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Tyre guides from the people who fit them

Straight-talking advice on tread depth, punctures, pressures, winter tyres, costs and MOT rules, written by a 24/7 mobile tyre team working London and central England every day.

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Everything you need to know about your tyres

128 guides covering Punctures & emergencies, Tyre safety, Mobile fitting, Vehicle guides and more, no jargon, just what actually matters.

Close-up of a car tyre sidewall with its moulded lettering, the part of the tyre where a bulge appears Punctures & emergencies

Tyre bulge: is it dangerous, and can it be repaired?

A bulge in the sidewall means the tyre is failing from the inside. It cannot be repaired, it fails the MOT, and it should not be driven on.

· 10 min read · Read guide →
Scattered worn tyres and debris on a workshop floor Tyre safety

What causes uneven tyre wear?

Uneven wear is your tyres telling you something is off. Here is how alignment, pressure, balance and worn parts each leave their own tell-tale pattern.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Fast Tyre van alongside a car with its wheel removed on a driveway Mobile fitting

How to choose a mobile tyre fitter: what to check

You are about to let a stranger jack up your car. Here is what to check first, and the questions worth asking on the call.

· 5 min read · Read guide →
Sunlit London street with traffic and Victorian buildings Punctures & emergencies

Flat tyre on a red route: what to do in London

Red routes ban stopping, and TfL lists no breakdown exemption. Here is what to do if a tyre leaves you no choice.

· 4 min read · Read guide →
Row of cars parked along a residential street with a mobile tyre fitting van attending one Punctures & emergencies

Broke down and got a penalty charge notice: how to challenge it

Breakdown is not a listed ground. It is a discretionary argument, and it lives or dies on the paperwork you gather now.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Car stopped at the kerb with a jack and tools beside the wheel Punctures & emergencies

When your broken-down car is blocking the road

A breakdown is a defence to obstructing the highway. It is not a defence to leaving the car somewhere dangerous.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Car at the kerb with a wheel removed showing a damaged tyre Punctures & emergencies

Your tyres have been slashed

A cut tyre is never a repair. Get the report logged before you replace anything, because the number is what your insurer wants.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Mercedes 4x4 with a full-size spare wheel mounted on the rear door Punctures & emergencies

Fitting a space-saver to a 4x4 or all-wheel-drive car

The 50mph limit is statutory, not advisory. And the drivetrain warning everyone repeats is harder to source than you would think.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Fast Tyre mobile fitting van parked on a residential street ready to attend a vehicle Punctures & emergencies

Flat tyre when getting out of the car is not simple

The standard advice is to get out and stand behind the barrier. Here is what to do when that is not possible.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Row of parked cars with a mobile tyre fitting van attending one of them Punctures & emergencies

Flat tyre at a station car park

Off the train at nine, and the car is on its rim in an unlit corner. What works from here.

· 6 min read · Read guide →
Car parked at the kerb with a wheel removed and a spare on the ground beside it Punctures & emergencies

What to do while you wait for a mobile tyre fitter

The call is made. Here is how to spend the wait so work starts the moment the van pulls up.

· 6 min read · Read guide →
Two car tyres standing side by side on a paved surface Punctures & emergencies

Two flat tyres at once

No car carries two spares. The moment a second tyre goes, every option in the boot disappears at once.

· 6 min read · Read guide →
Fast Tyre vans stopped on a residential street beside a car being worked on Punctures & emergencies

How to describe where you are when you break down

Everything waits on one thing: whether the person you called can find you. Here is how to get that right.

· 6 min read · Read guide →
Two Fast Tyre vans parked up in an open surfaced parking area Punctures & emergencies

Flat tyre at motorway services

You got off the motorway safely. Now there is a parking clock and a tyre that will not get you home.

· 6 min read · Read guide →
Technician in a high-visibility vest working at the roadside beside a stopped car Punctures & emergencies

Flat tyre on a smart motorway with no hard shoulder

No hard shoulder, a tyre gone at speed. What the official guidance actually says to do in the next minute.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Mobile tyre service van alongside a car after dark in a parking area Punctures & emergencies

Flat tyre at the airport car park

Two weeks parked, a midnight landing and a tyre on the rim. Check one thing before assuming the worst.

