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Tyre Information
When a motorist faces a tyre issue, they want four things: quality service, value for money, expert advice, and the convenience of a local solution. At Euro Tyres, we pride ourselves on providing just that.
Understanding Tyre Types and Brands
We understand that the wide range of tyre types and brands available can be overwhelming. Our tyre experts are here to guide you through the process, ensuring you choose the right tyre for your car. With an extensive selection of tyre brands in stock, you’ll find the perfect fit for your needs.
Tyre Tread Patterns and Performance
Different tyres are designed with specific tread patterns to provide optimal performance. Understanding these characteristics is essential when choosing the right replacement tyre for your vehicle and driving style. We’ve compiled general information to help you make an informed decision.
Legal Requirements for Tyres
The law requires your vehicle to be fitted with the correct type and size of tyre, based on the vehicle’s specifications and its intended use. There are also specific regulations governing the condition of your tyres, particularly regarding tread depth.
Minimum Tread Depth
The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 millimetres, measured across the central ¾ of the tyre’s tread, all the way around the circumference. Ensuring that your tyres meet this standard is vital for both your safety and legal compliance.
The Importance of Tyre Safety
Your tyres are the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road, making it essential to select the right tyres for both the vehicle type and its purpose. Proper tyre care ensures optimal performance and safety while driving.
Regular Tyre Maintenance
We recommend that motorists develop a habit of checking all four tyres every two weeks. Make sure to inspect tyre pressure and general condition. Don’t forget to check your spare tyre too, as it can be critical in an emergency.
Tyre pressures
Tyre Pressures: Why It Matters
Maintaining the correct tyre pressure is crucial for the overall performance and safety of your vehicle. Proper pressure helps to extend the life of your tyres, improve safety, and maintain fuel efficiency. Tyre pressure is measured by the amount of air pumped into the tyre’s inner lining, usually in pounds per square inch (PSI) or BAR pressure.
Manufacturer Specifications and Responsibility
The manufacturer of your vehicle specifies the ideal tyre pressure. It is your responsibility to ensure that the pressure is regularly checked and adjusted, at least every couple of weeks. This is essential for maintaining tyre performance and safety.
Importance of Maintaining Correct Tyre Pressures
1. Safety
Under-inflated tyres can overheat, while over-inflated tyres can affect vehicle handling. Both scenarios can lead to dangerous driving conditions.
2. Economy
Tyres that are not inflated properly suffer more damage over time, requiring more frequent replacements. Under-inflated tyres also cause increased rolling resistance, leading to higher fuel consumption.
3. Environment
Maintaining the correct tyre pressure helps improve fuel efficiency, which in turn reduces CO2 emissions from your vehicle. Properly inflated tyres are better for both your wallet and the environment.
Checking Your Tyre Pressure
It’s important to check your tyre pressure regularly, as it’s not always obvious when air is being lost. On average, tyres lose about two pounds of air every month. During warmer weather, air loss can increase, so more frequent checks are needed when temperatures rise.
To find the recommended pressure for your vehicle, refer to your vehicle handbook or the technical information typically located inside the driver’s side door frame or the fuel tank flap.
Best Practices for Accurate Tyre Pressure Checks
- Always check the tyre pressure when the tyres are cold for the most accurate reading.
- If your vehicle is carrying additional load or weight, consult your vehicle handbook for the appropriate tyre pressure to ensure safe and efficient performance.
Looking After Tyres: Essential Maintenance Tips
To ensure the longevity and safety of your tyres, we recommend checking them for pressure and damage every two weeks. Regular checks can help you identify issues before they lead to more serious problems.
Maintaining Correct Tyre Pressures
Proper tyre pressure is essential for the safety, economy, and environmental impact of your vehicle. Here are the key reasons to maintain correct tyre pressures:
1. Safety
Tyres that are under-inflated can overheat, while over-inflated tyres can result in poor vehicle handling. Both conditions can increase the risk of accidents.
2. Economy
Tyres with incorrect pressure suffer more damage and need to be replaced more frequently. Under-inflated tyres also increase rolling resistance, requiring more fuel to maintain speed, thereby reducing fuel efficiency.
