Scroll down to the bottom of the page to view our FAQ's on tyres at Colin Appleyard
Where can I find my tyre size? -Your vehicle handbook will include this information, but it will also be displayed along the edge of your tyres. It will appear in the following type of format 195/45/R17, where 195 represents the tread width, 45 the aspect ratio (height/width) and R17 the diameter. You may also see additional numbers and letters after this which represent the tyre speed rating.
How will I know if my tyres need changing? -The most notable sign is the deterioration in performance, meaning the car does not handle or grip as well on the road and it can take you longer to stop when you apply the brakes. You can also check the tread depth using a tread depth gauge to see whether they're still above the legal limit.
What is the minimum tread depth? (Legal limit) - The minimum, legal tread depth is 1.6mm, however, we recommend changing your tyres once they reach 2mm if not before. Driving with worn tyres is not only a safety risk, but you can be fined £2,500 + 3 points PER TYRE if caught with tyres below the legal limit. Did you know that tyres with 3mm of tread have an average of 25% better performance than those with 1.6mm, which represents an extra 8 metres of stopping distance in wet conditions!
My tyres are wearing quicker than expected. What could be the cause? -There are many factors which can reduce the typical lifespan of a tyre, such as:
What should my tyre pressure be? -You should be able to find your tyre pressures in three places:
What is the difference between summer and winter tyres? - Winter tyres are specifically developed with a different type of rubber to provide improved driving performance in conditions below 7 degrees celsius. They are not just for driving in the snow, you'll also benefit from their superior grip and handling, plus shorter stopping distances on wet and icy roads.
What happens if I buy winter tyres? Should I throw my summer tyres away? - Not at all. If your summer tyres are still within the legal limit, then we will happily store them for you free of charge until you're ready to change them over, at which point we'll also store your Winter Tyres for you.
What is a run-flat tyre? - A run-flat tyre is a tyre designed to allow your car to be driven to the nearest garage for replacement in the event of a puncture. The advantage of this is that you don't have to stop and either repair the existing tyre with a puncture repair kit, or fit the spare tyre. Run-flat tyres cannot be used long term however, and should be taken to a garage for replacement as soon as you become aware of a puncture.