Did you know that you can have your test done within 30 days of the expiry date? If the car passes, your MOT is valid for up to 13 months. If it fails, you have longer to arrange the repairs.

Here at Universal Tyres, we do not charge for a re-test. So if your vehicle fails its MOT, get it repaired to meet VOSA’s standards, and we will re-test your vehicle again for FREE! If your vehicle is 3 years or older, then you are required by law to ensure your vehicle undergoes annual MOT testing. This ensures that the vehicle meets the minimum safety specifications required by law to have your car on the road.

Book Your MOT Test

If your car is 3 years old or more you are required, by law to book your car in for an MOT test.

The MOT test ensures that your vehicle is in a roadworthy condition and meets environmental standards as outlined by the Government/DVLA. If your vehicle passes its MOT, it has met the minimum road safety and environmental standards as required by law and receives a pass certificate which lasts for 12 months. However, this does not mean your car is roadworthy for the length of validity of the MOT certificate.

The certificate surprisingly does not guarantee the general mechanical condition of your vehicle and the MOT test itself does not cover the engine, gearbox or clutch.

The MOT should not be treated as a substitute for regular maintenance. The MOT certificate is simply a paper receipt of the MOT and shows the information which has been entered onto a secure central database by those who tested your vehicle. MOTs are regulated by Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) the following areas are checked to ensure they meet legal standards.

Here are the key MOT Test checks our garage will carry out:

• Seatbelts
• Seats
• Exhaust system
• Exhaust emissions
• Fuel system
• Doors
• Mirrors
• Brakes
• Tyres & Wheels
• Lights
• Registration plate
• VIN (Vehicle identification number)
• Horn
• Steering and suspension
• Windscreen
• Wipers & washers
• Bonnet
• Load security
• Body & vehicle structure

Remember, it is a illegal to drive on a public road if the vehicle does not have a valid MOT certificate, unless:

• You are taking the vehicle to a test station where an advance MOT booking has been made.
• You are taking your vehicle away from where it failed its MOT and driving to a place for it be repaired.
• You are driving to a place where an advanced booking has been made, to have the components which caused your vehicle to fail its MOT repaired.

A full MOT test with Universal Tyres

As advanced vehicle technology rapidly becomes ‘standard’ on modern cars, utilising the very best and most up-to-date equipment to ensure your vehicle’s safety becomes a must.

Most people don’t realise they have a problem until their car fails the MOT, the engine management light comes on, or the car simply starts to run erratically – with our vehicle diagnostics systems, however, we can locate even the smallest fault on a car long before it becomes a major issue. 

With this information we are able to tackle the problem, correct the fault and have your car running smoothly again before the problem has chance to worsen. Using this technology, we can help save you a large amount of money by highlighting any faults before they become a larger (and therefore more costly) issue.

Our diagnostic machines will test:

•   Ignition (Primary and Secondary)

•   Injectors and fuel pumps

•   Starters and charging circuits

•   ABS sensors

•   Crank and cam sensors

•   Relative compression tests

•   And many, many more

What does the Bosch car diagnostic equipment check for?

Our Bosch diagnostic equipment reads the error codes generated by your vehicle’s Engine Control Unit to provide a full explanation of the error. The state-of-the-art equipment checks for faults across a wide range of vehicle systems including engine management, tyres, emissions, lights and comfort controls. Live data displays multiple values from around the engine to ensure all components are working as expected when rectifying an issue.

The Bosch diagnostic equipment can also be used to reset service lights, test and adjust braking systems where an electronic handbrake is present, and adjust headlamp levels.

Engine diagnostics

When a warning light illuminates on your dashboard, an engine diagnostics check can help identify the problem before more serious damage occurs.

Most modern vehicles today contain an on-board computer known as an Engine Control Unit (ECU) which continually monitors the performance of the vehicle. Sensors all around the vehicle report back to the ECU if there are problems such as low fluid levels or increased engine temperature. When an issue is identified the ECU generates an error code.

