Tyres: Frequently Asked Questions
What should my tyre pressure be?The recommended tyre pressure will vary depending on the make, model and age of your vehicle. To find out what the recommended tyre is for your car, you can usually find it in the car's handbook or on the pressure label sticker – which is located on the driver's side door jamb or glove compartment.
How do I check my tyre tread?There are 2 ways to check your tyre’s tread depth is within legal limits.
The quickest way is to place a 20p coin in between the grooves. If you can see inside of the rim, then your tyres are above the legal limit of 1.6mm.
The other is a more accurate way, allowing you to know the exact depth left on your tyres – take a tread depth indicator and measure the exact depth of the tread.
When should tyre pressure be checked?Tyre pressures should be checked regularly, ideally at least once a month, to ensure they are properly inflated. It's a good idea to check the tyre pressures before long trips or if you notice any signs of underinflation or overinflation.
What tyres do I need?The type of tyres that you need will depend on the wheel size, your vehicle type, and the driving conditions.
Consult your vehicle’s handbook or a tyre specialist for guidance.
How do I change a tyre?Changing a tyre is simple as long as you take it one step at a time and remain calm.
1. Pull over to a flat area, engage the handbrake and switch off the engine.
2. Set up a warning triangle and wear a bright jacket for visibility.
3. Retrieve the spare wheel, jack and wheel wrench from the boot.
4. Loosen wheel nuts with the wrench.
5. Slowly raise the car with the jack, remove the wheel nuts and replace the damaged tyre.
6. Place the new wheel, tighten wheel nuts partially.
7. Lower the car, tighten wheel nuts fully.
8. Store tools and old wheel in the boot.
9. Double-check the new wheel and tyre for correct placement.
Which is correct, tyre or tire?There is no difference between the words "tyres" and "tires." They are just variations on the spelling of the same word. In the UK, "tyre" is the standard version used the most. The alternative version of "tire" is generally more associated with American English.
Is it better to buy tyres online?Yes, many people find it better to buy tyres online. Online tyre buying offers a wide range of choices, convenient selection from home, and competitive prices- making it an appealing option for motorists.
Is it ok to fit cheap tyres?This question may seem straightforward, but it can be a tricky one to answer. As the idea of what qualifies as a ‘cheap tyre’ will vary depending on the person asking the question. What may seem cheap and/or expensive to one person, may be different to the next. That is why it is important to try and remove this mindset. Of course, we understand that money is a very important criteria in shopping for new tyres. The temptation can be there to simply go with a tyre that is as low as possible. However, as it is often said, tyres are the only contact that your vehicle have with the road. Therefore, rather than asking questions revolving around how cheap can I get tyres, and if it is ok to use cheap tyres, it is perhaps better to consider how ‘much can I afford’.