Guide

Transport of vehicle tyres

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In the guide you will find:


Need to transport tyres with rims? Find out how to prepare them for transport and find the cheapest shipping option for car and truck wheels. Regardless of the type or weight of your wheels - you can have them transported by a transport company. Unlike couriers, hauliers have no limits on the dimensions or weight of a shipment, so they can take any wheels.

How to protect car tyres before transport?

When it comes to transporting car tyres, it is important to secure them correctly to avoid damage and guarantee safety during transit. Here are some steps to follow to secure your tyres before transport:

Check the condition of the tyres: Before transport, carefully check the condition of the tyres, looking for any damage, cracks or deformations. If a tyre is damaged, it should not be transported.

Clean your tyres: Before transporting your tyres, clean them of dust, mud and other contaminants. This can be done with a brush and soapy water.

Get your tyres in order: Make sure your tyres are in the right order. You can stack them on top of each other to form a pile, or place them in special tyre bags.

Secure tyres: If tyres are being transported as load in a vehicle, make sure they are properly secured. This can be done by using load straps or other restraints to prevent the tyres from moving during the journey.

Label the tyres: If you are transporting a large number of tyres, it is a good idea to label them so that they can be easily identified after the final unloading. This can be done with labels on which you write the make, model, size and possibly the mounting position of the tyre.

Protect the tyres from the sun and rain: When transporting tyres outside the vehicle, it is a good idea to protect them from the sun, rain and other weather conditions. This can be done by using a tarpaulin or tyre protection bags.

Take care when loading and unloading: When loading and unloading tyres, take care not to damage the tyres or other objects. Try to avoid throwing tyres and ensure that they are handled properly.

Check tyre pressure: Check the tyre pressure before transport and adjust it according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Under-inflation can lead to increased susceptibility to damage, while over-inflation can cause deformation of the tyre.

Protect your tyres from mechanical damage: If tyres are to be transported together with other items, make sure that they are adequately protected against mechanical damage. This can be done by placing soft materials such as blankets, bubble wrap or mats between them.

Protect the rims: If the tyres are mounted on rims, take care to protect them from damage. This can be done by wrapping them in bubble wrap, cardboard or other cushioning material.

Load compartment: Ensure that the load compartment in which the tyres will be transported is adequately protected and clean. Try to avoid transporting tyres together with chemicals that may damage them.

How do I send the tyres and rims - by transport company or courier?

The decision to send your car wheels via a transport company or courier depends on several factors, such as cost, delivery time, number of shipments and convenience. Here are some aspects to consider when choosing a shipping method:

Cost: Shipping your car wheels using a transport company can be cheaper, especially if you are sending a larger number of wheels or have the option to negotiate rates. On the other hand, couriers often offer more competitive rates for smaller shipments, as well as door-to-door services, which can be convenient.

Delivery times: A courier company may offer a more flexible timeframe for delivery, but this can also mean a longer wait time for delivery. Couriers usually offer faster delivery services, but can be more expensive, especially if you choose the express option.

Shipment security: A courier company may specialise in transporting bulkier goods, which can mean better security for your car wheels during transit. On the other hand, couriers usually have a more sophisticated system for monitoring shipments, which can give you more control over the delivery process.

Convenience: Shipping with a transport company may require additional commitment, such as delivering the wheels to a transport terminal or picking up the shipment from another location. On the other hand, couriers often offer pick-up services from home or work, which can be more convenient.

Insurance: Both transport companies and couriers offer insurance options for shipments. Make sure that the value of the insurance covers the value of the car wheels and any repair or replacement costs if they are damaged.

FAQ

What types of car tyres are there?

Car tyres can be divided into different types based on the type of vehicle they are to be used on. Here are some basic types of car tyres:

Passenger tyres: Designed for passenger cars, providing driving comfort, fuel efficiency and good grip on a variety of surfaces. These include summer, winter and all-season tyres.

Commercial tyres: Designed for delivery vehicles and vans, providing higher load capacity and durability than passenger tyres. Developed for long-distance journeys and heavier loads.

Off-road tyres (4x4, SUV): Designed for off-road vehicles such as SUVs and pick-ups. They are characterised by aggressive tread and a reinforced construction for driving on difficult terrain.

Sports tyres: Dedicated to sports and high-performance cars, providing maximum grip, especially on dry surfaces, and improved stability at high speeds.

Truck tyres: Developed for trucks, buses and other heavy-duty vehicles. They have a special construction to withstand heavy loads and provide efficient braking.

Motorbike tyres: Designed for motorbikes, scooters and other unicycles. They feature a special tread profile and a rubber compound that provides grip on both dry and wet surfaces.

Industrial tyres: Designed for machines and vehicles used in industry, such as forklifts, construction or agricultural machinery. They require a special construction to withstand heavy loads and ensure stability and operational safety.

Tyres for trailers and semi-trailers: designed for trailers and semi-trailers pulled by vehicles that need to be durable and work well with the tyres of the towing vehicle. Depending on the application they may have different load capacity or tread type requirements.

Bicycle tyres: Tyres designed for bicycles, which also have their own specifications depending on the type of bicycle as well as the terrain on which they will be used. They include road, mountain, trekking or city tyres.

Tyres for specialised vehicles: These are tyres designed for vehicles with a specific use, such as tyres for racing cars, fire engines or military vehicles. They require special characteristics and construction to meet their purpose.

What are the average dimensions and how much do tyres with rims weigh?

The average dimensions and weight of tyres with rims depend on the type of vehicle, its size and model. Below are indicative values for different vehicle categories:

Passenger cars:

Small cars (e.g. Fiat 500, Toyota Yaris):

-- Tyres: 165/65 R14 to 185/55 R15

-- Tyre weight with rim: approx. 8-12 kg

Compact cars (e.g. Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus):

-- Tyres: 195/65 R15 to 225/45 R17

-- Tyre weight with rim: approx. 10-15 kg

Mid-size cars (e.g. Audi A4, BMW 3 Series):

-- Tyres: 205/55 R16 to 245/40 R18

-- Tyre weight with rim: approx. 15-20 kg

Luxury/large cars (e.g. Mercedes S-Class, Audi A8):

-- Tyres: 225/55 R17 to 275/35 R20

-- Tyre weight with rim: approx. 20-30 kg

SUVs and off-road vehicles:

Small SUVs (e.g. Nissan Juke, Hyundai Kona):

-- Tyres: 205/60 R16 to 235/45 R18

-- Tyre weight with rim: approx. 15-20 kg

Large SUVs (e.g. BMW X5, Range Rover):

-- Tyres: 255/55 R18 to 295/35 R21

-- Tyre weight with rim: approx. 25-35 kg

Sports cars:

-- Tyres: 225/45 R17 to 345/30 R20 (or larger depending on the model)

-- Tyre weight with rim: approx. 20-35 kg

It is worth noting that the values shown are indicative and may vary depending on the specific vehicle model, tyre and rim manufacturer. The weight of the tyre and rim also depends on the rim material: steel rims are generally heavier than aluminium (alloy) or magnesium rims.