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.
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.
Should I check my tyre pressures regularly? +
Yes — you should check tyre pressures at least once a month and before any long journey. Under-inflated tyres increase fuel consumption by up to 3%, reduce braking performance, and cause uneven wear that shortens tyre life. Over-inflation reduces grip and causes the centre of the tread to wear faster. Your correct pressures are listed in the vehicle handbook and on a sticker inside the driver's door frame or fuel filler cap.
How long does it take to fit a new tyre? +
A single tyre change typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, including removing the old tyre, fitting and balancing the new one, and torquing the wheel nuts to the correct specification. If you are having all four tyres replaced, expect the job to take around 45 minutes to an hour. Mobile fitters work to the same timescales as a garage.
What does the TPMS warning light mean? +
The TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) warning light indicates that one or more of your tyres has dropped below the recommended pressure. This could be caused by a slow puncture, a change in temperature, or simply natural air loss over time. Do not ignore it — under-inflated tyres increase braking distances and can overheat at speed. Check your pressures at the nearest petrol station or call a mobile tyre fitter.
What should I do if I get a flat tyre on the motorway? +
Pull onto the hard shoulder as far left as possible, switch on your hazard lights, and exit the vehicle from the passenger side away from traffic. Do not attempt to change a tyre on the motorway hard shoulder — it is extremely dangerous. Move behind the crash barrier if there is one, then call a mobile tyre fitter or breakdown service. If you are on a smart motorway with no hard shoulder, stop in an emergency refuge area.