Are winter tyres worth it in the UK? +
Winter tyres use a softer rubber compound and a different tread pattern that provides significantly better grip below 7°C — not just in snow, but on cold, wet roads. In independent tests, winter tyres reduce braking distances by up to 11 metres compared to summer tyres in cold conditions. If you regularly drive in rural areas, hills, or northern parts of the UK, they can be a worthwhile investment from October to March.
Is it safe to drive on a slow puncture to reach a tyre fitter? +
If the tyre is only slightly low and you can maintain safe control of the vehicle, you can drive a short distance at reduced speed — no more than a few miles at 20–30mph. Check the tyre regularly as you drive. If the tyre is visibly flat, the sidewall is bulging, or the car feels unstable, do not drive at all. Call a mobile tyre fitter to come to your location instead.
What is the difference between budget and premium tyres? +
Premium tyres from manufacturers like Michelin, Continental, and Bridgestone consistently outperform budget alternatives in independent braking tests — often stopping several metres shorter in wet conditions. They also tend to last longer, produce less road noise, and offer better fuel economy. For a typical family car, the difference between a budget and premium tyre is usually £25–£40 per tyre, which most drivers recoup through longer tread life.
How old can tyres be before they need replacing? +
Even if the tread looks fine, tyres degrade over time as the rubber compound hardens and loses grip. Most manufacturers recommend replacing tyres after 5 years of use, and no tyre should remain in service for more than 10 years from the date of manufacture. You can check the age using the DOT code on the sidewall — the last four digits show the week and year of manufacture (e.g. 2319 means week 23 of 2019).
Do I need to replace all four tyres at the same time? +
No, you do not need to replace all four tyres at once unless they are all worn. It is best practice to replace tyres in pairs (both fronts or both rears) to maintain even handling. The newer tyres should always go on the rear axle for stability, even on front-wheel-drive cars. Mixing tyre brands on the same axle is not recommended but is acceptable across different axles.
How do I read my tyre size? +
Your tyre size is printed on the sidewall in a format like 205/55R16 91V. The first number (205) is the width in millimetres, the second (55) is the aspect ratio as a percentage of the width, R means radial construction, and 16 is the wheel diameter in inches. The number after (91) is the load index and the letter (V) is the speed rating. Your vehicle handbook and the sticker inside the driver's door frame show the correct size for your car.