There are literally hundreds of potential error codes that can only be read by specialist vehicle diagnostic equipment. While a warning light may display on the dashboard alerting you to an issue, a diagnostics check is required to understand the full extent and cause of the problem.

At Universal we use state of the art Bosch car diagnostic equipment which can read the engine fault codes in your ECU’s memory. Our fully-trained technicians can then suggest any necessary repairs to get you back on the road and rectify the error. Next time a dashboard warning light appears in your car, don’t pay vehicle dealership prices for your diagnostics check, call into Kwik Fit for a low-cost diagnosis while you wait.

Everyone knows that keeping your braking system working safely is of the utmost importance. At Universal Tyres & Auto Centre, we can offer regular inspection and maintenance of your brakes for highly competitive prices. Our technicians are fully trained with years of experience working on a variety of vehicles, and will maintain your brakes to the highest standard.

Regular brake checks are an important part of any vehicles preventative maintenance plan, as they can allow us to identify a problem before it begins to affect your braking efficiency.

We offer a free no-obligation brake check.

What components are in the auto braking system?

A Detailed Braking System

Disc Brakes

Disc Brakes are comprised of a disc or rotor, a caliper assembly, disc brake pads and the wheel bearings and hardware necessary to mount the components on the vehicle. The caliper is connected to the master cylinder through tubes, hoses and valves that conduct brake fluid through the system.

Drum Brakes

Drum Brakes are comprised of a drum & backing plate, a hub or axle assembly, brake shoes , wheel cylinder, wheel bearings and hardware necessary to mount these components on the vehicle. The wheel cylinder is connected to the master cylinder through tubes, hoses and valves that conduct brake fluid through the system.

Brake Fluid:

Brake fluid is a type of hydraulic fluid used in brake applications for automobiles and light trucks. It is used to transfer force under pressure from where it is created through hydraulic lines to the braking mechanism near the wheels. Braking applications produce a lot of heat so brake fluid must have a high boiling point to remain effective and must not freeze under operating conditions. Brake fluid is also designed to protect against corrosion of the system materials it contacts, however those corrosion inhibitors deplete over time.

Excessive moisture is also an issue. MAP continues to seek additional information from brake fluid manufacturers and other technical experts to identify the point of vaporization that may seriously affect braking efficiency and safety.

Things to watch for

• Scraping or grinding noise coming from the brakes
• Test of Brake fluid indicates a copper content of 200 ppm or greater indicating the need for a fluid replacement
• Brake pedal feels soft or spongy when the brakes pedal is depressed
• Vehicle pulls to one side when the brakes are applied
• Brake fluid level in master cylinder low
• Brake system Warning Lamp stays illuminated

Brake system overview

Early automobile brake systems consisted of cable operated brake lining, usually mounted on one axle. The system provided extremely poor stopping power and did not always apply brake pressure evenly to the wheels. This could cause one wheel to lock up and make the vehicle difficult to control during stops. Front brakes were rarely equipped on early vehicles. The need to have the front wheels move from side to side for steering made installation of a cable operated brake system an engineering nightmare. The invention of hydraulic brake systems provided safe, high powered and even braking for automobiles and light trucks. Hydraulic brake systems have been in use for several decades. While the last thirty-five years has seen a number of changes made to the brake system, the basic principle of operation has remained the same since the use of hydraulic brakes began. There are some auto repair garages which specialize in automotive braking and suspension, but any auto repair shop should be able to inspect and make the necessary brake repairs.

What makes hydraulic brakes possible is the fact that a liquid cannot be compressed. This is the primary operating principle of all hydraulic systems. Hydraulic theory states that when pressure is placed on a liquid in an enclosed system, that liquid exerts the same pressure, equally in all directions inside that container. This is what allows a master cylinder to apply even brake pressure to all four wheels of a vehicle. If a master cylinder generates 1000 psi of pressure to the left front wheel, it also is transmitting 1000 psi to every other component in the brake system.

