Tyres

A Detailed Analysis of the Most Common Tyre Services at UK Garages

Posted on Author Garima Mishra

A section dedicated to tyres is a standard characteristic of most auto garages in the UK. Because of the nature of their operation, tyres are arguably more prone to damage than any other part of a car. If you have owned a car for any significant amount of time, you may have faced multiple issues with your tyres yourself starting from wheel alignment and balance to punctures and bald patches.

As such, it is essential that you are familiar with the processes and services that you may have to avail regarding your Tyres in Leighton Buzzard. An in-depth understanding is critical to avail the most accurate services and keep your tyres in the best possible state.

  • Wheel Alignment

Wheel alignment is the process of adjusting the suspension so that all the wheels face the right direction. Regular usage coupled with rough road conditions causes wheels to be off from their natural angles.

Symptoms:

  • Treadwear along the edges

  • Car pulling to a particular side

  • Reduced fuel economy

  • Off centre steering wheel

Wheel misalignment takes a severe toll on various components of your vehicle, including the engine and suspension system. Take your car to garages like Buzzy Bee Tyres which performs an accurate wheel alignment. You can also get other parts of your vehicle like its battery and exhaust repaired there.

When:

Every 6-8 months or 6,000 miles, whichever is sooner.

  • Wheel Balancing

Even distribution of mass within the tyre body is crucial for stable performance of your car. Wheel balancing takes care of this issue by placing counterweights at light spots, thereby countering the effects of the heavy spots which might have formed at various parts of the tyre.

Symptoms:

  • Patchy tread wear

  • Vibrations through the steering wheel or floorboard

  • Increased fuel consumption

When:

Every 6-8 months or 6,000 miles, whichever is sooner.

Unbalanced tyres pose a legitimate threat to your road safety and the performance of your vehicle. Do not sit on it. Get it repaired ASAP.

  • Tyre Rotation

All four tyres of your car experience different amounts of pressure resulting in varying rates of tread wear. The rear left tyre, for example, wears at a different rate compared to the front right tyre. You need to rotate your tyres according to the pattern specified by your manufacturer to balance it out.

There are no symptoms as such which will point you towards the need for tyre rotation, which is why it is critical that you maintain a log book of your tyre rotation schedule.

When:

Twice a year, preferably at the beginning of summer and winter

  • Tread Depth Check

British law mandates maintaining a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm across the central tread area of all four Tyres in Leighton Buzzard and the other regions governed by the British Standard. Adequate tread depth is critical for your tyres to maintain its grip as well as resist aquaplaning.

Symptoms:

  • Balding tyres

  • Frequent leaks

  • Increased braking distance

Note that you are liable for a fine of up to £2,500 if you are caught driving on tyres with low tread depth.

When:

Biannually when the tyres are new; once a month afterwards.

Apart from these, most garages also perform puncture repair and tyre fitting services, but that’s a story for another day. In the meantime, keep your tyres in perfect shape with these services.