· 6 min read · Read guide →
Fast Tyre van parked beside a car in a walled parking area during a tyre change Punctures & emergencies

Flat tyre in a supermarket car park

You are on private land with a time limit and a boot full of shopping. Handle the clock first, then the tyre.

· 6 min read · Read guide →
Fast Tyre van working on a vehicle at night under the lights of a covered building Punctures & emergencies

Flat tyre in a multi-storey car park

A recovery truck usually cannot get in, and your phone cannot see the sky. Here is what actually works.

· 6 min read · Read guide →
A driver standing beside a car at the roadside, inspecting a problem Punctures & emergencies

Flat tyre in an electric car and no spare: what now?

Most EVs carry no spare and cannot be towed conventionally. Here is what actually happens with a flat, and what to do.

· 4 min read · Read guide →
A man changing a wheel at the kerb of a quiet street, the removed wheel and tyre resting beside a red saloon car Punctures & emergencies

Does breakdown cover a flat tyre?

A flat counts as a breakdown and a patrol will come. What standard cover will not do is pay for a new tyre. Here is what the AA, RAC and Green Flag say, side by side.

· 13 min read · Read guide →
A car wheel removed and lying on the pavement beside a dark grey car with its brake disc exposed, the air line running back to the Fast Tyre van parked at the kerb Punctures & emergencies

What can a mobile tyre fitter fix on the spot?

Temporary or permanent, repair or replace: what actually gets fixed where the car is standing, and the jobs that never happen at the roadside.

· 8 min read · Read guide →
Car dashboard with the speedometer and warning lights lit Punctures & emergencies

Tyre pressure warning on the motorway: what to do

A pressure warning light at 70mph is alarming. Here is the safe, calm response, and why you should never stop in a live motorway lane.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Front view of a BMW 3 Series saloon parked on a paved driveway Vehicle guides

Best tyres for a BMW 3 Series

A 3 Series can run square 16s or 17s or staggered 18s and 19s, often as run-flats. Here is how to work out what yours needs and what to check before fitting.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Two people unloading equipment from an open car boot Punctures & emergencies

What to carry in your car for a tyre emergency

A small, well-chosen kit turns a roadside tyre problem from a crisis into a manageable delay. Here is exactly what to carry.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Car with glowing tail lights on a snow-covered road at night Punctures & emergencies

Night-time tyre breakdown: staying safe

A tyre failure after dark brings extra hazards. Here is how to stop, be seen and stay safe until help arrives, in line with the Highway Code.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Grey Audi saloon parked on an urban street, showing its wheels and stance Vehicle guides

Best tyres for an Audi A4

The B9 A4 runs anything from 205/60 R16 on a 30 TDI to 245/40 R18 on an S4, and the allroad has its own sizes. Here is what to fit and what to check.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
White and red Audi hatchbacks parked side by side against industrial architecture Vehicle guides

Best tyres for an Audi A3

From 205/55 R16 on a 30 TFSI to the RS3's 265-wide front tyres, A3 sizes vary a lot. Here is what each A3 needs and the Audi details worth checking first.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Silver Volkswagen Polo parked on a rural road under overcast skies Vehicle guides

Best tyres for a VW Polo

Choosing tyres for a VW Polo? Typical sizes, how to keep a refined supermini quiet and economical, and what each generation of GTI needs.

· 5 min read · Read guide →
Black Vauxhall Astra parked on grass at twilight Vehicle guides

Best tyres for a Vauxhall Astra

Choosing tyres for a Vauxhall Astra? Typical sizes, how to judge value on a high-mileage fleet or family car, and the habits that make a set last.

· 5 min read · Read guide →
Alloy wheel next to a steel wheel comparing weight, cost and durability for UK cars Vehicle guides

Alloy vs steel wheels: which is better?

Lighter and smarter, or cheaper and tougher? Here is how alloy and steel wheels really compare on weight, cost, winter use and looks.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Technician inspecting a car tyre tread for the legal 1.6mm minimum depth in the UK Legal & MOT

What is the legal tyre tread depth in the UK?

The law sets a 1.6mm minimum, but where is it measured, what about vans, and what does breaking it actually cost? The full legal picture.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Silver Ford Focus hatchback parked in daylight with greenery behind it Vehicle guides

Best tyres for a Ford Focus

Choosing tyres for a Ford Focus? Sizes by wheel, what suits everyday and estate models, and what the ST and RS need, plus fitting at home.