While hydraulics provide the operating force for the brake system, it is friction that causes a vehicle to stop. The energy that is created by a moving vehicle is converted to heat during stopping, by the friction of the brake linings against the brake rotor or drum surface. The heat generated is then dissipated through the rotors or drums to the outside air.

It is the ability of these brake components to dissipate heat, that makes safe stopping possible. Heat buildup in the brake linings and drums or rotors during repeated heavy braking, can cause loss of braking power or brake fade. The ability to rapidly disperse heat is one of the characteristics that make disc brake systems so desirable. No automotive system is as important as your brakes. Therefore, you should inspect or have an auto repair mechanic inspect your braking system regularly. Make sure the repair shop flushes your brake fluid at least every 24,000 miles.

Do you have a broken, rattling or noisy exhaust? We can supply and fit new exhausts for most cars and vans at very competitive prices.
Our technicians will advise you on the parts you need and have you back on the road very quickly.

How exhausts work

Your exhaust has four main functions: to control noise, to direct exhaust fumes away from passengers, to improve the performance of the engine and to improve fuel consumption.

Depending on the make and model of your vehicle and the number of engine valves it has, the layout of your vehicle exhaust system may vary. However, all exhausts work in the similar way in order to remove harmful exhaust gases from the engine which are produced while the engine is running.

Exhaust gases are collected from the cylinder head in the engine by an exhaust manifold. The exhaust manifold acts as a funnel, diverting exhaust gases from all cylinders of the engine then releases them through a single opening, often referred to as the front pipe.

These exhaust gases then travel through a catalytic converter which removes harmful elements including carbon monoxide and hydrogen monoxide which are converted into inert gases.

The gases then pass through a silencer or muffler. It’s only when you hear a car with a damaged silencer that you realise what a huge difference it makes to reducing noise levels. The silencer on your exhaust contains a deceptively simple set of tubes that are finely tuned to reflect the sound waves produced by the engine so that they cancel each other out.

The silencer will corrode over time and when it eventually develops a hole, no matter how small, the sound waves are no longer forced through the tubes and escape outside – making a lot of noise in the process.

Finally the exhaust fumes exit via the tail pipe at the rear which carries gases away from the vehicle and the passengers inside. All of the components of an exhaust system are connected with a series of clamps, hangers, flanges and gaskets.

How long should a catalytic converter last?

Catalysts often last 10 years, but actual life depends on mileage and engine tune. 50,000 miles is a more reasonable benchmark, and you can generally expect to replace the catalytic converter once during the life of a vehicle.

If failure occurs early, it’s important to find and fix the cause of the problem before fitting a new CAT otherwise replacement can be expected to fail prematurely too.

There are three main ways they fail:

Melt Down – unburned fuel enters the catalyst and ignites on contact. The extreme heat literally melts the ceramic matrix. Poor ignition timing, a faulty oxygen sensor, worn or defective spark plugs, incorrect fuel mixture and other ignition/fuel injection related faults could lead to this failure.

Carbon deposits – oil or antifreeze entering the combustion chamber/exhaust system can lead to a build up of carbon on the matrix, which increases back pressure leading to overheating and poor performance.

Catalyst fracture – the ceramic matrix is fragile and can break-up as a result of excessive vibration or external impact. As the matrix breaks up back-pressure increases and overheating can result.

Exhaust Systems

Universal Tyres & Auto supplies and fits top brands of exhausts systems for all makes and models of cars, from Minis to Mercedes.

We supply all the leading UK brands of standard exhaust systems, including Timax and Bosal. Our staff are trained and experienced in the fitting of exhaust systems.

We can also supply and fit a comprehensive range of Catalytic Converters. ‘CATS’ are fitted to all new cars by law. Their purpose is to clean the emissions from the car engine, to remove harmful particles and carbon monoxide gas, so that the final gas from the exhaust pipe is predominantly carbon dioxide and water vapour. Emissions from vehicles are now a major part of the MOT test, and it is important that your engine and exhaust system is in good order, to prevent premature damage to the catalytic converter.

