Tyres

Your tyres are the only bond between your car and the road, so it’s essential they're in good nick when it comes to safety. 

Are your tyres looking worn? Do they meet the minimum tread depth? Think you need a car tyre repair or replacement? At Eurorepear, we have a wide selection of replacement tyres suitable for all vehicles and offer tyre fittings near you at competitive prices. Our specialist technicians are also trained to repair pesky punctures quickly, so you can get back on the roads safely.

Search our network to find and compare tyre fitting centres near you and book online.

Will the state of my tyres affect my fuel consumption?

Yes. Tyre wear and incorrect tyre pressure will have a major effect on your fuel consumption. Tyres are designed to be efficient at a precise pressure; if they are not inflated enough, the tyre will be squashed against the road, causing more friction. In turn, this means that your fuel consumption can go up by as much as 20%.

Likewise, over-inflating your tyres can be bad for your car’s fuel consumption. Make sure to check the correct pressures for your vehicle, which can usually be in your handbook or on a sticker inside the car (e.g. on the inside of the door). 

If the tread on your tyres has worn away, they won’t perform to their best either. Your tyres won’t be able to grip the road as well, meaning you’ll use more energy (and fuel) when accelerating. Get more tips on how to reduce your fuel consumption from our handy guide. 

How do I know if I have a tyre puncture?

It may not be obvious at first, but there are signs to look out for if you think your tyre has a puncture:

• If it feels wobbly when driving the car or the wheel shudders

• If the car steers to the left or right, feeling like it’s being pulled towards that direction 

• If the car suddenly swerves left or right (at this point, your tyre has likely burst due to severe damage) 

• If you’re finding it difficult to steer the car (usually a slow puncture where the tyre is slowly deflating) 

How did my tyre get a puncture? 

From careless driving to sharp debris on the road, there are many causes of a punctured tyre, such as:

1. Sharp objects – having your tyre pierced by sharp objects such as nails, screws or glass is a very common reason for getting a tyre puncture. 

2. Bad tyre conditions – regular wear and tear can gradually result in a flat tyre and make your tyres more prone to driving hazards. 

3. Tyre pressure – the correct inflation and pressure of your car’s tyres plays a critical role in being able to control your vehicle. You should ensure the recommended pressure is always maintained.

4. Heat – high temperatures will cause your tyres to expand, increasing their internal pressure and the risk of a blowout.  

5. Reckless driving – poor driving habits such as driving through potholes or debris will expose your tyres to damaging surfaces that will cause wear and tear. 

6. Valve stem failure – if your tyre has no sign of a puncture, look at its valve stem. This valve is what allows you to get air in while you inflate your tyres. Any blockage or an improperly capped valve can cause leaks or punctures. 

Can car tyres be repaired?

While punctured car tyres can be repaired, there are certain instances where this may not be possible. Punctures should always be examined by a tyre professional to advise you on the best way to get your tyres back to full working order. 

• Location of the puncture – this matters as we are only able to carry out tyre repairs to the central three quarters of the tyre (known as the minor repair area). If the puncture is outside of this area, near to the tyre’s sidewall, it unfortunately cannot be repaired. This is because the sidewall carries the largest load when you drive, and the repair process typically used to fix punctures can weaken the sidewall’s structure. 

• Run flat tyres – these tyres cannot be repaired because they are only designed to be driven on for a short period even after a puncture. They are made for getting you to a close safe place, rather than leaving you stranded on the side of the road. It’s not possible to tell whether a run flat tyre has been damaged during or after the puncture so it must be replaced after any puncture - no matter how minor. 

• Size of the damaged area – even if your puncture is within the minor repair area, if the size of the damaged area is greater than the maximum area stated by British Standard BSAU159 (6mm), it cannot be repaired.  

• Tyre condition – your tyre’s condition will always be checked before we attempt to repair it. If the tyre tread is less than the legal minimum (1.6mm across the central three quarters) or there are signs of heavy wear and tear, then we cannot carry out a repair. 

How often do tyres need replacing? 

How long a tyre lasts depends on how much you drive your vehicle as the tread on your car tyres will wear down as you use them. Once they’ve worn down below the legal minimum, you’ll have to replace them by law. Front tyres on a front-wheel-drive car usually have a minimum of 20,000 miles in them and rear tyres around 40,000 miles. It’s recommended that you move your worn rear tyres to the front once the front ones wear out, as the rear tyres usually last double the amount of time. 

We recommend having all your tyres inspected annually if they’re over five years old. 

What size tyres fit my car? 

Usually there is a sticker on the inside of the driver’s side door jamb that will tell you what size tyres your car needs. If not, the tyre markings on your current tyres will let you know which ones you need. Bear in mind if your car is second hand that the previous owner may not have fitted the correct tyres. 

You could also consult your owner’s manual. Once you know what tyres you need, book online with us to arrange your tyre replacement at the best price. 

Top maintenance tips for your tyres:

• Every week, you should check the pressure of your tyres to make sure they’re inflated to the correct pressure, which you can find in your vehicle handbook. We would also recommend checking them before long journeys or if you are carrying heavier loads, as your pressure may need to be adjusted. 

• The inflation level of your tyres will need to be adjusted in line with the weight you may be carrying in your vehicle. This is to accommodate the increased pressure on your tyres from the additional weight, helping to prevent unnecessary wear on your tyres and providing you with a more comfortable ride.

• Make sure to balance tyre pressure correctly between the front and rear tyres - this will avoid premature wear of your tyres and shock absorbers. 

• Check the state of your tyre tread regularly. If your tread depth goes below the legal minimum (1.6mm), you could face a large fine per tyre, plus points on your license. You should also look out for cuts, cracks and other signs of damage as this could cause you to fail your MOT. 

• If your car has a spare tyre, make sure it’s also in good condition. You never know when you might need it!