· 6 min read · Read guide →
Mobile tyre fitter fitting a tyre at a customer driveway after the tyre was bought online Costs & buying

Buying tyres online vs mobile fitting

Buying online and mobile fitting are not rivals: they often work best together. Here is how each works and how to combine them.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
New car tyres lined up, illustrating ways to save money on tyres in the UK Costs & buying

How to save money on new tyres

You can spend a lot less on tyres without taking a single risk. Here are the habits and choices that genuinely cut the cost.

· 8 min read · Read guide →
Worn car tyre showing low tread and cracking, a clear sign the tyre needs replacing Tyre safety

7 signs your tyres need replacing

From low tread to sidewall bulges and old rubber, the seven clearest signs it is time to replace your tyres before they let you down.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Driver using a pressure gauge to check tyre pressure at the correct cold PSI Tyre safety

How to check and set your tyre pressure

Under-inflated tyres wear faster, cost you fuel and are less safe. Here is how to check and set the right pressure in five minutes.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
New car tyres on display, illustrating tyre warranty and road-hazard cover options in the UK Costs & buying

Tyre warranties and road-hazard cover explained

A manufacturer warranty and a road-hazard policy cover very different things. Here is what each protects and when the extra cover is worth paying for.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Set of new car tyres, illustrating how long tyres last by mileage and age Tyre safety

How long do tyres last? Mileage and age

Most car tyres last 20,000 to 40,000 miles, but age, driving style and care change that. Here is what really decides how long tyres last.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Close-up of a tyre sidewall showing the size markings, load index and speed rating numbers Tyre safety

What do the numbers on your tyre mean?

Width, profile, rim, load and speed, that string of numbers on your sidewall tells you exactly which tyre your car needs. Here is how to read it.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Row of new tyres in a stack, illustrating the best time of year to buy tyres at a good price Costs & buying

When are tyres cheapest to buy?

Timing can shave money off a set of tyres, but waiting too long costs more than it saves. Here is when tyres tend to be cheapest, and when not to wait.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
New car tyres beside a calculator and paperwork, representing pay-monthly tyre finance options Costs & buying

Pay-monthly tyres: how tyre finance works

New tyres can be an unexpected hit. Here is how pay-monthly tyre finance works, what to watch for, and when spreading the cost makes sense.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Technician checking tyre condition and pressure to extend tyre life Tyre safety

How to make your tyres last longer

Correct pressures, regular rotation and smoother driving can add thousands of miles to your tyres. Here is how to make them last.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
New tyres showing the DOT date code stamped into the sidewall Tyre safety

How old is too old? Tyre age and the DOT code

Tyres age even with plenty of tread. Here is how to read the DOT date code and decide when an old tyre needs replacing.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Technician inspecting a car tyre in spring for pothole and winter damage after the cold season Seasonal & driving

Your spring tyre check after winter

Cold, salt and potholes take a toll over winter. A spring tyre check finds the damage before the summer driving season begins.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Car driving on a UK motorway, illustrating the tyre safety checks needed before sustained high-speed travel Seasonal & driving

Motorway tyre safety checks

Sustained motorway speed is where weak tyres fail. Here are the checks that keep a high-speed drive safe, and the warning signs to never ignore.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Wheel and tyre on a balancing machine, illustrating wheel balancing versus alignment Tyre safety

Wheel alignment vs wheel balancing: what is the difference?

They sound similar but fix different problems. Here is what alignment and balancing each do, and when you need them.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Family car loaded for a bank holiday getaway with a driver checking tyre pressure before setting off Seasonal & driving

Bank holiday getaway: 5-minute tyre checks

Before you load the car and join the bank holiday traffic, five minutes on your tyres can save a ruined long weekend.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
A hand holding an air line on the valve of a car tyre, inflating it to the correct pressure Tyre safety

Tyre pressure warning light on? What it means and what to do

Solid, flashing or on and off: what the tyre pressure warning light is telling you, how to clear it, and when it means a sensor has failed.

· 12 min read · Read guide →
Wheel balancer with a new tyre on the shaft and a tray of sockets and an impact gun, from a Fast Tyre job Tyre safety

Unbalanced wheel symptoms: how to tell if your wheels need balancing

A shake that comes in at the same speed every time is the classic sign, but not every vibration is balance. How to read the symptoms, rule out the usual suspects and know when to stop.

