Tyres
The right tyres, fitted properly
Tyres affect your safety, handling and fuel economy more than almost anything else. We’ll help you choose the right ones for your car, van or commercial — and your budget.
From premium brands to more economical options, we supply, fit and balance tyres for a smooth, safe ride, and repair punctures where it’s safe to.
We’ll also advise on pressures and care to get the most life out of them.
- Supply & fitPremium and budget brands.
- BalancingFor a smooth ride.
- Puncture repairsWhere it’s safe to repair.
- TrackingProtects your new tyres.
What the law requires
Cars and light vans must have at least 1.6 mm of tread across the central three-quarters of the tyre’s breadth and around its entire circumference. Below that it is illegal, and the penalty is up to £2,500 and 3 penalty points per tyre — four bald tyres is a licence. Tyres must also be free of cuts, bulges and exposed cords, correctly inflated and suited to the vehicle.
Do not wait for the limit
1.6 mm is the point at which a tyre becomes illegal, not the point at which it stops working well. Wet grip and stopping distances fall off sharply as the tread goes down, because there is less space left to clear water. Changing at around 3 mm is a sensible habit, particularly through a Scottish winter.
Reading the sidewall
The markings tell you what the car needs: the size (for example 205/55 R16), then a load index and a speed rating that must at least match the manufacturer’s specification. There is also a four-digit date code — week and year of manufacture — which matters on a caravan, a trailer or a low-mileage car, because rubber ages whether it is used or not.
Punctures
Some punctures can be repaired safely and some cannot. Repairs are only permitted within the central area of the tread and within size limits; damage to the sidewall or shoulder, a tyre that has been run flat, or one already worn to the limit cannot be repaired. We will inspect it and tell you honestly which yours is — we would rather turn a repair down than send you out on one that should not have been done.
Tyres: common questions
How do I check my tread depth?
A 20p coin is the quick test: insert it into the main grooves, and if the outer band of the coin is hidden you are above the limit. Check in several places across and around the tyre — they rarely wear evenly.
Do I have to replace tyres in pairs?
It is strongly preferable on the same axle, so grip and handling stay balanced side to side. We will advise for your car.
My tyres are wearing unevenly. Why?
Commonly wheel alignment, or pressures that are too high or too low. Worth checking the alignment as well as fitting new tyres, or the new ones will go the same way.
Can you repair a puncture?
If it is in the repairable central area of the tread and within the permitted size, yes. Sidewall damage and run-flat damage cannot be repaired safely.
Do you fit budget as well as premium tyres?
Yes. Tell us your budget and how you use the car and we will set out the options rather than push you at one.
Do you do motorbike and scooter tyres?
Yes — see bikes and scooters. Bikes are booked by phone rather than through the online diary.
Ready when you are