How to find a reliable tyre supplier near me

With a wide variety of tyre fitting and replacement services available, choosing the right tyre supplier can feel overwhelming. There are options ranging from big national tyre brands, which often offer extensive selections and fast service, to trusted local garages that provide a more personal, tailored approach. Each has its own advantages, so it’s important to consider what matters most to you—whether it’s price, convenience, or the reassurance of dealing with a local business that understands your needs.

As a local garage, we do hope you will choose us for all your tyre needs, but as we believe in transparent and fair advice, we also hope the following guide will help you select the right tyre supplier for your needs. We cover the pros and cons and explain all the details you may need to know when choosing a supplier and which tyres to select too.

Choose the right tyre for your vehicle type

Get the right advice on tyre type

Selecting the correct tyre for your car, van, or 4x4 is essential for safety, performance, and fuel efficiency. Consider factors like your typical driving conditions, whether you need all-season, summer, or winter tyres, and your vehicle’s manufacturer recommendations. If you’re unsure, our friendly team is always happy to offer honest, practical advice to help you make the best choice for your needs.

Car Tyres

Your tyres are essential for your car’s safety and performance. At Dowleys, we offer a wide range of quality tyres suitable for all makes and models, from family cars to commuter vehicles. Our team can check your tread depth, spot signs of uneven wear, and help you choose the right tyres for your driving needs and budget. We’ll fit and balance your new tyres while you wait, and always explain our recommendations in clear, simple terms—no jargon or pressure. Trust us to keep you safely on the road, whatever the weather.

4x4 Tyres

From muddy tracks to motorways, your 4x4 needs tyres that can handle every challenge. We offer a carefully selected range of 4x4 tyres suited for off-road use, agricultural work, or everyday driving.

Whether you need strength, traction, or long-lasting performance, our team will help you choose the ideal fit for your vehicle and terrain. With professional fitting and straight-talking advice, we’ll keep your 4x4 ready for whatever lies ahead.

Van Tyres

Whether you rely on your van for business, deliveries, or weekend getaways, we’ll help you find tyres that match your driving style and load demands. Our range includes trusted brands at competitive prices, and we’ll guide you through the best options for durability, grip, and comfort.

Our experienced team provides straightforward recommendations, upfront pricing, and efficient fitting—often while you wait. With Dowleys, keeping your van road-ready is simple, stress-free, and backed by expert care you can trust.

Motorbike Tyres

Your tyres are your lifeline on the road—whether you’re commuting, touring, or riding for fun. At Dowleys, we stock a wide range of motorcycle tyres for all makes and models, tailored to your riding style and road conditions.

Our team offers expert guidance to help you choose tyres that deliver grip, control, and reliability. With precision fitting and balancing, you’ll leave with confidence and peace of mind—ready for the next ride. Not sure what you need? Just ask—we’re riders too, and we’re here to help.

Tyres on sports car

Choose the right brand of tyres

Well-known tyre brands vs budget tyre brands

Choosing between premium and budget tyres depends on your driving habits and priorities.

Top brands like Michelin, Bridgestone and Goodyear are known for their proven performance, safety, and long-lasting quality. Backed by years of innovation, they offer excellent grip, fuel efficiency, and peace of mind—especially for high-mileage drivers or those who want the very best in reliability.

Budget tyres are a practical choice for everyday driving, short commutes, or local use. While they may not match premium models in lifespan or handling, today’s budget brands still meet all safety standards and deliver solid value.

At Dowleys, we’ll explain the differences clearly—with no hard sell—so you can choose tyres that suit both your needs and your budget.

Which tyre brands to choose?

We’ve handpicked every brand we offer based on quality, performance, and value—so whichever option you choose, you can be confident it’s up to the job.

Our range includes budget-friendly tyres for everyday use, dependable mid-range brands, and premium models designed for maximum safety, grip, and longevity. Whether you’re focused on cost, mileage, or performance, we’ll help you strike the right balance.

Not sure which brand suits your vehicle or driving style? Our team will talk you through the options and explain the benefits clearly—so you can make the right choice with confidence.

Budget Tyre Brands

  • Autogrip
  • Comforser
  • Mazzini
  • Royal Black
  • Runway

Mid-Range Tyre Brands

  • Avon
  • Falken
  • Fulda
  • GT Radial
  • Hankook
  • Kormoran
  • Petlas
  • Sumitomo
  • Toyo
  • Yokohama

Premium Brands

How to determine the correct tyre size for your vehicle

To find the right tyre size for your car, start by checking your vehicle’s handbook or the information sticker, usually found inside the driver’s door or fuel cap. This label lists the recommended tyre size, load rating, and speed rating for your specific make and model.

You can also look at the sidewall of your current tyres, where you’ll see a sequence of numbers and letters (for example, 205/55 R16 91V). Each part of this code tells you the tyre’s width, aspect ratio, diameter, load capacity, and speed rating.

