Tyre Fitter
UK& Surrounding Area

Winter tyres use a softer rubber compound and a different tread pattern that provides significantly better grip below 7°C — not just in snow, but on cold, wet roads. In independent tests, winter tyres reduce braking distances by up to 11 metres compared to summer tyres in cold conditions. If you regularly drive in rural areas, hills, or northern parts of the UK, they can be a worthwhile investment from October to March.

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.

If the tyre is only slightly low and you can maintain safe control of the vehicle, you can drive a short distance at reduced speed — no more than a few miles at 20–30mph. Check the tyre regularly as you drive. If the tyre is visibly flat, the sidewall is bulging, or the car feels unstable, do not drive at all. Call a mobile tyre fitter to come to your location instead.

Part-worn tyres carry significant risks. While they are legal to sell in the UK, studies have found that a large proportion fail to meet legal standards — many have been previously repaired improperly, have internal damage not visible from the outside, or are close to the legal tread limit. The small saving is rarely worth the risk. New budget tyres from reputable brands often cost only £15–£25 more and come with a full warranty.

Mobile tyre fitting services in UK usually charge a call-out premium of £10 to £30 on top of the standard fitting price. This covers the cost of the van travelling to your location. Many customers find this worthwhile as it saves them time, fuel, and the hassle of driving on a damaged tyre to reach a garage.

The TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) warning light indicates that one or more of your tyres has dropped below the recommended pressure. This could be caused by a slow puncture, a change in temperature, or simply natural air loss over time. Do not ignore it — under-inflated tyres increase braking distances and can overheat at speed. Check your pressures at the nearest petrol station or call a mobile tyre fitter.