What do you want to know about tyres we fit with our mobile tyre fitting service?

When should I replace my tyres?

The legal limit for the tread of the tyre is 1.6mm across ¾ of the tread pattern. Your tyre should be replaced if any of the following defects are visible:

• If the tread is less that 1.6mm.
• If the tyre has any bald patches.
• If the internal construction of the tyres is visible.
• If the sidewall of the tyre bulges anywhere.
• If the tyre is split.
• If the tyre has extensive cracking or the rubber is perishing, (usually on older tyres.)
• If the tyre is not the same size as the one on other side of the axle.

What does the speed rating mean?

The speed rating is marked on the side of the tyre and indicates the maximum speed at which the tyre can carry the load corresponding with its load index. Example 91V.

“T” rated tyres are designed to carry their load up to 118 MPH

“H” rated tyres are designed to carry their load up to 130MPH

“V” rated tyres are designed to carry their load no faster than 150 MPH

Tyres marked with a “W” and “Y” are designed to go faster than 150 MPH but no faster then 169 & 186 MPH respectively. The “W” & “Y” ratings usually appear with the ZR rating.

The “ZR” rating without a “W” or “Y” indicates 150 MPH.

Even if you do not drive at these speeds, the correct specification is essential in order to comply with the vehicle manufactures recommendation and your insurance policy.

What does 4X4 mean?

This means a tyre for a 4X4 or “off road” vehicle. They often have a ‘chunkier’ tread and are suitable to driving in hazardous driving conditions. If you’re not sure if you need this type of tyre then please just ask us (either via the contact form or call We Fix Alloys on 08000 14 15 99)

What does RNF mean?

RNF indicates that the tyre is reinforced. Reinforced tyres are mostly fitted on to small / light vans, people carriers and some 4X4 vehicles and estate cars. More recently, car manufactures such as Audi, Renault and Saab have been using a new type of reinforced tyre. These tyres are high-performance, low profile tyres and come as original equipment on high-performance cars. The extra load carrying capability gives these tyres more rigidity, enhancing the road holding.

What does 6PR mean?

6PR means 6 ply. These are tyres used on light commercial vehicles and are constructed using extra reinforcing called ‘ply.’ Most car tyres are 4ply construction.

What does 8PR mean?

8PR means 8 ply. These are tyres used on light commercial vehicles and are constructed using extra steel reinforcing called ‘ply.’ Most car tyres are 4ply construction.

Types of tyres

There are several different types of tyre that you can buy for your car. What you choose depends on how you use your car for, where you live, how you like the ride of your car and a variety of other factors. The different classifications are as follows, and some examples are shown in the image below.

Performance tyres or summer tyres

Performance tyres are designed for faster cars or for people who prefer to drive harder than the average consumer. They typically put performance and grip ahead of longevity by using a softer rubber compound. Tread block design is normally biased towards outright grip rather than the ability to pump water out of the way on a wet road. The extreme example of performance tyres are “slicks” used in motor racing, so-called because they have no tread at all.

All-round or all-season tyres

These tyres are what you’ll usually find on every production car that comes off the production line. They’re designed to be a compromise between grip, performance, longevity, noise and wet-weather safety so that they suit everyone’s style of driving. For increased tyre life, they are made with a harder rubber compound, which sacrifices outright grip and cornering performance. For the majority of you, this won’t be an issue. The tread design is normally a compromise between quiet running and water dispersion – the tyre should not be too noisy in normal use but should work fairly well in downpours and on wet roads (so great for our British summers!).