Tyres—a buyer's guide

Getting started
The price of tyres can vary greatly so it's worth shopping around to find the best deals. Remember that the bigger the tyres, the more expensive they're likely to be. The same goes for the better-known brand names of tyres.

When to buy new tyres?
By law, your tyres must have at least 1.6mm of tread depth across the middle three-quarters of your tyres, and around the whole tyre's edge. As well as being unsafe beyond this point, each illegal tyre found on your car can earn you a fine and up to three points on your driving licence. Remember, though, that the grip of your tyres will deteriorate before this point, so make sure you check your tyres regularly. Most experts recommend changing your tyres when the tread depth is somewhere between 2 and 3 mm.

Which tyres for my car?
The size of the tyres that your car needs will be written in the sidewalls of your existing tyres, as well as in your car's handbook. While it may look like a series of letters and numbers to you, it's actually the exact specifications of the tyres that you need. Never be tempted to buy tyres that don't match this reference.

A question of tread
The "tread" on a tyre is the manufacturer's distinctive pattern of grooves. Each tyre tread pattern grips the road differently in different conditions. The same goes for wear and noise. It's worth asking for professional advice on this, or comparing consumer tests, before you buy your tyres.

Buying online
Internet shopping for tyres is becoming increasingly popular—some websites even offer tyre-fitting services at your home or place of work, which can be particularly useful if you're pressed for time.

Independents versus chains
A quick phone around should show you that while independents often offer better deals on tyres, they don't always offer as wide a variety of tyres.

Always ask:

• Does the price quoted include the cost of tyre fitting and balancing?
• Does the price include tyre valves and VAT?