Know your tyres in five minutes.
Plain answers to the questions we get asked most. Still not sure? Pop in and we'll check your tyres for you.
Reading your tyre size
The size is printed on the sidewall of every tyre. You only need the first part to search, for example 205/55 R16. We'll match the load and speed rating your car needs.
Search by size →- 205 width
- 205 mm across the tread
- 55 profile
- sidewall height, 55% of the width
- 16 rim
- fits a 16 inch wheel
- 91 load index
- up to 615 kg per tyre
- V speed rating
- rated to 149 mph
- R radial
- how almost all car tyres are built
Do I need new tyres?
- 1.6The legal limit is 1.6 mm
of tread across the central three-quarters of the tyre, all the way round. - 20pTry the 20p test
Put a 20p in the main groove. If you can see the outer band of the coin, get your tyres checked. - DOTCheck the age
The last four digits of the DOT code are the week and year it was made: 2324 is week 23 of 2024.
Pressures
Check them once a month when the tyres are cold. The right figures are in your handbook and usually on a sticker inside the driver's door or fuel flap.
Pairs or all four?
Fit new tyres in pairs on the same axle so they grip evenly. If only two are new, they usually go on the rear for stability.
Bulges and cracks
A bulge in the sidewall means internal damage. Don't drive on it: replace the tyre. Fine cracks can be a sign of age.
Summer, winter or all-season
All-season tyres suit most UK drivers. Winter tyres grip better below 7°C, and summer tyres are best in warm, dry and wet conditions.