An exhaust illustration

Here at Universal Tyres & Auto Centre we offer a wide range of quality new clutches. 

It is very important to get specialist advice before fitting a new clutch, as many symptoms could indicate a problem with the clutch when in fact the real fault could be something entirely different.

Before starting any work on your clutch, our technicians will check first (free of charge) to ensure that any repairs are completely necessary.

To discuss any problems with your vehicle, or to book your car in for a clutch check, call us today.

What is a timing belt?

A timing belt is a toothed belt that connects the engine crankshaft to or camshafts, as you can see in the pictures on this page.

Timing belt or timing chain?

Not all cars have a timing belt – many newer cars use a timing chain instead of a belt. A timing belt wears out over time and needs to be replaced at a certain mileage. A timing chain can last as long as the engine itself and doesn’t need to be replaced there is a problem with it. If you don’t know if your vehicle has a timing belt or a chain, you can check your owner’s manual.

How does the timing belt work?

A timing belt is a toothed belt that connects the engine crankshaft to the camshaft or camshafts as you can see in the picture to the right.

A timing belt synchronizes the camshaft to the crankshaft position, so the valves will open and close at the proper timing in relation to the position of the pistons. The camshaft rotates at exactly 1/2 speed of the crankshaft; meaning two revolutions of the crankshaft are equal to one revolution of the camshaft.

 In some engines a timing belt can also drive additional components such as a water pump, balance shaft, an intermediate shaft and an injection pump must also be synchronised with a crankshaft. 

To work properly a timing belt needs to be under a certain tension that is controlled by a timing belt tensioner. Some older cars have an adjustable timing belt tensioner. Some older cars have an adjustable timing belt tensioner that must be re-adjusted if the timing belt gets loose. Most of the newer cars have an automatic timing belt tensioner that doesn’t need any adjustment. If the timing belt gets loose, it may skip a tooth and the proper timing will be lost.

When a timing belt is replaced, it’s very important to set the timing properly. Before a new timing belt is installed, the crankshaft, the camshaft and other components synchronised with a crankshaft must be aligned in a certain way. Improperly set timing will cause a variety of problems such as lack of power, vibration, misfiring, etc.

When a timing belt must be replaced?

A timing belt must be replaced at intervals recommended by the manufacturer, usually from 60,000 miles to 105,000 miles. You can find the recommended replacement interval in your owner’s manual. In addition, the timing belt must be replaced if it has any damage like cracks, cuts, or if it is soaked in oil leaking from the engine, or if it shows any signs of excessive wear. If not replaced in time, the timing belt can break. If you are approaching the mileage for a timing belt change, or if you bought a used car and you don’t know if the timing belt has been replaced, it’s a good idea to have your mechanic to inspect the timing belt condition.

What happens if the timing belt breaks?

If a timing belt breaks, the engine will no longer work. If a timing belt breaks while driving in an interference engine, the camshaft stops turning leaving some of the engine valves in the open position. The heavier crankshaft will continue to rotate by inertia moving pistons up and down. This will cause the pistons to strike the valves that left open. This may result in a heavy damage to the engine with broken or bent valves, damaged pistons and, possible, destroyed cylinder head and block. The damage will be less extensive in a non-interference engine but in either case, the engine will stall, leaving you stranded.

Universal Tyres & Auto Centre has a proud history of providing the Leeds area with a first class range of servicing, for everything from tyres and brakes to air conditioning and beyond.

So, whether your vehicle requires a new clutch, exhaust, or any other part necessary to make it completely legally roadworthy, we are here to help. For any further information, or to discuss your options with one of our qualified technicians, please don’t hesitate to give us a call

Car Service Explained

When a car is designed, the manufacturer sets out a service schedule for the car, which they believe will keep it running reliably and safely.

