How often should I check my tyres?

  • Tyres should be checked at least once a month and always before and after making a long journey. It is important to check the tread depth and the air pressure as well as the overall condition of the tyres. If you notice any cuts in your tyres you should have them changed immediately.

How often should I replace my tyres?

  • There is no one, universal answer to this question as it depends on your vehicle model, driving frequency, typical nature of driving and even environmental factors. Someone who uses their car to travel down the motorway each day will not need their tyres changed as frequently as someone who lives in a rural area with old, windy roads and lots of potholes. By law, you need your tyres replaced when the tread depth falls below 1.6mm. Discussion with a technician and regular checks will help you determine how often your tyres need replaced

How do I measure my tyre tread depth?

  • The 20p test is a well-known, quick and effective method to check your tyre tread is of legal limit. Insert a 20p coin into the tread grooves of your tyres and the outer band of the coin should be hidden. If you CAN see the outer band of the coin, your tyres may be below the minimum depth of 1.6mm and therefore unsafe. See a fitter immediately if this is the case.

What is the fine for driving with illegal tyres?

  • If you are caught failing to comply with the current tyre regulations you could be fined up to £2,500 and receive 3 penalty points per each illegal tyre. That means you could be subject to a £10,000 fine if ALL 4 tyres do not meet legal requirement and you may also lose your license.

Why are my tyres wearing unevenly?

  • Uneven wear of tyres could be a sign of wheel misaligned or unbalanced wheels. In these circumstances, your car may pull to one side or your steering wheel might vibrate. It is important that your vehicle’s wheels are correctly aligned and correctly balance to improve handling and maximise the life of your tyres. Our technicians are able to check for these and resolve the problem.

What should my tyre pressure be?

  • Details of the optimum levels of tyre pressure for your vehicle’s tyres can be found in the vehicle handbook. Front and rear tyre pressures may differ to accommodate weight inside the vehicle.