· 9 min read · Read guide →
Car tyre resting on tarmac after long-term parking, showing where a flat spot can form on the contact patch Tyre safety

Tyre flat spots from parking: causes and fixes

A car left standing for weeks can develop a thud or vibration as it sets off. Is it a temporary flat spot or a permanent one? Here is how to tell.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Fully loaded family car with luggage, showing the need for higher laden tyre pressures Tyre safety

Tyre pressures for a fully loaded car

A boot full of luggage and a car full of people change what your tyres need. Here is how to set the right loaded pressure.

· 6 min read · Read guide →
Worn tyre tread alongside a wet braking test, showing how tread depth affects stopping distance Tyre safety

How tread depth affects your stopping distance

The gap between legal and safe tread is measured in metres of braking. Here is how worn tyres lengthen your stopping distance.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Summer, all-season and winter tyres lined up side by side showing different tread patterns Seasonal & driving

All-season vs summer vs winter tyres

Summer tyres grip best when warm, winter tyres rule below 7C, and all-seasons split the difference. Which suits UK roads?

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Tyre fitter in blue overalls tightening the wheel nuts on a steel wheel fitted with a car tyre Vehicle guides

Can you repair a run flat tyre?

Sometimes, but far less often than a normal tyre. When a run flat can be repaired, which makers allow it, how far it will take you, how to tell if your car is on run flats, and your options if it cannot.

· 9 min read · Read guide →
Car driving through standing water on a wet road, illustrating the risk of aquaplaning Seasonal & driving

Aquaplaning: causes and how to avoid it

Aquaplaning happens when your tyres lose contact with the road on water. Here is what causes it and how to avoid losing control.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Tyre sidewall close-up showing the speed rating letter at the end of the tyre size code Tyre safety

Tyre speed ratings explained (UK chart)

That single letter after the load number sets your tyre's top rated speed. Here is the full UK chart and why fitting the right one matters.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Car fitted with winter tyres driving on a cold, frosty British road Seasonal & driving

Do you need winter tyres in the UK?

Winter tyres are not a legal requirement in the UK, but for some drivers they are well worth it. Here is how to decide.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Technician replacing a TPMS valve sensor inside a car tyre during mobile fitting Costs & buying

TPMS sensor replacement: what decides the cost, and how it works

When a tyre pressure sensor dies, the warning light stays on and your MOT is at risk. Here is what replacement involves and what sets the price.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Person holding a four-way wheel brace beside a car alloy wheel and its wheel nuts at the roadside Tyre safety

Lost locking wheel nut key? What to do next

A lost locking wheel nut key stops any wheel coming off. Where to look first, how to get a replacement key, and what to do when a wheel has to come off today.

· 11 min read · Read guide →
A car parked at the kerb with its front tyre completely flat, the sidewall squashed flat against the road under the steel wheel Punctures & emergencies

Can you drive with a flat tyre?

Only as far as the nearest safe place to stop. How far is too far, what it damages, what the law says and what to do in the next ten minutes.

· 10 min read · Read guide →
Tyre fitter in blue overalls inspecting the tread of a tyre taken off its wheel, next to a tyre changing machine Punctures & emergencies

Can a punctured tyre be repaired? The UK rules explained

Usually, if the hole is small, in the middle of the tread and the tyre is sound inside. This guide covers what the law says, what the British Standard says, and why fitters sometimes disagree.

· 12 min read · Read guide →
Technician tightening wheel nuts to the correct torque with a torque wrench during tyre fitting Tyre safety

Why wheel-nut torque matters

Wheel nuts are not just done up tight, they have an exact torque setting. Here is why it matters and why a torque wrench beats guesswork.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Close-up of a car tyre valve with an orange decorative metal cap, fitted through the rim of a wheel Tyre safety

Car tyre valve types explained: rubber snap-in, metal clamp-in and TPMS

Rubber snap-in, metal clamp-in or a TPMS sensor valve: three checks to tell which your car has, how to find a valve leak, and which fixes need the tyre off.

· 10 min read · Read guide →
Mechanic pumping up a rear car tyre through its valve with an air line, the first check for a slow puncture Punctures & emergencies

Slow puncture: signs, causes, fixes and the MOT

One tyre that keeps going soft is a slow puncture until proved otherwise. How to find the leak, what each cause needs, and whether you can drive on it.

