TV presenter Quentin Wilson recently stated that driver ignorance of tyre quality and maintenance is a significant driver of death and injury in the UK - and went on to say that the media has a 'moral obligation' to educate car owners as to the dangers of low-quality or inappropriate tyres.
Tyres themselves are just a part of figuring out how often to replace tyres - and what to choose when you're weighing up new corners.
The way you drive, where you drive, what you drive and how much love attention you lavish on your tyres will all add up to how yours behave. ABuse them with tough, aggressive driving or neglecting to pump them to the correct inflation and you'll get a lot less out of your rubber.
When it comes to figuring out which tyres are right for you, well that's harder. But we do recommend buying the right tyres for the right conditions. That means you may want to consider run-flat tyres, winter tyres, premium (as opposed to 'budget') tyres, energ-saving tyres and high-performance tyres.
That's quite a lot to take in and make a decision on - especially if you're standing in a garage being asked what tyres you'd prefer - and that decision is one you'll have to make yourself.
But we can give you an overview of the considerations involved in chossing the right tyre. MotorTorque recently attended an even at automotive testing track MIRA, where tyre manufacturer Goodyear gave a series of demonstrations on tyre performance and safety; showing the potentially lethal results of opting for sub-standard tyres.
As a result we've compiled the following article as an overview of the main issues relating to tyre buying, tyre safety, economics and maintenance.
Winter tyres
2011 has seen a push by car manufacturers, tyre makers and the media to raise the profile of winter tyres, traditionally ignored by motorists during winter.
Two recent harsh winters have exposed UK roads and motorists as unprepared for the multi-pronged attack on extreme cold, ice, snow and wet conditions.
Another poor forecast for this year has led to safetry groups, tyre-makers and manufacturers attempting to educate the public as to the benefits of winter tyres that perform better in difficult conditions.
Different rubber compounds and tread patterns means that winter tyre perform best below temperatures of seven degrees Celsius, but can be used all year round.
Winter tyres can reduce stopping distances on snow by around 50 per cent and provide more lateral grip on snow and more resistance to aquaplaning.
Critics argue that buying a whole new set of tyres may be unaffordable to many drivers - and impractical in terms of storage. Fuel economy can also suffer if temperature rise above seven degrees C.
Reports that insurance premiums were hiked and warranties invalidated because winter tyres were seen as vehicle modifications have subsequently been found to be false.
However, there appears to be a growing consensus that winter tyres are becoming a necessity in the UK's more extreme winter weather.
Read our guide to winter tyres for more information
Bald tyres
The issue of illegal tyres is - if you'll forgive the pun - gaining traction, with up to half of all motorists estimated to drive on tyres with tread depths so low they are illegal (you should have at least 1.6mm 1.6mm of tread depth across 75% of your tyre - check out the 20p piece test for more information).
So serious has the issue become that UK police are curently investigating the viability of speed cameras that detect illegal tyres on motorists.
Drivers found to be using illegal tyres can be fined a maximum of £2,500 and receive three points on their licence per illegal tyre. That could mean an automatic ban for the driver of a car with four bald tyres.
Road safety organisations recommend that motorists check tyres every two weeks for pressure, tread depth and potential defects.
Bald tyres offer less performance in dry conditions, but their performs dips considerably in the wet or on ice.
The lack of tread means tyres cannot vent water - or find any traction in snow or ice - leading to aquaplaning or extended stopping distances in slippery conditions.
The ramifications for a car travelling at 70mph are significant - and potentially deadly.
Part-worn tyres
Part-worn tyres are tyres already used on other cars and sold at knock-down prices. Although all part-worn tyres sold have legal tread depths, they have a much shorter life-span than new tyres so do not provide the traction of newer tyres - reducing stopping distances in wet and dry conditions and lateral handling - or the wear.
Critics argue that part-worn tyres are a false economy and can hide tyre defects not visible to the naked eye.
Read our guide to part-worn tyres for more information.
Run-on-flat tyres
Run-flat tyres are designed to give motorists valuable breathing space should they suffer a puncture. Run-flats can still de driven at speed of 50mph for distances of around 50 miles.
Critics argue that run-flats create more noise, more rolling resistance (thereby increasing fuel consumption) and unsettle ride comfort - though tyre manufacturers counter than new run-flats are greatly superior to early run-flats.
Read our guide to run-flat tyres for more information.
Premium versus budget
Should you buy premium tyres for your car? The choice is a personal one, but few motorists who have seen the real-world results of tyre tests can doubt the greater efficacy of so-called premium tyres in testing conditions.
The premium 'Big Six' tyre manufacturers are generally recognised as Michelin, Goodyear, Dunlop, Continental, Bridgestone and Pirelli; though the likes of Kumho and Hanook are catching up quickly.
Tyre prices can vary widely - and 'budget' or part-worn tyres can look incredibly cheap next to premium tyres. Bear in mind the greater wear typically afforded by quality tyres though, if money is an issue.
And bear in mind that the better the tyre, the safer the tyre.
Tyre labelling
New European legislation means that from November 2012 all new tyres sold will carry that provide information on fuel economy, wet weather performance and noise relating to new tyres.
Eco-labelling will be introduced in 2012 with the aim of educating motorists over the differences in tyre safety and environmental performance.
Safety performance is illustrated by the tyre's performance relating to wet grip, attributing a grade from A-G depending on quality.
A rolling resistance grade, again with a scale from A-G, rates tyres on their impact on fuel economy. Tyres receiving A ratings are judged the best, with G ratings the worst in btoh cases.
Meanwhile a numerical rating gives the road noise that emantes from the tyre in decibels and grading it by the amount of sound waves - one to three - emanating from the tyre. These figures represent the noise made by a tyre on the road from outside the car.
Goodyear says it welcomes the tyre labelling scheme and is confident that it will guide consumers towards safer and more fuel-efficient tyres and lkead to more informed purchases. Goodyear also beleives that its tyres will perform well against competition.
However, Goodyear believes that tyre labels should include even more information relating to greater safety and performance information that is already tested in indeoendent conditions.
Continental says there are a further 11 areas not included on tyre labels, but have proposed six new areas the labels should include: Resistance to aquaplaning; driving stability; handling and steering position on wet and dry roads; durability; braking performance on dry roads and capabilities in winter conditions.
Until such a time when legilsation requires tyre makers to present such information on all new tyres for sale, consumers will have to do their own research on how to find the right tyre for them.