Typically a manufacturer service schedule consists of 65-85 checks (see table of examples later) and 5 – 15 changes to your car. It will be slightly different for each car, depending on the engine, transmission, age and mileage. In order that the original manufacturer warranty is not invalidated, this service schedule must be adhered to, while the car is under warranty.

As well as the services being very similar, there is an enormous amount of overlap between any given service and the MOT test. MOT Angel estimate that 75-85% of a typical service is covered by the MOT test.

So for cars that are out of their original manufacturer warranty, garages design their own services, which broadly match the following five categories, that get more expensive with each step:

• Oil & Filter Change
• Basic or Interim Service
• Full Service
• Major Service
• Manufacturer Service

Comprehensive list of dashboard lights

Oil & Filter Change

An oil and filter change is one of the most crucial parts a service and is one of the few things included in all services. It helps to ensure your car continues to run reliably and helps fuel efficiency.

Garages have a ‘duty of care’ to customers when they work on their car. So all reputable garages will complete a Visual Safety Inspection when they work on a car, which identify any obvious safety concerns with a car, even if it is just booked in for an oil and filter change. But they will not be able to complete a full brake check with this kind of service and that is, in MOT Angel’s view, a crucial check to have at least once a year.

Basic or Interim Service

Each type of service builds on the previous level. So a Basic service typically includes an oil and filter change and visual inspection.

But it usually adds a top up of all the key fluids in the engine bay (washer fluid, brake fluid, anti-freeze, steering fluid) and a check of up to 35 key components.

A good garage, performing this kind of service, will usually check the brakes and manufacturer guidelines so that they can recommend any additional work that your car may need. Sadly not all garages do though.

What are the advantages of synthetic oils?

Synthetics and semi-synthetics give improved performance at high temperatures and support extended standard drain intervals. They are the preferred choice for high performance cars or for drivers who value long life/durability.

Your vehicle handbook will specify the grade/type of oil to be used based on durability/extreme environment testing by the manufacturer.

If synthetic oils are recommended then that is what you should use.

Mixing mineral and synthetics is not recommended, nor is switching to synthetic oils unless the vehicle handbook specifies that you may do so.

If the manufacturer has confirmed that synthetic oil is suitable for your vehicle and you intend to switch then you must make sure that the engine is drained fully of mineral oil first.

The owner’s manual that comes with every vehicle specifies how often a service is required. As a rule of thumb all vehicles should be serviced at least once a year and/or every 12,000 miles. Regular servicing is vital to the prolonged lifespan of your vehicle and will save you money in the long run.

Air Conditioning Servicing

Regular servicing is important for health and to maintain the system working effectively. Up to 15% of the refrigerant gas will be lost annually.

• Run your air conditioning at least once a week throughout the year.
• Have the refrigerant gas checked regularly and topped up to manufacturers’ recommended levels.
• Help improve hygiene and air quality with a regular cabin filter change, as it can become blocked with pollen.
• A regular air duct clean helps remove the bacteria and fungi that can cause unpleasant odours.
• Service air-conditioning units every 30,000 miles or two years to avoid costly repairs.

Universal Tyres & Auto Centre has a proud history of providing the Rothwell area with a first class range of car servicing, for everything from tyres and brakes to air conditioning and beyond.

So, whether your vehicle requires a new clutch, exhaust, or any other part necessary to make it completely legally roadworthy, we are here to help. For any further information, or to discuss your options with one of our qualified technicians, please don’t hesitate to give us a call

Car Servicimg Explained

When a car is designed, the manufacturer sets out a service schedule for the car, which they believe will keep it running reliably and safely.

Typically a manufacturer service schedule consists of 65-85 checks (see table of examples later) and 5 – 15 changes to your car. It will be slightly different for each car, depending on the engine, transmission, age and mileage. In order that the original manufacturer warranty is not invalidated, this service schedule must be adhered to, while the car is under warranty.

As well as the services being very similar, there is an enormous amount of overlap between any given service and the MOT test. MOT Angel estimate that 75-85% of a typical service is covered by the MOT test.

