, use our tyre search or contact your local store with your vehicle details. Ask whether the price includes fitting, balancing and the Tyrewise stewardship fee.
Which tyre brands does Tyre General sell?
Tyre General sells a wide range of tyre brands, including Maxxis, Goodyear, Pirelli, Hifly. Hankook, Nankang, Nexen, Toyo, Michelin, Yokohama, Falken, Giti, Farrod, Vitora and Rovelo. We also supply specialist brands for agricultural and commercial vehicles, including BKT, Vredestein, Ascenso, CEAT, Trelleborg and Alliance. Brand availability varies by store and tyre type, so contact your local store to check what’s available for your vehicle.
Can I buy tyres online (alternative to Tyre General) and have them fitted at my local store?
Yes. You can buy tyres online and have them fitted at your chosen local Tyre General store. The tyre fitting charge is $75+GST per tyre, plus tyre steardship fee.
How much does it cost to fit and balance tyres
Fitting and balancing tyres purchased from Tyre General costs $45 including GST per tyre. A $7.65 Tyrewise stewardship fee also applies to each car tyre.
Does the tyre price include fitting and balancing?
No. When you buy tyres from Tyre General, fitting and balancing are charged separately at $45 including GST per tyre. A $7.65 Tyrewise stewardship fee also applies to each car tyre.
Not at this stage. You can browse our tyre range and request a quote online, but you can’t purchase or pay for tyres through the website. Once you’ve confirmed your tyres with your local store, you can book a fitting appointment online.