· 11 min read · Read guide →
Tyre being inspected for a puncture, illustrating pre-fitted sealant in a car tyre Punctures & emergencies

Pre-fitted tyre sealant: is it worth it?

Sealant poured into a tyre before a puncture can plug small holes automatically, but it has real downsides. Here is the honest picture.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Close-up of a red steel temporary spare wheel with a yellow sticker reading MAX 80 km/h, the 50mph limit for driving on it Punctures & emergencies

How far can you drive on a spare tyre? And what to do with no spare

How far each kind of spare will take you, what the law and the MOT say, and what to do when the boot is empty.

· 11 min read · Read guide →
Technician changing a car tyre safely on level ground with the handbrake on Punctures & emergencies

How to change a tyre safely, step by step

Changing a tyre is straightforward if you do it in the right order and put safety first. Here is the step-by-step.

· 8 min read · Read guide →
Car stopped at the kerb with its front tyre fully deflated and squashed flat under the wheel rim Punctures & emergencies

Tyre blowout: what to do, what causes it and how to prevent one

Grip the wheel, keep straight, ease off and let the car roll to a stop. The full drill, the motorway rules, why tyres burst and what happens next.

· 11 min read · Read guide →
Technician checking tyre pressure on a car wheel, comparing nitrogen and ordinary air inflation Tyre safety

Nitrogen vs air in your tyres: is it worth it?

Nitrogen filling promises slower pressure loss and cooler running, but the everyday gains are small. Here is what really matters for your tyres.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Technician fitting a new tyre to the rear axle of a car, the recommended position for new tyres Tyre safety

New tyres: front or rear axle first?

When you buy two tyres, the best ones usually belong on the rear, even on a front-wheel-drive car. Here is why, and what it means for you.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Close-up of a car tyre sidewall where it meets a dark alloy wheel rim Punctures & emergencies

Tyre sidewall damage: is it safe, is it legal, and can it be repaired?

A rubber-only scuff is usually cosmetic. A cut deep enough to reach the cords, a bulge or any visible cord means a new tyre: most of these are illegal and an MOT fail, and no fitter can repair them.

· 15 min read · Read guide →
Two different brand car tyres side by side, illustrating the rules on mixing tyre brands on one car Tyre safety

Can you mix tyre brands on one car?

Mixing tyre brands is legal in the UK, but only within strict rules. Here is what must match on an axle and what you must never mix.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Mobile tyre technician fitting a new tyre at the roadside to fix an MOT tyre failure the same day Mobile fitting

Failed your MOT on tyres? A same-day mobile fix

A tyre MOT failure is common and quick to fix. Here are the usual reasons, the rules on driving away, and how mobile fitting sorts it same-day.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
A man rolling a worn tyre on a steel wheel across a road Punctures & emergencies

How to use a tyre repair kit (and when not to)

Sealant kits replaced the spare in many cars, but they only buy you a few miles. Here is how and when to use one.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Close-up of a car tyre's tread grooves Punctures & emergencies

Nail in tyre: what to do now, and can it be repaired?

Leave the nail or screw in, check the pressure, and find out whether it sits in the repairable middle of the tread before you drive anywhere.

· 12 min read · Read guide →
Technician moving a car tyre during a front-to-rear tyre rotation to even out tread wear Tyre safety

Tyre rotation: why, when and how

Front tyres wear faster than rears. Rotating them at the right interval evens out the wear and gets more miles from a full set. Here is how.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Car driving slowly over a road speed bump on a residential street to protect its tyres and wheels Seasonal & driving

Do speed bumps damage your tyres?

Taken too fast, speed bumps stress tyres, wheels and suspension. Here is how they affect tyre wear and the right way to drive over them.

· 6 min read · Read guide →
A red car on a wheel alignment bay in a garage, with alignment sensors clamped to its wheels Mobile fitting

Mobile tyre fitting vs a garage: which suits your tyre job?

A job-by-job guide from a mobile fitter: which tyre jobs a van does to the same standard as a garage, which belong in a workshop, and what to check either way.

· 10 min read · Read guide →
A blue BMW convertible on a driveway with its rear wheel removed and a Fast Tyre van parked alongside Mobile fitting

How does mobile tyre fitting work at home? The van, the kit and the limits

You call with the tyre size and where the car is, and a fitter brings the tyres and a van fitted out as a small tyre bay to you. The wheel comes off, the tyre is changed and balanced at the van, and the wheel goes back on, torqued to the car maker's figure.