So for cars that are out of their original manufacturer warranty, garages design their own services, which broadly match the following five categories, that get more expensive with each step:

• Oil & Filter Change
• Basic or Interim Service
• Full Service
• Major Service
• Manufacturer Service

Comprehensive list of dashboard lights

Oil & Filter Change

An oil and filter change is one of the most crucial parts a service and is one of the few things included in all services. It helps to ensure your car continues to run reliably and helps fuel efficiency.

Garages have a ‘duty of care’ to customers when they work on their car. So all reputable garages will complete a Visual Safety Inspection when they work on a car, which identify any obvious safety concerns with a car, even if it is just booked in for an oil and filter change. But they will not be able to complete a full brake check with this kind of service and that is, in MOT Angel’s view, a crucial check to have at least once a year.

Basic or Interim Service

Each type of service builds on the previous level. So a Basic service typically includes an oil and filter change and visual inspection.

But it usually adds a top up of all the key fluids in the engine bay (washer fluid, brake fluid, anti-freeze, steering fluid) and a check of up to 35 key components.

A good garage, performing this kind of service, will usually check the brakes and manufacturer guidelines so that they can recommend any additional work that your car may need. Sadly not all garages do though.

What are the advantages of synthetic oils?

Synthetics and semi-synthetics give improved performance at high temperatures and support extended standard drain intervals. They are the preferred choice for high performance cars or for drivers who value long life/durability.

Your vehicle handbook will specify the grade/type of oil to be used based on durability/extreme environment testing by the manufacturer.

If synthetic oils are recommended then that is what you should use.

Mixing mineral and synthetics is not recommended, nor is switching to synthetic oils unless the vehicle handbook specifies that you may do so.

If the manufacturer has confirmed that synthetic oil is suitable for your vehicle and you intend to switch then you must make sure that the engine is drained fully of mineral oil first.

The owner’s manual that comes with every vehicle specifies how often a service is required. As a rule of thumb all vehicles should be serviced at least once a year and/or every 12,000 miles. Regular servicing is vital to the prolonged lifespan of your vehicle and will save you money in the long run.

Air Conditioning Servicing

Regular servicing is important for health and to maintain the system working effectively. Up to 15% of the refrigerant gas will be lost annually.

• Run your air conditioning at least once a week throughout the year.
• Have the refrigerant gas checked regularly and topped up to manufacturers’ recommended levels.
• Help improve hygiene and air quality with a regular cabin filter change, as it can become blocked with pollen.
• A regular air duct clean helps remove the bacteria and fungi that can cause unpleasant odours.
• Service air-conditioning units every 30,000 miles or two years to avoid costly repairs.

It is required by law that your vehicle is fitted with the correct size and type of tyre, and that they are fit for the purpose of which they are being used. They must also be inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure (usually found in your car’s handbook).

The legal limit (as stated in the Highway Code) for the minimum depth of tread on your tyres is no less than 1.6 millimetres, across 3/4 of the tread around the complete circumference of the tyre.

The penalty for driving a vehicle with tyres that are worn, or contain cuts or bulges, are 3 penalty points on your licence and a fine of up to £2,500 per tyre! So why run the risk? Contact the qualified team at Universal Tyres & Auto Centre to discuss the various brands of tyre we can supply and fit for you.

Understanding tyre markings

Understanding the markings on the sidewalls of your car tyres will help you choose the right replacements for your car.

The letters and numbers on the side of your car tyres relate to their size, dimensions, composition and capabilities.

Just some of our tyre brands we use

Here’s what each section of the code means, using the tyre size and specification 175/65 R14T as an example:

• 175 Tyre width in mm
• 65 Tyre sidewall profile – sidewall height expressed as a percentage of its width
• R Radial (rather than a cross ply)
• 14 Diameter of the wheel rim, in inches
• T Speed rating which must match or exceed the maximum speed of your car.

