Buying guides

PCD, offset and tread condition. Our guides explain what to check and where to find it.

Read before you choose

Tyres

How to read a tyre size

Using 195/65 R15 as an example: how to read the size marking, the load index and speed symbol, and the production week and year, and what to check before you buy.

Wheels
PCD, J, ET and centre bore
Using 17×7J 5-114.3 offset 45 as an example: how to read wheel dimensions and what to check on the vehicle. Matching bolt holes and PCD are only one part of the fitment check.
Condition and inspection
How to read photos of used tyres and wheels
Photographs help you inspect details, but cannot replace a condition report or physical inspection. What to look for in photos of tyres and wheels, how to check tread depth and the production week and year, how wear bars differ from winter platforms, and the age guidelines given by the tyre industry association and tyre makers.

Condition and inspection
Condition grades
Use the grade together with photographs, descriptions and measurements.
Tyres
Sets, pairs and single items
Distinguish the product type, item count and exact contents.
Getting ready for winter
Winter tyres and choosing by season
The types of winter tyre and how they differ from summer tyres, why they go on all four wheels and what snow rules require, off-season storage and what to check before buying — based on material from the tyre industry association and tyre makers. Plus how to search at Hub Garage.
Getting ready for winter
Winter tyre and wheel sets: thinking about inch-down
When choosing studless tyres as a set with wheels, a smaller rim diameter (inch-down) is one option.
Wheels
Wheel size and aspect ratio: outer diameter, comfort and what to check
Going up or down in wheel size changes the aspect ratio while keeping the outer diameter about the same.
Condition and inspection
Cleaning and inspection
We clean and inspect what we can see, and remain honest about what may be missed.