FAQ'S
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should my tyres be checked?
At least once a month & before any long journeys. Checks should include the air pressure, overall condition & tread depth. Don't forget to also check the spare tyre.
Do I need to fit winter tyres during the colder seasons?
The law does not require it, however it's advised to install a set of snow/winter tyres to reduce the risks of over & under steer.
How does incorrect wheel alignment affect my tyres?
Incorrect wheel alignment can increase tyre wear, as well as causing the vehicle to 'pull' to one side while driving.
Where can I find the size of my tyres?
The tyre size can be found on the sidewall of your tyre.
Do all four tyres have to be the same?
No. However, under testing laws a vehicle will fail if the two tyres on the one axle are not the same size or type eg., radial vs. cross-ply, run-flat, winter or summer. For best performance, the same type of tyre should be fitted on all four wheel postions.
What is the minimum recommended tread depth?
The minimum permitted tread depth is 1.6mm. For safety reasons it is recommended that each tyre should have at least 3.0mm tread depth. Most new tyres have 8.0mm.
Do all tyres have to carry an s-mark?
Any tyre manufactured since 01 October 2011 must bear an s-mark. This stands for 'sound' & shows the amount of road noise produced by the tyre complies with EU or international standards.
What are part worn tyres?
Part worn tyres are tyres which were previously fitted to a vehicle & are now being offered for sale as 'second-hand, part-worn or budget tyres' with less tread remaining than that of a new tyre.
How do I know if my tyres need to be balanced?
Out-of-balance tyres wear out your tyre tread & drive down your fuel economy. You'll most likely be tipped off to this problem by vibrations in the steering wheel, the seats, vehicle chassis or by patchy wear on your tyre tread.
What is an e or e-marked tyre?
An e-mark confirms that a tyre meets minimum EU or international UNECE standards. E-mark tyres have been tested to ensure adequate tread depth & performance ability. All motor vehicles tyre in the EU must be e-marked, whether new or re-treaded.
What is performance labelling of tyres?
EU law requires that all new tyres have performance labels showing how well the tyre performs in wet conditions, fuel efficiency & noise levels & will show a performance rating from A-G. A being the best & G being the worst.
Are my tyres misaligned?
A noticeable sign of tyre misalignment is if your car starts to drag to the left/right slightly while operating the vehicle. Another sign is if the steering wheel is crooked while driving straight.