3. Environment
Maintaining the correct tyre pressure helps achieve optimum fuel efficiency, which leads to lower CO2 emissions. This contributes positively to the environment and your vehicle’s overall efficiency.
Check for External Damage
Regularly inspect your tyres for signs of external damage. Cuts, lumps, and bumps can often result from impacts with kerbs, potholes, or road debris. If you spot any of these symptoms, it is important to have the tyre inspected by a specialist immediately, as this type of damage can lead to sudden tyre failure.
Importance of Maintaining Correct Tyre Pressures
1. Safety
Under-inflated tyres can overheat, while over-inflated tyres can affect vehicle handling. Both scenarios can lead to dangerous driving conditions.
2. Economy
Tyres that are not inflated properly suffer more damage over time, requiring more frequent replacements. Under-inflated tyres also cause increased rolling resistance, leading to higher fuel consumption.
3. Environment
Maintaining the correct tyre pressure helps improve fuel efficiency, which in turn reduces CO2 emissions from your vehicle. Properly inflated tyres are better for both your wallet and the environment.
Importance of Wheel Alignment
Correct wheel alignment is crucial for the longevity of your tyres. Kerbing and potholes can affect your vehicle’s wheel alignment, leading to uneven tyre wear. Your car’s alignment is set by the manufacturer, but regular checks are recommended to prevent premature tyre wear caused by misalignment.
Impact of Emergency Braking
Emergency braking can sometimes leave your tyres with ‘flat spots.’ If your vehicle has undergone sudden or heavy braking, it’s advisable to have the tyres checked to ensure they are still in good condition.
Driver Responsibility: Legal Requirements
Under UK law, it is your responsibility to ensure your vehicle is fitted with the correct tyres, both in terms of type and size, for the specific vehicle and its intended use. Additionally, you must ensure that your tyres are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure for safety and optimal performance.
Causes of Tyre Wear
Tyre wear can occur for several reasons beyond normal use and age, including:
- Emergency Braking: Sudden, hard braking can cause flat spots on tyres.
- Under-Inflation or Over-Inflation: Incorrect tyre pressures accelerate wear and reduce tyre lifespan.
- Poorly Maintained Roads: Road hazards like potholes can cause damage and misalignment.
- Misalignment: If your vehicle’s wheels are misaligned, one edge of the tyre can wear down faster than the other.
Load Index and Speed Ratings: Understanding Tyre Specifications
Tyres come with coded markings that indicate their load carrying capacity and maximum speed. Understanding these codes is essential for ensuring that your tyres are appropriate for your vehicle and driving needs.
What is the Load Index?
The load index is a numerical code that corresponds to the maximum load a tyre can carry at the speed indicated by its speed symbol. This index is crucial for understanding how much weight each tyre can safely support under specific conditions.
Example: 91V
91: The load index number, which indicates a maximum load capacity of 615kg per tyre.
V: The speed symbol, which indicates a maximum speed capability of 240 km/h (approximately 149 mph).
Load Index Chart
Here is a reference chart for the load index and its corresponding weight in kilograms:
| Load Index | Kilograms | Load Index | Kilograms | Load Index | Kilograms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 65 | 290 | 80 | 450 | 95 | 690 |
| 66 | 300 | 81 | 462 | 96 | 710 |
| 67 | 307 | 82 | 475 | 97 | 730 |
| 68 | 315 | 83 | 487 | 98 | 750 |
| 69 | 325 | 84 | 500 | 99 | 775 |
What is the Speed Rating?
The speed symbol indicates the maximum speed at which the tyre can carry the load specified by its load index. It’s important to choose a tyre with an appropriate speed rating for your driving style and the maximum speed of your vehicle.
Speed Rating Chart
Here is a reference chart for the different speed symbols and their corresponding maximum speeds:
| Speed Symbol | Approx MPH | Approx KM/H |
|---|---|---|
| Q | 99 | 160 |
| R | 106 | 170 |
| S | 112 | 180 |
| T | 118 | 190 |
| H | 131 | 210 |
| V | 149 | 240 |
| VR | 131 | 210 |
| W | 168 | 270 |
| Y | 186 | 300 |
| ZR | 149 | 240 |
Choosing the Right Tyre
When choosing tyres for your vehicle, ensure that both the load index and speed rating align with your car’s specifications and your driving needs. Properly understanding these markings can improve your vehicle’s performance and safety.
