Very often, it’s possible to repair rather than replace a tyre, and our technicians will offer advice.
There are many instances where a tyre needs to be repaired or replaced, for example, if a nail or sharp object becomes embedded in the tyre. If the wall of the tyre is pierced, it can result in a slow puncture which becomes noticeable if you need to inflate your tyres more frequently.
An all-out puncture will require a new tyre. And while most cars don’t carry spare wheels, simple repairs can be done using the tyre sealant kit and compressor, allowing you enough safe driving distance to your nearest tyre centre. Remember, these kits often have a limited ‘shelf life’ and must be replaced if out of date.
Factors leading to tyre wear include age and frequency of driving, emergency braking, misaligned wheels and incorrect tyre inflation. And, of course, poor road surfaces and potholes can cause damage. Experts recommend that you inspect your tyres for damage fortnightly at least, and especially before a long journey.
Some simple measures you can carry out yourself include checking tyre pressures. An under-inflated tyre can impact your safety by overheating, leading to a possible blowout. On the other hand, an over-inflated tyre will lead to poor road handling. In both cases, incorrect inflation will lead to reduced fuel economy and uneven tread wear. Uneven tread wear means you’ll have to change your tyres more often.
Many cars require different tyre pressures for the front and rear wheels. You’ll find the pressure ratings in your car’s handbook or printed on the driver’s side sill or the inside of the fuel flap. And if your car does carry a spare wheel, it’s important to ensure it has the correct pressure too.
When driving, especially in wet weather, your tyres must have enough tread to grip the road. The braking distance, for example, increases as the tyre tread wears down. The legal limit for tread depth is 1.6mm across the centre of the tyre and around the perimeter edge. When the tread wears down to 3mm in any of these areas, it’s time to replace your tyre to maintain safe braking.
You can check your tread with a tread gauge, available from most accessory shops such as Halfords.
Or, more cheaply, you can use a UK 20p coin. Slot it inside the central tread groove of the tyre. If the rubber obscures the coin's outer band, then your tyres have enough legal tread. If the coin's outer band is visible, your tyre is reaching the limit, and it’s time to have them checked and possibly replaced.