Is It Time to Change Your Cars Tyres? How to Tell and What to Do Next

Have you ever wondered if your cars tyres are silently affecting your drive, your safety, and your wallet? Tyres are the unsung heroes of our vehicles, tirelessly working to keep us safe on the road. But when they’re not in top condition, they could be letting you down in more ways than one. In this guide, we’ll explore everything from the risks of part-worn tyres to how to make your tyres last longer, ensuring you’re always on the road safely and efficiently.

Should I Buy Part-Worn Tyres?

Before we continue, let’s recap what part-worn tyres are, and more importantly, why Elite Garages consciously choose not to stock or sell them.

Part-worn tyres might seem like a bargain, but they could cost you more in the long run. These tyres come from other vehicles that are resold, often with minimal tread wear. At first glance, they might not look unsafe, but underlying issues can lurk beneath the surface.

The real danger with cars tyres that are even slightly worn is what you can’t see. Internal damage or previous repairs may not be immediately visible, posing a serious risk to your safety. It’s crucial to ensure that any part-worn tyres you consider have undergone thorough inspections and testing before purchase.

Making The Right Choice For Your Cars Tyres With Elite Garages

Selecting the right tyres for your vehicle is a balance between performance, durability, and budget. At Elite Garages, we offer a range of tyres to suit every need:

Budget Tyres: Ideal for drivers looking for a cost-effective solution without compromising on safety.

If you’re on a tight budget, consider the iLink economy tyres available at Elite Garages or the ever-impressive Rapid tyres, classified as premium economy tyres. These are a perfect fit for replacing worn tyre treads or when that dreadful tyre puncture comes out of nowhere.

Mid-Range Tyres: A great middle ground, offering better performance and longevity than budget options.

Choosing mid-range tyres offers a perfect blend of cost-effectiveness and performance. They strike a balance between affordability and durability, surpassing economy car’s tyres longevity. However, it’s important to note that they may not endure rough conditions as well or deliver the same level of excellence as top-tier tyre brands.

Premium Tyres: For those seeking the best in road handling and precision, especially in challenging conditions.

Investing in premium tyres might initially feel like a pinch to your wallet, but there’s a world of difference behind that cost. These tyres aren’t just about the brand name; they’re a blend of high-quality materials and cutting-edge construction techniques. Imagine tyres that cling to the road, wet or dry, making your drive smoother and safer.

And it’s not just about grip; these tyres can actually help your car run more efficiently, saving you money at the fuel pump. Some of the premium tyre brands include Michelin, Pirelli, Goodyear, Bridgestone, and Continental.

Recommended: Does It Matter What Tyre Brand I Buy?

How To Make Your Cars Tyres Last Longer

worn tyre tread

Your car’s tyres are your only point of contact with the road, so taking care of them is essential. Here’s how you can extend their life and maintain optimum performance:

  • Regular Checks: Keep an eye on your tyre pressure. Under or over-inflated tyres wear unevenly and can lead to issues like decreased fuel efficiency and poor handling.
  • Balancing and Wheel Alignment: Have your tyres balanced and wheels aligned regularly. This prevents uneven wear and extends tyre life.
  • Driving Habits: Smooth driving goes a long way. Avoid sudden starts and stops, and take corners gently to reduce tyre wear.
  • Regular Tyre Rotation: Rotating your cars tyres every 6,000 to 8,000 miles helps achieve uniform wear, prolonging their lifespan.

Remember, your safety is our priority which is why we ONLY stock and sell new, high-quality tyres, sourced from reputable manufacturers and no part-worn tyres whatsoever.

Brake Service and Your Car’s Tyres: A Vital Partnership

Your cars braking system and tyres work hand in hand to keep you safe. Worn brake pads or damaged discs can significantly impact your vehicle’s stopping distance, especially if your cars tyres are also in poor condition. Regular brake service is essential to ensure that your vehicle can stop effectively and safely, no matter the road conditions.

Signs You May Need A Brake Service

If you notice any of the following signs, it’s best to have your brakes checked and serviced immediately. These can indicate potential problems which may also impact the performance and longevity of your cars tyres. Our experienced technicians at Elite Garages can perform a comprehensive brake check and brake service, ensuring you stay safe on the road.

  • Squealing or grinding noise: A high-pitched squeal or a grinding sound while braking could be a sign that your brake pads are worn and need replacement.
  • Vibrations: Vibrations in the steering wheel or pedal when braking could indicate brake disc issues.
  • Soft Brake Pedal: If your brake pedal requires more pressure to stop, check for a potential leak in the braking system.
  • Pulling to one side: A car that pulls to one side while braking may have unevenly worn brake pads or an issue with the brake callipers.

As a general rule of thumb, it’s best to have a brake service every 12 months or 12,000 miles. However, if you notice any of the above before these intervals, it’s important to have them inspected as soon as you can.

Recommended: What Does A Typical Brake Service Include?

Choosing the Best for Your Cars Tyres at Elite Garages

With over 1 million tyres in stock across the Elite Garages group, we can offer you same-day tyre fitting and if your choice of tyres is not available at the time, we can also arrange for next-day tyre fitment. Don’t forget, we also offer a range of other car services including MOTs, car servicing, wheel alignment, battery replacement and cambelt replacement among may others.

At Elite Garages, we believe in providing the best for your vehicle. Our extensive selection of economy, mid-range, and premium tyres from all the top manufacturers means we have the perfect fit for your car. Trust us to provide expert advice and top-quality products, ensuring your cars tyres never let you down. Reserve your tyres online today using our intelligent widget!

Remember, since your safety is our priority, we ONLY stock and sell new, high-quality tyres, sourced from reputable manufacturers. We DO NOT sell and would never promote part-worn tyres due to the inherent safety risks!

FAQS

Click the + to read any answer or visit our most FAQ page to review the most frequently asked questions across all our Elite Locations.

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Category: tyre tips

For the most optimal driving experience, good ride comfort and traction, experts suggest changing all four tyres at the same time. However, in certain cases, you may be able to get away with just replacing one tyre but when you do, make sure it matches the other three tyres in terms of size and type.

Category: tyre tips

Apart from the legal tread depth limit of 1.6mm, other specific tyre requirements that must be met for the MOT test include the following:

  • Tyre condition: Tyres must be in good condition, with no cuts, bulges, or lumps on the sidewall or tread.
  • Tyre pressure: Tyres must be inflated to the correct pressure, as specified by the vehicle manufacturer.
  • Type and size: Tyres must be the correct size and type for the vehicle, as specified in the vehicle handbook.
  • Tyre speed rating: The speed rating of the tyres must be equal to or greater than the maximum speed of the vehicle.
  • Tyre load capacity: Tyres must have a load capacity that is equal to or greater than the maximum weight of the vehicle.
Category: tyre tips

In the UK, the legal minimum tyre tread depth for a car to pass its MOT is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre’s tread. Any tread depth below this limit is considered unsafe and illegal, resulting in an MOT failure.

Category: tyre tips

While the minimum legal tyre tread depth is 1.6 mm, many experts recommend replacing your tyres when the tread depth reaches 3mm and no less than 2mm. This can help to maintain better grip, stability and braking performance in all weather conditions.