Car tyre speed ratings

• S 180km/h or 112mph
• T 190km/h or 118mph
• U 200km/h or 125mph
• H 210km/h or 130mph
• V 240km/h or 149mph
• W(ZR) 270km/h or 168mph
• Y(ZR) 300km/h or 186mph
• ZR Above 240km/h or 149mph

Your car’s handbook will tell you the minimum tyre speed and load ratings you should go for. Once you know the size and type of tyre you need, head over to our tyre locator or use the registration look-up to find the size for your car. Elsewhere on your tyres you will see the manufacturer’s name, the name of the tyre model and information about where and when the tyre was made.

Run-flat tyres

Run-flat tyres are increasingly popular. If you have a puncture on your journey, a run-flat tyre supports the vehicle weight so you can travel for another 50 miles or so, at a maximum speed of 50mph.

There are many markings that could indicate your tyre is a run-flat tyre, including DSST, RFT, ROF and RunFL.

Run-flat tyres and traditional car tyres should not be mixed on the same car, as it could affect the handling.

Tyresafe advises run-flat tyres should not be used on cars without a tyre pressure monitoring system, which is used to alert you of a deflation or puncture.

It also warns against using run-flat tyres when towing, as they’re only designed to support the weight of the vehicle itself.

Click Here to use a useful PSI – BAR tyre converter.

Tyre Depths

It is required by law that your vehicle is fitted with the correct size and type of tyre, and that they are fit for the purpose of which they are being used. They must also be inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure (usually found in your car’s handbook).

The legal limit (as stated in the Highway Code) for the minimum depth of tread on your tyres is no less than 1.6 millimetres, across 3/4 of the tread around the complete circumference of the tyre.

The penalty for driving a vehicle with tyres that are worn, or contain cuts or bulges, are 3 penalty points on your licence and a fine of up to £2,500 per tyre! So why run the risk? Contact the qualified team at Universal Tyres & Auto Centre to discuss the various brands of tyre we can supply and fit for you.

Understanding tyre markings

Understanding the markings on the sidewalls of your car tyres will help you choose the right replacements for your car.

The letters and numbers on the side of your car tyres relate to their size, dimensions, composition and capabilities.

Just some of our tyre brands we use

Here’s what each section of the code means, using the tyre size and specification 175/65 R14T as an example:

• 175 Tyre width in mm
• 65 Tyre sidewall profile – sidewall height expressed as a percentage of its width
• R Radial (rather than a cross ply)
• 14 Diameter of the wheel rim, in inches
• T Speed rating which must match or exceed the maximum speed of your car.

Car tyre speed ratings

• S 180km/h or 112mph
• T 190km/h or 118mph
• U 200km/h or 125mph
• H 210km/h or 130mph
• V 240km/h or 149mph
• W(ZR) 270km/h or 168mph
• Y(ZR) 300km/h or 186mph
• ZR Above 240km/h or 149mph

Your car’s handbook will tell you the minimum tyre speed and load ratings you should go for. Once you know the size and type of tyre you need, head over to our tyre locator or use the registration look-up to find the size for your car. Elsewhere on your tyres you will see the manufacturer’s name, the name of the tyre model and information about where and when the tyre was made.

Run-flat tyres

Run-flat tyres are increasingly popular. If you have a puncture on your journey, a run-flat tyre supports the vehicle weight so you can travel for another 50 miles or so, at a maximum speed of 50mph.

There are many markings that could indicate your tyre is a run-flat tyre, including DSST, RFT, ROF and RunFL.

Run-flat tyres and traditional car tyres should not be mixed on the same car, as it could affect the handling.

Tyresafe advises run-flat tyres should not be used on cars without a tyre pressure monitoring system, which is used to alert you of a deflation or puncture.

It also warns against using run-flat tyres when towing, as they’re only designed to support the weight of the vehicle itself.

Click Here to use a useful PSI – BAR tyre converter.

Tyre Depths