What should I do if I get a flat tyre on the motorway? +
Pull onto the hard shoulder as far left as possible, switch on your hazard lights, and exit the vehicle from the passenger side away from traffic. Do not attempt to change a tyre on the motorway hard shoulder — it is extremely dangerous. Move behind the crash barrier if there is one, then call a mobile tyre fitter or breakdown service. If you are on a smart motorway with no hard shoulder, stop in an emergency refuge area.
What happens during an MOT tyre check? +
During an MOT, the examiner checks that all tyres are the correct size and speed rating for the vehicle, that tread depth is at least 1.6mm across the central three-quarters, that there are no cuts, bulges, or exposed cords, and that tyres on the same axle are of the same type (e.g. not mixing radial and cross-ply). Incorrect tyre pressure is not an MOT failure but the examiner may issue an advisory.
Can I get tyres fitted on a Sunday in Bradford? +
Yes, many mobile tyre fitters in Bradford 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 old can tyres be before they need replacing? +
Even if the tread looks fine, tyres degrade over time as the rubber compound hardens and loses grip. Most manufacturers recommend replacing tyres after 5 years of use, and no tyre should remain in service for more than 10 years from the date of manufacture. You can check the age using the DOT code on the sidewall — the last four digits show the week and year of manufacture (e.g. 2319 means week 23 of 2019).
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.
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.