If you’re ever unsure or need advice, our team at Dowleys is always happy to help you check your tyres and explain what size is best for safe, efficient driving. Or, simply check our convenient online tyre size calculator, and order your tyres online from Dowleys.

Key terms in tyre specifications

As we noted above on the section about tyre size, there are a few key terms to understand when choosing tyres to the right specification. These are indicated in the code in every tyre's sidewall. We explain these as follows, with some other terms to help you choose correctly. Of course our staff will naturally do everything to assist if you are unsure.

Tyre width

This is the measurement of the tyre from sidewall to sidewall, expressed in millimetres. A wider tyre can offer more grip and stability, but it’s important to match the correct width to your vehicle for safety and performance.

Tyre aspect ratio

The aspect ratio refers to the height of the tyre’s sidewall as a percentage of its width. For example, an aspect ratio of 55 means the height is 55% of the tyre’s width. This affects ride comfort and handling.

Tyre diameter

This is the diameter of the wheel that the tyre is designed to fit, measured in inches. Using the correct tyre diameter ensures proper fitment and safe driving.

Tyre load capacity

The load capacity indicates how much weight each tyre can safely carry. Always ensure your tyres meet or exceed the recommended load rating for your vehicle, especially if you regularly carry passengers or heavy loads.

Speed rating

The speed rating shows the maximum speed at which the tyre can safely operate. It’s marked by a letter on the sidewall. Make sure your tyres match or exceed the speed rating recommended by your vehicle manufacturer.

Approved fitment tyres (homologated tyres)

These tyres are specifically approved by the vehicle manufacturer for your car model. Using homologated tyres can improve safety, performance, and longevity, as they are tested to work perfectly with your vehicle.

Tyres for all seasons

Choosing the right tyre for the season can make a big difference to safety, grip, and overall driving comfort. Here's how each type performs throughout the year. Check our article on the difference between winter and summer tyres for more details.

All Season Tyres

Ideal for year-round use, all-season tyres combine elements of both summer and winter tyres. They handle rain, mild snow, and dry roads with confidence—perfect for drivers in Oxfordshire who want convenience without switching tyres twice a year.

Summer Tyres

Designed for warmer conditions, summer tyres provide excellent road contact, responsive handling, and shorter stopping distances in dry and wet weather. If you mostly drive during spring and summer, they deliver top performance when the roads heat up.

Winter Tyres

When temperatures fall below 7°C, winter tyres offer the grip you need. Their softer compound and deeper tread are built for icy roads, slush, and snow—giving you better traction and control throughout the colder months.

Want to learn more? Check out our guide on the difference between summer and winter tyres.

Tyre Guarantees

At Dowleys, customer support and first-class service are always our top priorities. We understand how We want you to drive away with total confidence. That’s why every tyre we fit comes backed by clear guarantees and dependable aftercare.

Whether you're replacing one tyre or a full set, our experienced team ensures proper fitting and professional service from start to finish. And if anything goes wrong or you have questions later on, we're just a call or visit away.

With Dowleys, you're covered—every step of the journey.

Tyres bought online, fitted locally

The advantages of buying tyres online and getting them fitted at a local garage

Get the convenience of online shopping with the confidence of local service.

With our online booking system, you can compare brands, check prices, and order the right tyres for your vehicle in just a few clicks. Enter your registration, choose your tyres, and book a fitting slot that works for you.

Then leave the rest to us. At Dowleys, your tyres will be professionally fitted at our trusted local garage, with expert care and no hidden extras. It’s fast, easy, and backed by the personal service you won’t find at a national chain.

Why buy tyres at a local garage?

Local garages offer more than just tyres—they offer trust, value, and personal service.

At Dowleys, we take the time to understand your vehicle and your needs. There’s no hard sell, just honest advice and clear pricing. You’ll speak to real people who care about getting it right, not call centres or automated systems.

We also work hard to source high-quality tyres at competitive prices—often better value than national chains. And by choosing a local business, you’re supporting your community while getting service that feels personal and never rushed.

Fast, Convenient Tyre Fitting—Locally

When you buy from Dowleys, there’s no waiting on hold or chasing updates. Just book online or give us a call, then visit at a time that suits you.

Our expert team will help you choose the right tyres and fit them while you wait—quick, simple, and hassle-free. All fitting prices include casing disposal, new valves, balancing, and VAT (excluding TPMS valves), so you know exactly what you’re paying.

It’s everything you’d expect from a professional tyre service, with the speed and personal touch only a local garage can provide.

Extra services at a local garage

Another benefit of using a local garage for tyres is the personalised advice you receive. Local experts can recommend additional services that help keep your car running smoothly and safely, such as MOTs, regular servicing, brake checks, battery replacements, exhaust repairs, and more. By having all these services available in one place, you save time and gain peace of mind knowing that trusted professionals are looking after every aspect of your vehicle.

Tags
Servicing Tyres
Previous Post

Is a Car Service Necessary?