Tyre wear can happen for many different reasons. It’s not just age or mileage that causes damage – factors such as sudden braking, incorrect tyre pressure, poor wheel alignment, or rough road surfaces can also shorten a tyre’s life. To stay safe, it’s important to carry out regular tyre checks. Ideally, inspect them once a week or before any long journey.
When a tyre is homologated, it means it has been developed in partnership with the car manufacturer and has gone through rigorous testing to ensure it works perfectly with that specific vehicle.
Keeping your tyres at the correct pressure matters for three key reasons:
Under-inflated tyres can overheat, while over-inflated tyres can reduce grip and handling. Both situations increase the risk of accidents.
Tyres at the wrong pressure wear unevenly and more quickly, meaning you’ll need replacements sooner. Low tyre pressure also increases rolling resistance, which forces your car to use more fuel.
Proper tyre pressure improves fuel efficiency and reduces CO₂ emissions, helping lower your car’s footprint.
Car manufacturers often recommend different pressures for front and rear tyres. You’ll usually find these details in your vehicle’s handbook, inside the driver’s door frame, or on the fuel cap flap.
Your tyres’ tread provides the grip needed to brake safely. As the tread wears down, stopping distances increase. For best performance, replace tyres when the tread depth drops to around 3mm. Legally in the UK, tyres must have at least 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tread around the full circumference. Driving with tyres below this limit can result in fines and penalty points. You can check tread depth in a few ways:
Always check several spots around each tyre to make sure wear is even.
Impacts with kerbs, potholes, or road debris can leave cuts, bulges, or lumps in your tyres. Any visible damage should be inspected by a professional as soon as possible, since it can lead to sudden failure. Emergency situations like harsh braking can also create flat spots on the tyre surface, which reduces performance and may mean early replacement. If you notice anything unusual or are unsure about your tyres’ condition, it’s best to have them checked by a qualified tyre specialist right away.
