Tyres vs Tires: Which is it?

If you like reading about all things cars, you may have noticed different spellings of the word ‘tyre’ popping up. It might seem like a typo, but when talking about cars, there’s instances where either may be correct.

So when is it tyre or tire, do they have different meanings, and how can you remember which one to use where? To end the confusion once and for all, read on as we tell you everything you need to know about tyres (and tires) in this handy blog post!

So is it tire or tyre?

Whether you spell it tyre or tire, when talking about cars they can both refer to the rubber rings that wrap around your wheels. So in this context, a car tyre or tire essentially refers to the same thing.

But while tyre is only used in the context of wheels, the word ‘tire’ also means ‘to grow weary’—because the English language likes to throw a spanner in the works every so often!

Not sure? Let’s take a deeper look.

Regional differences of Tyre vs Tire

When talking about car tyres, the spelling you use generally depends on which region you’re in. These days, as English in Britain and Australia largely follow the same spelling conventions, both regions use ‘tyre’ for wheel-related use, and save ‘tire’ for ‘growing weary’. But in America, ‘tire’ is used to mean both the rubber ring around a wheel and to grow weary.

Digging down into its origins, when the word ‘tyre’ was first used, it referred to the iron wheel coverings on carriage wheels. It stems from the word ‘attire’, stemming from the thought of wheel coverings ‘dressing’ the wheels. So why didn’t we just stick to ‘tire’, like the Americans? Mostly, it was to avoid confusion between the two meanings.

It wasn’t always this way though, and for a time in the 17th and 18th century the spelling of any kind of tyre was in fact ‘tire’, no matter where you lived. But in the 1800s, the British decided to change the word for wheel covering back to ‘tyre’, and it has stuck that way ever since.

So to answer the question of whether it’s tire or tyre, Australia uses ‘tyre’ for wheel covering, and ‘tire’ for being sleepy, growing weary, etc.

Either way, care and maintenance is still the same

No matter how you spell it, your tyres still need TLC—not only to get a better lifespan, but for improved safety on the road. As a general overview, here’s a few quick tyre care tips:

What about the wheel vs tire debate?

While both wheels and tyres often get used interchangeably, they’re actually different parts of your car. So are tires wheels? No, and neither are tyres.

The wheels on your car are simply the metal hubs (also known as rims) that attach to the wheel hub assembly and spin around to propel you along. Traditionally made of steel, you can also buy alloy wheels, often preferred for their sporty and stylish look.

Tyres, on the other hand, are the reinforced rubber ring filled with air that covers the wheel, providing you with the grip, comfort, and stability you need to get to your destination safely.

Choosing tires (or tyres) for your car

There are a few things to consider when choosing quality tyres. Let’s take a look at a few:

If you keep these things in mind you’re well on your way to a smooth safe ride.

However you spell it, we’re here to help

At mycar, you’re always looked after—with friendly service and quality workmanship, plus high-quality products across an extensive range in over 275 stores, you know you and your car are in good hands.

So whether it’s Dunlop, Goodyear, Continental or Pirelli, we’ve got those and plenty more that’ll make sure your ride is smooth and safe. And with our Tyrelife Saver program, you’re always well looked after, even after you drive away.

Drop in to talk all things tyres with your friendly mechanics and tyre fitters today.