BestDrive
Montague GardensPaarden Eiland

Tyres

The only part of your car that touches the road. All your grip, braking and steering happens through four hand-sized patches.

Monthlycheck your tyre pressure

9 questions about tyres

How often should I replace my tyres?Visual guideWhen the tread is down to about 3 mm, when there’s damage, or when they’re 10 years old — whichever comes first. The legal limit is 1 mm, but wet grip drops off long before that.How often should I check my tyre pressure?Once a month and before long trips, while the tyres are cold. It takes two minutes at any petrol station.Where do I find the right pressure for my car?On the sticker inside the driver’s door or fuel flap, or in your owner’s manual. The number on the tyre itself is the maximum, not the target.How can I tell how old my tyres are?Find the 4-digit code on the sidewall, like 2319. It means the tyre was made in week 23 of 2019.What do the numbers on my tyre mean?205/55 R16 91V means 205 mm wide, a sidewall 55% as tall as it is wide, a 16-inch rim, load index 91 and speed rating V.Can a puncture be repaired?Usually — if it’s a small hole in the main tread and the tyre wasn’t driven flat. Holes in the sidewall or shoulder mean a new tyre.Do I have to replace tyres in pairs?It’s best to. Matching tyres on the same axle keep the car stable. If you only buy two, they usually go on the back.What is tyre rotation, and do I need it?Swapping tyres between positions so they wear evenly and last longer. Every 10,000 km is a good rule of thumb.Is nitrogen better than normal air?Nitrogen leaks out more slowly, so your pressure stays right for longer. Normal air is fine too — as long as you check it monthly.

Real people, real answers

Still not sure? Ask the workshop.

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