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Tyres, in plain English
Short, straight answers on tyre pressures and tyres: what matters, what doesn't, and what to do about it.
The MOTTyres and the MOT: what the tester checksWhat the MOT tester checks on your tyres, the 1.6mm tread limit and the 20p test, which faults fail, and why the law applies every day.5 min readThe basicsHow to read a tyre sidewallWhat 205/55 R16 91V means, plus XL, run-flat and winter markings, how to find a tyre's age, and why the pressure printed on the tyre isn't the one to use.4 min readChoosing tyresHow old is too old for tyres?Tyres age even when the tread looks fine. How to read the date code, what UK law says, what tyre makers advise, and the signs a tyre is past it.5 min readElectric carsTyres on electric cars: what's differentElectric cars are heavier and quicker off the line, which changes how tyres wear. HL and XL load ratings, EV tyres, and why pressures matter for range.5 min readThe basicsTyre pressures for a full load, a holiday or towingWhen to switch to your car's fully loaded tyre pressures, how to read the two sets of figures, and what to check before towing a caravan or trailer.5 min readChoosing tyresPart-worn tyres: legal, but are they worth it?Part-worn tyres are legal in the UK if they meet strict rules. What the law requires, what inspections keep finding, what to check, and safer options.5 min readVansVan tyres: what the C means and why the pressures are higherWhat the C on a van tyre means, how to read the two load numbers, why van pressures are higher and change with the load, and the rules on weight and tread.6 min readSeasonalCold mornings and the tyre pressure lightThe first frost often switches on the tyre pressure warning. Why cold air lowers your pressures, by how much, and the right way to top up in winter.4 min readProblemsGot a puncture? What to do nextGetting safe, spare wheel or sealant kit, whether puncture foam ruins the tyre, and when a puncture can be properly repaired.6 min readProblemsWhy does my tyre keep losing pressure?A tyre that needs topping up every week has a reason. The usual causes, from nails and valves to corroded wheels, how to find the leak, and what to do.5 min readProblemsCan you drive on a low tyre?A few psi down, very soft, or flat: what's safe, how far you can go to get air, what driving on a soft tyre does, and the rules for run-flat tyres.5 min readThe basicsTyre pressure warning light: what it means and how to reset itWhy the tyre pressure light comes on, whether you can keep driving, and how to reset it on 29 makes, from Volkswagen and Ford to Tesla.7 min readThe basicsWhy check your tyre pressures?Tyres lose air on their own, about 1 psi a month. What low pressures do to your grip, braking, fuel and tyre life, and how often to check.5 min readHow tyres workUnder-inflated or over-inflated: what each one does to your carToo little air and too much both cost you grip and tyre life, in different ways. How to tell from the wear, and why a bit extra isn't the safe option.5 min readMyth or notIs nitrogen in your tyres a gimmick?Air is already 78% nitrogen. What a nitrogen fill actually changes, what the tests found, and whether it's worth paying for on an everyday car.4 min readChoosing tyresWinter, all-season or summer tyres: which do you need?Most UK cars come on summer tyres. What changes below 7°C, what the snowflake symbol means, and who's better off with all-season or winter tyres.6 min read
Insights
What the data says about tyres on Britain's roads. All insights