Listed below are the answers to some common questions we get asked. If you can't find the answer to your question here please feel free to contact us and we'll do our best to help.

Tyres Generally

Q1. When are car tyres illegal?
A1. A car tyre is illegal in the UK when it fails any one of the following rules,*

• The tyre MUST have a tread depth of a minimum of 1.6mm across the central 75% (three quarters) of the tyre width and around the entire tyre. This rule applies to cars and passenger carrying vehicles for up to eight passengers and motor vehicles and light trailers up to 3500Kg gross vehicle weight. 
• The MUST NOT expose any portion of the underlying tyre structure.
• The tyre MUST NOT have bulges or tears.
• The tyre MUST NOT have a cut in excess of 25mm or 10% of the width of sufficient depth to reach the underlying tyre structure.
• Car tyres MUST NOT be recut or regroved.
• Tyre inflation MUST be correct for both the tyre, vehicle/trailer and use to which the vehicle/trailer is being put.
• The tyres MUST be correct for the purpose to which they are being put.
• Radial tyres MUST NOT be mixed with Cross Ply tyres on the same axle. And Radial tyres must not be placed on the front of a vehicle with Cross Ply tyres on the rear.

*Please note, these are only general guidelines and not British Law as it is stated. Should you be in any doubt speak with your tyre fitter or manufacturer.

Q2. Why are my tyres worn on the edge(s)?
A2. There can be a number of reasons for this, the tyre pressure can be to low allowing the central tyre tread to fold in, away form the road, the suspension and steering geometry or wheel balancing may be in error, or the tyre may have undergone significant cornering taking at speed. 

Q3. Why are my tyres worn in the middle?
A3. One cause of excessive central tyre wear is that the tyre pressure is too high - Check that the tyre pressures conform with the vehicle manual and with the manufacturer's recommendations.

Q4. Where should new tyres be fitted?**
A4. In general tyres should be replaced in pairs to avoid negative impact vehicle handling. In general new tyres should be fitted to the rear of the vehicle. Since new tyres usually offer the best grip fitting them to the rear of the vehicle will ensure that the rear of the vehicle will be able to follow where the front has been without breaking away and inducing over steer. If tyres of different speed ratings are mounted on the same vehicle the tyres with the higher speed rating should be placed on the rear.

**Please note, these are only general guidelines. For specific details speak with your tyre fitter.

Q5. What does ZR mean?
A5. Historically, tyres for cars that could achieve more than 150mph were rated as ZR tyres. Today however since so many cars can go faster than 150mph there are a number of ratings for tyres capable of more than 150mph. The letter with the load rating specifies the rated speed for your tyre. The letter on a tyre which is rated for more than 150mph is either W, Y and Z. See Tyre Help for more information.

Road Tyres Service

Q6. Why don't Road Tyres list car tyres by make and model of vehicle?
A6. Simply specifying the make and model of a vehicle does not guarantee that the correct tyre specification can be selected. Some manufacturers cars have changes to the tyre specification part way through the life time of a model and indeed part way through a year. Further more the optional extras selected when the car was originally manufactured may result in the car having tyres different from the norm for that model. Finally, the tyres and rims may have be modified after market. Usually, the best way to specify a tyre is to read the specification from the vehicle's existing tyres. 

Q7. How long does it take for tyres to arrive?
A7. Tyres ordered before 10am are generally dispatched the same day and usually arrive one to two days after dispatch. We suggest customers allow three to four days for their tyres to arrive.

Q8. How will the tyres be packaged?
A8. All tyres are delivered completely wrapped for their protection and your peace of mind. As far as is possible tyres are wrapped in pairs, the final tyre where applicable is wrapped individually.

Q9. To where will the tyres be delivered?
A9. All tyres are delivered completely wrapped to the address as used for the credit card - for delivery to another address please contact us.

Q10. What do I do if I can't find my tyre specification listed here?
A10. This is not uncommon, there are literally thousands of tyre make and size combinations. The tyres listed here are the more common tyres used on road cars. Please contact us for details and prices of the many other tyres we supply.

The RoadTyres Team