EU Tyre Labelling
Our team of tyre experts is always available to assist you in choosing the perfect tyres for your vehicle and driving style. The EU Tyre Label provides a clear guide to help you compare tyres based on their performance in three key areas:
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is measured by rolling resistance, which refers to the energy dissipated when the tyre deforms. The lower the rolling resistance, the less energy is lost, leading to reduced fuel consumption.
- Grade A tyres can reduce fuel consumption by up to 7.5% more than tyres rated as Grade E.
- By selecting tyres with higher fuel efficiency ratings, you can make a significant impact on your vehicle’s overall fuel economy.
Wet Grip
Wet grip indicates how well a tyre performs under wet conditions, specifically how quickly it can bring the vehicle to a stop on slippery, wet roads.
- Grade A tyres exhibit up to 30% shorter braking distances on wet roads compared to Grade E tyres.
- Shorter braking distances are crucial for road safety, especially in rainy conditions.
Exterior Noise
Exterior noise levels are assessed in decibels (dB) and graded as A, B, or C.
- Grade C is the current regulatory standard.
- Grade B tyres meet future regulations, and Grade A tyres are designed to be 3dB quieter than Grade C tyres.
It’s important to note that exterior noise does not correlate with the noise levels inside your vehicle.
EU Tyre Labeling Introduced in May 2021
In May 2021, the EU introduced new tyre labelling regulations to support climate neutrality by 2050 and improve road safety. The updated labels now provide simpler and more detailed information about tyres as ou can see below.
New Grading System
- Fuel Efficiency and Wet Grip are now rated on a scale from A-E, with A being the best.
- Exterior Noise is now shown with an A-C scale, indicating the noise level of the tyre.
Additional Symbols on the EU Tyre Label:
1. Three Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) Symbol
- If your tyres are suitable for winter driving, the label will display the 3PMSF symbol.
- Winter tyres typically provide 30 meters shorter braking distances at 50 km/h on snow-covered roads, compared to summer tyres.
2. Ice Grip Symbol
- This symbol indicates the tyre’s ability to stop on icy surfaces with shorter braking distances, providing safety in severe winter conditions.
- These tyres are best for ice and snow but might not perform well in warmer climates or on wet roads.
3. QR Code
- Located in the top right corner of the label, this code provides access to detailed tyre specifications and product sheets when scanned.
- This code can be scanned on smartphones and tablets for additional information.
Tyre Markings
The markings on your tyres can often be confusing. The sidewall of a typical tyre displays various codes and numbers that provide information about the tyre’s size, characteristics, and manufacturing details. While some of these markings are not particularly relevant to the driver, others are crucial when selecting a replacement tyre.
If you’re in the market for new tyres, it’s helpful to understand the following tyre markings.
Tyre Size
Your tyre size can be found on the sidewall of your tyre as a sequence of numbers and letters. The most common size in the UK is 205/55R16, but there are many variations. Always check your existing tyre or your vehicle handbook to ensure the correct size is fitted.
Tyre Width: The first three digits (e.g., 225) represent the width of the tyre in millimetres, measuring across the tread from sidewall to sidewall.
Aspect Ratio: The next two digits (e.g., 55) show the tyre’s sidewall height as a percentage of its width. For example, a ratio of 55 means the height is 55% of the width.
Radial: Marked with the letter R, this indicates a radial tyre, where the plies are positioned at 90 degrees to the direction of travel. Most tyres today are radial.
Wheel Diameter: The final two digits (e.g., 16) represent the wheel rim size the tyre fits, in inches.
Speed Rating
The speed rating is a letter at the end of the tyre size code, indicating the tyre’s maximum speed capability. This rating is determined through tests that assess the tyre’s ability to handle a set speed over time.
- Click here to view your speed rating details.