· 12 min read · Read guide →
Grey car parked beside a pavement kerb, showing a large alloy wheel on a low-profile tyre Seasonal & driving

Kerbed alloy wheel: how to tell if it is still safe to drive

Scuffs on the rim lip are cosmetic. A crack, a buckle that shakes or leaks, or a damaged tyre is not. The checks to do after a kerb strike, and what to do next.

· 9 min read · Read guide →
Driver photographing a pothole that has damaged a car tyre to support a council compensation claim Seasonal & driving

How to claim for pothole tyre damage

A pothole wrecked your tyre. Here is how to report it and claim from the council, what evidence you need, and why claims can be refused.

· 8 min read · Read guide →
EU tyre label showing fuel economy, wet grip and external noise ratings on a new car tyre Tyre safety

The EU tyre label explained: grip, fuel and noise

Three letters and a noise figure tell you a lot about a tyre. Here is how to read the EU tyre label and use it to choose well.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Mobile tyre fitter fitting a new tyre on a driveway with a van behind Costs & buying

How much does mobile tyre fitting cost?

Mobile fitting is often the same price as a garage. Here is what drives the cost and how to get an exact all-in quote.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Silver saloon parked in an outdoor car park bay beside a wheel stop, its rear tyre and alloy wheel in close view Mobile fitting

Tyre fitting in your work car park: what to arrange

A fitter can change your tyres in the office, depot or business park car park. Here is what to sort out first, so the van gets in and the job is done in one visit.

· 10 min read · Read guide →
New tyres delivered in boxes ready to be fitted by a mobile tyre technician Mobile fitting

Can you fit tyres I bought online?

Bought tyres online? A mobile fitter can fit them at home, or supply and fit in one go. Here is how it works.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Driver sitting at the roadside beside the front wheel of her broken down car, working out who to call Punctures & emergencies

Who to call if you have a flat tyre

Breakdown cover, a mobile tyre fitter or a garage: which one actually ends with a working tyre depends on where you are and what time it is.

· 11 min read · Read guide →
Mobile tyre fitting van working on a car parked at the kerbside on a London terraced street Mobile fitting

Mobile tyre fitting with no driveway

You do not need a driveway for mobile tyre fitting. Here is how it works on a kerbside, permit street or flat car park in London.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Car tyre next to a pothole on a London street, illustrating pothole tyre damage risk Seasonal & driving

The best tyres for London's potholes

London roads are brutal on tyres. Here is how tyre choice, profile and pressure affect how well your tyres survive the city's potholes.

· 8 min read · Read guide →
Row of new car tyres on display showing different sizes and brands Costs & buying

How much do new tyres cost in the UK?

Tyre prices range hugely with size, vehicle and brand tier. Here is what drives the cost and how to choose well.

· 8 min read · Read guide →
Large SUV fitted with new tyres rated for its weight, parked at a home driveway Vehicle guides

Best tyres for a large SUV or Range Rover

A heavy SUV asks more of its tyres than a hatchback. Here is how to pick the right load rating, type and brand for a Range Rover-sized car.

· 8 min read · Read guide →
BMW run-flat tyre with reinforced sidewall on an alloy wheel Vehicle guides

BMW run-flat tyres: options and costs

Most BMWs leave the factory on run-flats, and many have no spare. Here is how they work, what they cost and whether to switch.

· 8 min read · Read guide →
Technician fitting a budget car tyre during a mobile visit Costs & buying

Are budget tyres safe?

Every road-legal tyre meets UK safety standards. Here is how to tell a safe budget tyre from a poor one before you buy.

· 6 min read · Read guide →
New premium and budget car tyres lined up for comparison Costs & buying

Budget vs premium tyres: are premium worth it?

Premium tyres cost more but often grip better and last longer. Here is how to weigh wet braking, mileage and fuel before you choose.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Tesla Model 3 EV tyre on an aero alloy wheel showing an electric-car tyre fitment Vehicle guides

Best tyres for a Tesla Model 3

A Model 3 is heavy, torquey and quiet, so it needs more from its tyres than a petrol car. EV-rated rubber, sizes and what to look for.

