Your Guide to Buying Tyres Online: FAQ

We know that buying tyres online can bring up a few questions. Drawing on our years of experience in the tyre trade, starting from our roots in Doncaster, we've put together this guide to give you clear, expert answers. Our goal is to help you buy the right tyres with complete confidence.

If you can't find the answer you're looking for, our friendly team is always here to help.

About Our Tyres

What's the difference between budget, mid-range, and premium tyres?

It all comes down to performance, durability, and technology.

  • Premium Tyres (e.g., Michelin, Bridgestone, Continental): Offer the best in grip, handling, longevity, and fuel efficiency. They use the latest research and materials, making them ideal for high-performance cars or drivers who want the absolute best in safety.
  • Mid-Range Tyres: Provide a great balance of quality and value. They often use technology from the premium brands' previous generations, delivering solid all-round performance without the premium price tag.
  • Budget Tyres: A cost-effective choice for general-purpose driving. They meet all UK safety standards but may not offer the same level of wet grip, fuel economy, or lifespan as more expensive options.

What are seasonal tyres (Summer, Winter, All-Season)?

Each type is designed to perform best in specific conditions.

  • Summer Tyres: Made with a harder rubber compound that excels in mild to hot weather, providing excellent grip on dry and wet roads.
  • Winter Tyres: Use a softer compound and have a special tread pattern to stay flexible in cold temperatures (below 7°C), offering superior grip and safety on snow and ice.
  • All-Season Tyres: A hybrid solution designed to work effectively year-round in moderate climates. They are a convenient compromise but won't match the specialised performance of a dedicated summer or winter tyre in extreme conditions.

What are Run-Flat and EV tyres?

These are specialised tyres for specific vehicles.

  • Run-Flat Tyres (RFT): Have reinforced sidewalls that allow you to continue driving for a limited distance (usually around 50 miles at a reduced speed) after a puncture.
  • EV (Electric Vehicle) Tyres: Are designed to handle the extra weight and instant torque of electric cars. They often feature lower rolling resistance to maximise battery range and are built to be quieter.

What does the DOT code on a tyre mean?

The DOT code shows that the tyre meets Department of Transportation standards. Crucially, the last four digits tell you when it was made. For example, 3223 means the tyre was manufactured in the 32nd week of 2023. We ensure all tyres we sell are well within their operational lifespan.

Part-Worn Tyres Explained

Are part-worn tyres safe?

Absolutely. When sourced and checked correctly, part-worn tyres are a perfectly safe and cost-effective option. Every part-worn tyre we sell goes through a rigorous inspection for structural integrity, signs of damage, and tread depth to ensure it meets our strict safety standards. We only sell tyres we would be happy to use ourselves.

How much tread do your part-worn tyres have?

All our part-worn tyres have a tread depth well above the UK legal minimum of 1.6mm. We ensure every tyre has plenty of life left in it, giving you excellent value for money.

Why should I choose part-worn tyres?

Part-worn tyres are a great choice if you are on a budget, need to replace a single damaged tyre to match the tread on the others, or plan to change your car soon. They are also a more environmentally friendly option as they extend the life of a usable product.

Finding the Right Tyres

How do I find the right tyre size for my car?

The easiest way is to look at the sidewall of your current tyres. You will see a series of numbers and letters, for example, 205/55 R16.

  • 205 is the width in millimetres.
  • 55 is the aspect ratio (the profile height as a percentage of the width).
  • R stands for Radial construction.
  • 16 is the wheel rim diameter in inches.

You can enter this size into the search bar on our website to see all available options.

What do the load and speed ratings mean?

These are also found on the tyre's sidewall, right after the size (e.g., 91V).

  • Load Index (91): A number corresponding to the maximum weight each tyre can carry.
  • Speed Rating (V): A letter indicating the maximum speed the tyre is certified for.
    You must fit tyres with a load and speed rating that are at least as high as the vehicle manufacturer's recommendation.

Can I mix different brands of tyres?

For optimal safety and performance, it is highly recommended to fit the same brand and model of tyre across the same axle (both front wheels or both rear wheels). Mixing tyres with different tread patterns and characteristics on the same axle can negatively affect your car's handling and stability.

Ordering & Delivery

How does the ordering process work?

It's simple!

  1. Find your tyre size.
  2. Use our search function to browse our stock of new and part-worn tyres.
  3. Add your chosen tyres to the basket.
  4. Proceed to our secure checkout to enter your delivery details and payment information.

What are the delivery times and costs?

We offer fast and reliable delivery to any address across the UK. Standard delivery to most mainland UK locations typically takes 2-3 working days. Delivery costs are calculated at checkout based on your location and order size.

How can I track my order?

Once your order has been dispatched from our warehouse, you will receive an email with tracking information, allowing you to follow your delivery's progress.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major credit and debit cards through our secure online payment gateway. All transactions are encrypted to ensure your personal information is kept safe.

Fitting & Aftercare

Do you offer a tyre fitting service?

As a nationwide online supplier, we focus on providing the best value on tyres delivered directly to you. We don't offer a fitting service ourselves. This model allows you to choose any local garage for fitting, giving you the flexibility to find the best price and service in your area.

What is the UK legal minimum tread depth?

The legal minimum tread depth for car tyres in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tread, around the entire circumference of the tyre. However, for safety, most experts recommend replacing tyres when the tread reaches 3mm, as performance in wet weather decreases significantly below this point.

Do you have any tyre maintenance tips?

Yes! To get the most out of your tyres:

  • Check Pressures Monthly: Inflate your tyres to the vehicle manufacturer's recommended pressures.
  • Inspect Tread Regularly: Look for signs of wear and remove any stones or debris.
  • Check for Damage: Regularly inspect for any cuts, cracks, or bulges on the sidewalls.
  • Get Your Wheels Aligned: Poor wheel alignment is a primary cause of rapid and uneven tyre wear.

How should I dispose of my old tyres?

Your chosen fitting garage is legally required to handle the safe and environmentally friendly disposal of your old tyres for a small fee.

What is your warranty and returns policy?

All new tyres come with a full manufacturer's warranty against defects. We also stand by the quality of our part-worn tyres. If you are not satisfied with your purchase, you can return unused tyres within 14 days. Please refer to our dedicated Returns Policy page for full details.

Need More Help?

If your question isn't answered here, please don't hesitate to get in touch. Our expert team is ready to offer advice and help you find the perfect tyres.