Your car is a complex machine that requires all of its components to be working harmoniously; tyres are a major component of your vehicle and will need to be maintained.
Using inappropriate or worn tyres can not only be unsafe but can also lead to fines and points on your licence. So, getting your tyres checked and replaced when needed is something you need to keep on top of.
If you’re looking for Bude tyre services, find out how we could help here at Colwills! We stock a range of tyres and provide puncture repairs and wheel alignment servicing. If your tyres need replacing or you are unsure, give us a call today.
When Should I Get New Tyres?
Many drivers’ main concerns will be how often they need to get new tyres and what the potential signs of worn tyres will include.
How frequently your tyres need replacing can depend on a number of things, including:
- The design and quality of the tyre.
- Road conditions.
- Environmental factors.
- Your particular driving style.
For tyres to be legal and road-worthy in the UK, they must have a tread depth of 1.6mm. If tread drops below this level, they will need to be replaced. New tyres will usually have a tread depth of around 7mm.
Although the legal limit is 1.6mm, this does not necessarily mean that you should run the tyres until they reach this point. Many tyre manufactures will recommend that tyres be replaced when they get to a tread depth of around 2mm or 3mm. This will reduce the risk of any further problems or accidents.
How Long Do Tyres Last?
It is better to pay more attention to your tread depth than how long you’ve had any current tyres when thinking about replacement.
Your tyre life will depend on how much you drive; an average lifespan is around 20000 miles and tyres should be replaced after this point.
However, tyres will generally last around ten years and should be replaced at this point, regardless of whether the tread has reached the legal limit.
Any issues with your tyres will be flagged up at your usual MOT service, and you will be notified if they need to be replaced.
Rear tyres can last longer and may need to be replaced less frequently than front tyres; front tyres play a bigger role in braking and can be worn more quickly.
Signs of Worn Tyres
The tread depth should be your primary signal that you need to buy new tyres, but there can be other signs that will indicate a change is needed.
Visible signs of worn tyres can include:
- cracks
- bulges or blisters
- holes in the tread
If you notice any of these issues, it is best to take your car to be assessed by a professional as new tyres will likely be necessary.
You should also watch out for a reduction in performance. If handling your car has become more difficult in poor weather, or it takes longer to stop when the brakes have been applied, your tyres may be at fault. This can be caused by wheel misalignment, incorrect tyre inflation or excessive emergency braking.
Do I Need Winter Tyres?
Harsher weather conditions like heavy rain and ice on the road can cause problems for tyres. If you feel like you need extra security, winter tyres can provide it in bad weather. They are made from a particular rubber that performs well below 7°C.
Winter tyres may be something to consider purchasing if you are having your tyres changed during this season. In the UK, however, it is not strictly necessary to have an extra set of winter tyres as conditions are rarely bad enough to warrant them and they become less efficient when the temperature warms back up.
In most cases, summer tyres will be adequate.
Things to Consider When Buying Tyres
When buying new tyres, you will, of course, need to consider size, type and price.
As good quality tyres are essential to safety, it is a good idea to buy the best you can afford. However, even the most premium tyres won’t last forever, so you don’t necessarily have to break the bank.
Tyre Labels
A ‘tyre label’, rated from A to G, will indicate a tyre’s fuel efficiency and wet weather performance; best performing tyres will have an A rating. The label will also carry information about the external noise level produced by the tyre.
The label will help you ascertain the quality of the tyre when you are looking for the best option.
Tyre Size
Choosing the correct tyre size for your car is vital as size will affect the way your car drives and behaves on the road.
UK tyres will have a standardised set of numbers that show the precise sizing of the tyre. Information concerning the tyre’s width, diameter, load index and speed rating will be printed onto the rubber itself. You can use this code as a guide when buying new tyres.
Where to Buy Tyres
These days there are numerous places to source your tyres.
Often the best and easiest option is to source tyres through your local garage as they will be able to advise you when you take your car in for servicing. This can be the best way to buy your tyres if you need to get back on the road as soon as possible.
Tyres From Colwills
If you find that your car does need new tyres, we can help!
Our garage stocks a wide range of tyres. If you need a particular tyre that we don’t currently have, we can source the correct tyres for you, often on the same day.
We can also provide 4-wheel computerised realignment services for your wheels to help get you safely back on the road.
Hopefully, our guide has answered some of your questions! For more information about any of our tyre-related services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.