How do I read my tyre size? +
Your tyre size is printed on the sidewall in a format like 205/55R16 91V. The first number (205) is the width in millimetres, the second (55) is the aspect ratio as a percentage of the width, R means radial construction, and 16 is the wheel diameter in inches. The number after (91) is the load index and the letter (V) is the speed rating. Your vehicle handbook and the sticker inside the driver's door frame show the correct size for your car.
Can a tyre blowout be repaired or does it need replacing? +
A tyre that has suffered a blowout almost always needs replacing. The internal structure of the tyre is usually destroyed by the sudden loss of pressure and the impact damage that follows. Even if the tyre appears intact, the sidewall and carcass will have been compromised. A tyre fitter can inspect it, but in the vast majority of cases a new tyre is the only safe option.
Can I get tyres fitted on a Sunday in Westminster? +
Yes, many mobile tyre fitters in Westminster operate seven days a week, including Sundays. Some garages also open on Sunday mornings. Weekend availability is especially useful for working professionals who cannot take time off during the week. Expect the same pricing as weekday fitting in most cases.
How long does it take to fit a new tyre? +
A single tyre change typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, including removing the old tyre, fitting and balancing the new one, and torquing the wheel nuts to the correct specification. If you are having all four tyres replaced, expect the job to take around 45 minutes to an hour. Mobile fitters work to the same timescales as a garage.
What is the legal minimum tyre tread depth in the UK? +
The legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, around its entire circumference. However, most motoring organisations recommend replacing tyres at 3mm, as braking performance drops significantly below this level. Driving on tyres below 1.6mm carries a fine of up to £2,500 and 3 penalty points per illegal tyre — so four bald tyres could mean a £10,000 fine and 12 points.
What is the difference between budget and premium tyres? +
Premium tyres from manufacturers like Michelin, Continental, and Bridgestone consistently outperform budget alternatives in independent braking tests — often stopping several metres shorter in wet conditions. They also tend to last longer, produce less road noise, and offer better fuel economy. For a typical family car, the difference between a budget and premium tyre is usually £25–£40 per tyre, which most drivers recoup through longer tread life.