· 8 min read · Read guide →
Set of four new car tyres ready to be fitted Costs & buying

Should you replace two or all four tyres?

Replacing one tyre alone can unbalance grip. Here is when to replace two, when to replace four, and which axle new tyres belong on.

· 6 min read · Read guide →
Technician inspecting a used part-worn car tyre for damage Costs & buying

Part-worn tyres: are they safe and legal?

Part-worn tyres are legal to sell but only under strict rules. Here are the legal requirements and the real safety risks.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Vauxhall Corsa tyre on an alloy wheel showing a typical small-car tyre size Vehicle guides

Best tyres for a Vauxhall Corsa

The Corsa is light, cheap to run and easy on tyres. Here are the typical sizes and the smart way to choose value without cutting safety.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Nissan Qashqai crossover tyre showing a typical SUV tyre size on an alloy wheel Vehicle guides

Best tyres for a Nissan Qashqai

The Qashqai is a crossover, not a hatchback, and that changes what you should fit. Sizes, all-season options and what really matters.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Technician inspecting a car tyre for legal tread depth and damage Legal & MOT

UK tyre laws: fines and penalty points

An illegal tyre can cost £2,500 and 3 points, per tyre. Here is what UK law actually requires and how to avoid the worst case.

· 8 min read · Read guide →
Technician checking a car tyre for MOT-related faults Legal & MOT

The most common tyre MOT failures

Tyres are one of the top MOT failure areas. Here are the faults the test checks for and how to catch them before test day.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
VW Golf alloy wheel and new tyre, illustrating the best tyres for a Volkswagen Golf in the UK Vehicle guides

Best tyres for a VW Golf

Golf sizes run from 195/65 R15 on early 1.0 TSI cars to 225/40 R18 on the GTI and R. Here is what each version needs, plus the Golf-specific things to check.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Car tyre gripping a snow-covered road in winter driving conditions Seasonal & driving

Driving in snow and ice: tyre tips

Stopping distances can be ten times longer on ice. The right tyres and a gentle touch make all the difference.

· 8 min read · Read guide →
Seasonal tyre swap with a winter tyre being fitted before cold weather Seasonal & driving

How to prepare your tyres for winter

Cold-weather tyres grip better below 7°C, but the UK does not force you to fit them. Here is how to get winter-ready properly.

· 8 min read · Read guide →
Ford Fiesta wheel and tyre being fitted, illustrating the best tyres for a Ford Fiesta in the UK Vehicle guides

Best tyres for a Ford Fiesta

Fiesta sizes run from a narrow 175/65 R14 on an older 1.25 to 205/45 R17 and 205/40 R18 on the ST. Here is what your Fiesta needs now production has ended.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Four matching car tyres lined up, illustrating whether all four tyres should match on a UK car Tyre safety

Should all four of your tyres match?

Do all four tyres really need to match? When mixing brands is fine, when it is risky, and what the law and your handling demand.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Inspecting a tyre and alloy wheel for damage after hitting a pothole Seasonal & driving

Potholes and tyre damage: what to do

Hit a pothole hard? Check for sidewall bulges, buckled wheels and tracking issues, and you may be able to claim.

· 8 min read · Read guide →
Emergency tyre callout van attending a blowout on a hot summer road Seasonal & driving

Summer heat and tyres: the blowout risk

Hot roads and under-inflated tyres are a blowout waiting to happen. Here is how to cut the risk before a summer drive.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Kerbed alloy wheel with scuffed rim, illustrating when to refurbish or replace a damaged alloy Vehicle guides

Kerbed alloys: repair or replace?

Most kerb scuffs are cosmetic and easily refurbished, but some damage is structural. Here is how to tell, and when to replace the wheel.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Technician inspecting a tyre for cracks, bulges and low tread to spot a poor-quality tyre Tyre safety

How to spot a poor-quality tyre

Not every tyre that looks fine is safe. Here is how to spot a poor-quality or risky tyre before it lets you down on the road.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Stack of new budget car tyres, illustrating whether Chinese tyres are any good and safe in the UK Costs & buying

Are Chinese tyres any good?

Cheap Chinese tyres are tempting, but are they safe and good value? An honest look at quality, wet grip and when they make sense.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Technician inspecting a city car tyre worn by stop-start London driving Seasonal & driving

How city driving and ULEZ affect your tyres

London driving is brutal on tyres: stop-start traffic, potholes and tight parking all take a toll. Here is what to watch and how to protect them.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Mid-range car tyres on display, representing the middle ground between budget and premium brands Costs & buying

Mid-range tyres: the sensible middle ground?

