Why Change Tyres in Pairs?
Tyres control how your car handles, brakes, and accelerates. As the only part of your vehicle in contact with the road, they directly impact safety. Choosing and maintaining the right tyres is essential.
Replacing only one tyre might seem cost-effective, but it compromises safety and performance.
The Risks of Replacing a Single Tyre
Replacing just one tyre creates an uneven grip and rolling resistance on the same axle. This imbalance affects handling, steering, and braking.
For example, fitting a new tyre on the front left while keeping an older tyre on the front right creates a grip difference. This instability is especially dangerous in wet or emergency braking situations.
Why Uneven Tyres Cause Problems
- Steering Issues: Mismatched tyres pull the vehicle to one side, making driving tiring and increasing fuel consumption.
- Braking Instability: Uneven grip can cause the car to veer during braking, increasing risk in wet conditions.
- Increased Wear and Tear: Unequal tyres strain the suspension, steering, and braking system, leading to expensive repairs.
How to Check If Your Tyres Match
- Check the tyre’s brand, model, and size on the sidewall.
- Ensure both tyres on the same axle have similar tread depth and wear patterns.
- Avoid mixing different types of tyres, such as summer and winter tyres, on the same axle.
Check out complete guide to tyre labelling here
Choosing the Right Tyres
Quality tyres improve safety and performance. Premium tyres provide better grip, last longer, and improve fuel efficiency. If unsure, our experts can help you find the right fit.
4x4 and Winter Tyres
- Winter Tyres: Designed for cold weather with a unique tread pattern. Always fit in sets of four for balanced handling and braking.
- 4x4/SUV Tyres: Some four-wheel-drive vehicles require tyres to be replaced in pairs or all four at once to avoid damage. Check your vehicle’s handbook for guidance.
Cost vs. Safety
While changing two tyres at once may seem like an extra expense, it’s a small price to pay for better performance and peace of mind. Plus, it saves you an extra trip to the garage in the near future.
Free Tyre Check
Dangerous tyres cause 5,000 convictions, 900 casualties, and 160 deaths or serious injuries each year.
National Tyres offers a FREE tyre check for complete peace of mind.
During the check, trained technicians inspect:
- Tyre Tread: The legal UK limit is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tread. Driving with worn tyres compromises braking and cornering and can result in a £2,500 fine and three penalty points per illegal tyre.
- Tyre Pressure: Correct pressure improves handling, prevents blowouts, and saves fuel and tyre wear.
- Tyre Condition: Technicians check for cuts, lumps, and embedded objects that pose safety risks.
We’ll also check the spare tyre if available. Book your free car tyre check today to ensure your tyres are safe, legal, and properly inflated.
Can’t make it to one of our branches? No problem! Our mobile tyre fitting service is available 7 days a week. Book online and we’ll come to you, at home or work.
Need new tyres urgently? Book online before 3pm, and we’ll fit your tyres the same day at one of our locations. Availability varies by branch, check online for details.
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