- If unsure, check your vehicle handbook. Choosing a lower speed rating than recommended could invalidate your insurance.
load index
The load index indicates the maximum weight a tyre can support. It’s a numerical code located after the tyre size and before the speed rating. Click here to view your load index rate.
- It’s not advisable to use tyres with a lower load index or speed rating than the manufacturer’s recommended specification.
- Consult your vehicle handbook to confirm the correct tyre specifications and any additional requirements.
date of manufacture
Your tyre is marked with information about when and where it was made. The marking starts with DOT, indicating the tyre meets Department of Transport safety standards.
- The first 8 characters after DOT are a serial number identifying the tyre and its production facility.
- The last four digits represent the tyre’s age:
- The first two digits indicate the week (1-52) it was made.
- The last two digits show the year of manufacture. For example, 1315 means the tyre was made in the 13th week of 2015.
Tyres age over time, especially if the vehicle is used infrequently. If your tyres are over 6 years old, we recommend having them checked for safety.
reinfored
Tyres with an increased load index are often marked to indicate they are reinforced to handle extra weight. This can vary by manufacturer, but look for the following symbols to identify reinforced tyres:
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| XL | Extra Load |
| EXL | Extra Load |
| RF | Reinforced |
| REINF | Reinforced |
| RFD | Reinforced |
run flat
Run flat tyres are designed with reinforced sidewalls to support the vehicle’s weight even when there’s a loss of pressure (e.g., a puncture). This allows the tyre to be used for a short time, giving you enough distance to reach a safe location for replacement.
- There are different markings for run flat tyres, which may vary by manufacturer
| Symbol | Meaning | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|
| ROF | RunOnFlat | Goodyear |
| EMT | Extended Mobility Technology | Goodyear |
| RFT | Run Flat Technology/Tyre | Pirelli, Firestone, Bridgestone |
| ZP | Zero Pressure | Michelin |
| SSR | Self Supporting Run Flat | Continental |
| DSST | Dunlop Self Supporting Tech | Dunlop |
Homologation
Some tyres are specifically designed for certain vehicle makes to enhance performance. These tyres are developed in close cooperation with the vehicle manufacturer and are marked with a designated symbol on the sidewall. This symbol indicates that the tyre meets the manufacturer’s exacting standards and has received OE status (Original Equipment).
Many leading car manufacturers, including BMW, Mercedes, and Audi, use specific markings to identify tyres made for their vehicles. These symbols are universally used by tyre manufacturers to ensure that the tyre is tailored to meet the requirements of each vehicle.
| Symbol | Manufacturer |
|---|---|
| R01, A0 | Audi |
| MO | Mercedes |
| (Star) | BMW |
| J | Jaguar |
| N0, N1, N2, N3 | Porsche |
Why You Should Replace Tyres in Axle Pairs
What Are Axle Pairs?
Axle pairs refer to the two front wheels or two rear wheels of your car. Since they share an axle, they endure the same load and stress, meaning they must be evenly matched for safety and performance.
Why Does Matching Tyres Matter?
Uneven tyres affect performance – Tyres should turn at the same speed and in sync. If one is more worn or inflated differently, it disrupts the balance, leading to:
- Uneven wear on suspension and bolts
- Reduced handling and stability
- Increased long-term costs
Think of it like running: a child and an adult running together. The child takes more steps to keep up, just like an underinflated tyre rotates faster than a properly inflated one.
Tread Patterns Must Match
Tyre tread is designed to channel water away and maintain grip. If tyres on the same axle have different tread patterns or are installed in opposite directions, it:
- Reduces grip on wet roads
- Increases wear and shortens tyre life
- Affects braking and handling
Always replace tyres in pairs to keep them performing as they should.
Special Considerations for 4×4 Vehicles
In 4-wheel drive vehicles, all four tyres work together for traction. If even one tyre is different, it affects the others.
Best practice: Replace all four tyres at the same time and ensure the correct weight rating to avoid dangerous blowouts.
When Should You Replace Your Tyres?
Use the 20p test: Insert a 20p coin into the tyre tread. If the outer edge is visible, your tyre tread is below the legal 1.6mm minimum and needs replacing immediately.
Tip: For wet weather, replace tyres at 3mm depth to reduce the risk of aquaplaning.