Mid-range tyres promise much of the safety of premium for less money. Here is what they are, who they suit and how to choose.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Budget car tyres stacked on a forecourt, representing budget tyre brands in the UK Costs & buying

How to choose a budget tyre brand in the UK

Budget tyres are not all equal. Here is how to judge a budget brand, what to look for on the label, and how to choose one safely.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Set of new tyres suited to high-mileage commuter driving Seasonal & driving

Tyre care tips for high-mileage commuters

If you rack up serious miles each year, your tyres take a beating. Here is how to keep them safe, even and lasting longer.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Close-up of a new tyre showing deep, legal tread depth Tyre safety

How to check your tyre tread depth

The 20p test takes 60 seconds and could save you a £2,500-per-tyre fine. Here is how to check tread depth properly and when to replace.

· 6 min read · Read guide →
Row of premium car tyres representing brands like Michelin, Continental and Pirelli Costs & buying

Premium tyre brands compared

Michelin, Continental and Pirelli all sit at the top tier. Here is what makes a tyre premium and how to choose between the big three.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
New car tyres on a forecourt, illustrating how rolling resistance affects fuel economy Costs & buying

How your tyres affect fuel economy

Rolling resistance, pressure and tyre choice all move your fuel bill. Here is how your tyres affect economy and how to spend less.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Set of new 4x4 and SUV tyres with deep tread ready for fitting Vehicle guides

4x4 and SUV tyres: the complete guide

Road, all-terrain or mud-terrain, and why mismatched tyres can wreck a 4WD drivetrain. A plain guide to choosing SUV and 4x4 tyres.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Set of EV-specific tyres with reinforced construction for a heavy electric car Vehicle guides

EV tyres: why electric cars need special tyres

Electric cars are heavier and torquier than petrol cars, which is hard on tyres. Here is what makes an EV tyre different.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Close-up of a chrome wheel and tyre sidewall on an orange car Tyre safety

How to find the right tyre size for your car

Your sidewall and door placard hold the answer. Here is how to read your exact tyre size so you order the correct fit every time.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Close-up of a red steel temporary spare wheel with a yellow maximum 80 km/h speed label on the rim Vehicle guides

Spare tyre vs space saver vs sealant kit: which is better?

A full-size spare, a space saver and a sealant kit solve different problems. How they compare side by side, the limits after using each, and what to check in your boot now.

· 10 min read · Read guide →
Set of seasonal tyres stored neatly ready for winter swap Vehicle guides

How to store tyres correctly

Cool, dark, dry and away from sunlight and oil, how to store winter or spare tyres so they do not perish before you use them.

· 6 min read · Read guide →
Comparison of directional V-shaped tread and asymmetric tread patterns on car tyres Tyre safety

Directional vs asymmetric tyres explained

Directional and asymmetric tyres must be fitted the right way round. Here is how each tread pattern works and why fitting matters.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
New reinforced car tyre with XL marking on the sidewall for higher load capacity Vehicle guides

XL and reinforced tyres: what they mean

XL and reinforced tyres carry more weight thanks to a stronger build. Here is what the markings mean and whether your car needs them.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Worn tyre showing an uneven wear pattern across the tread Tyre safety

What your tyre wear patterns tell you

Centre wear, edge wear, feathering, cupping, each pattern points to a different fault. Learn to read your tyres like a mechanic.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Technician checking tyre condition before a long drive Tyre safety

Tyre safety checklist before a long drive

Five minutes before a long trip can save a roadside breakdown: tread, pressure, condition and the spare. A simple pre-journey checklist.

· 6 min read · Read guide →
Tyre sidewall showing the load index number positioned just before the speed rating letter Tyre safety

Tyre load index: what the number means

That two or three-digit number before the speed letter sets how much weight each tyre can carry. Here is how the load index works.

· 7 min read · Read guide →
Car fitted with winter tyres on a snowy European mountain road Seasonal & driving

Driving abroad: tyre rules and the kit you need

Winter tyre laws, snow chains and mandatory kit vary by country. What UK drivers need to know before driving in Europe.

· 7 min read · Read guide →

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