How to Read Your Tyre Size

Legal Tread Depth

The legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. Many manufacturers recommend replacing tyres at 3mm, as braking distance increases sharply below this — especially in the wet.

Signs Your Tyres Need Replacing

• • Tread depth at or near 1.6mm
• • Cracks, bulges or cuts in the sidewall
• • Uneven or worn patches across the tread
• • Frequent pressure loss or repeated punctures
• • Vibration or handling that feels different than usual

Correct Tyre Pressure

Check your pressures regularly — at least monthly and before long journeys. The correct pressures for your vehicle are usually printed inside the fuel flap or driver's door, or in your handbook. Under- or over-inflated tyres wear faster and use more fuel.

Uneven Tyre Wear

Wear on the edges often points to under-inflation; wear in the centre to over-inflation. If one side is wearing faster, your wheel alignment may be out. We can check your tyres and advise.

When Wheel Balancing May Be Needed

If your steering wheel vibrates at speed, or you feel a wobble through the car, your wheels may be out of balance. Balancing is also recommended whenever a new tyre is fitted.