Understanding Your Tyres

Tyres are one of the most important components of any vehicle — they’re the only part that actually makes contact with the road. The right tyres don’t just affect comfort; they play a vital role in safety, handling, fuel efficiency, and braking performance.

Each tyre is carefully engineered to suit specific vehicles and driving conditions, with detailed markings that tell you everything from size and load rating to speed capability. Whether you drive a car, van, or fleet vehicle, understanding what these markings mean helps ensure you’re always driving on safe, suitable tyres.

Example: 225/50 R18 92V

• T = 118 mph (190 km/h)

• H = 130 mph (210 km/h)

• V = 149 mph (240 km/h)

• W = 168 mph (270 km/h)

Understanding Van Tyre Markings

Van tyres are designed with stronger construction and higher load ratings to cope with the extra weight of cargo and commercial use.
Let’s look at an example:

Example: 215/65 R16C 109/107T

What Makes Van Tyres Different

• Reinforced sidewalls: Built to handle higher pressures and resist damage when carrying heavy loads.

• Higher load ratings: “C” tyres (commercial) and sometimes “LT” (light truck) tyres can safely carry more weight per tyre than standard car tyres.

• Tougher tread compounds: Designed for longevity and durability under frequent stop/start or uneven loading conditions.

• Higher inflation pressures: Typically inflated to 40–65 PSI, depending on the load and manufacturer’s recommendations.

• Dual markings: Some vans (especially with twin rear wheels) need tyres with dual load ratings like 109/107, to reflect different setups.

In summary

A 215/65 R16C 109/107T tyre means:

215 mm wide, 65% profile, radial, fits a 16-inch wheel, reinforced commercial tyre, supports up to 1,030 kg (single fitment) and 975 kg (twin fitment), rated for speeds up to 118 mph.

Tyre Tread Depth Explained

The tread depth of a tyre refers to the vertical measurement between the top of the tread rubber and the bottom of the tyre’s main grooves. It’s what allows tyres to grip the road, disperse water, and maintain traction in wet or slippery conditions.

Legal Minimum Tread Depth (UK)

• The legal minimum tread depth for cars, vans, and light commercial vehicles in the UK is 1.6 mm.

• This must be across the central three-quarters of the tyre’s width and around the entire circumference.

• Anything below 1.6 mm is illegal and can result in:

  • A fine of up to £2,500 per tyre

  • Three penalty points per tyre

  • Significantly reduced grip and longer braking distances

Recommended Replacement Depth

• Most experts recommend changing tyres when tread depth reaches 3 mm, even though 1.6 mm is the legal limit.

• Below 3 mm, braking distances in wet conditions can increase by more than 40%, and aquaplaning risk rises sharply.

Why It Matters

• Better grip: Deeper tread channels disperse water, reducing the risk of aquaplaning.

• Shorter braking distances: Especially on wet or icy roads.

• Improved control: Essential for safe cornering and handling under load.

• Legal compliance: Helps avoid costly fines and MOT failures.

Looking After Your Tyres: 

Five Simple Tips That Make a Big Difference

Tyres are one of the most important safety features on any vehicle, yet they’re often overlooked. Good tyre care doesn’t just keep drivers safe — it also reduces running costs, improves fuel efficiency, and helps fleets stay compliant. Here are five straightforward tips to keep tyres in top condition:

1. Check pressures regularly
Ensuring tyres are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressures helps them wear evenly and improves fuel economy. A quick monthly check can prevent many common tyre issues.

• Under-inflation

When a tyre is under-inflated, too much of the tyre’s surface comes into contact with the road.
How they wear:

• The outer edges (shoulders) of the tread wear out faster than the centre.

• The tyre can overheat, increasing the risk of a blowout.

Why it matters:
Under-inflated tyres waste fuel, reduce steering precision, and can make the vehicle feel sluggish or unstable.

• Over-inflation

When a tyre is over-inflated, the air pressure causes it to bulge and ride on a smaller patch of rubber.
How they wear:

• The centre of the tread wears out faster than the edges.

• Reduced contact with the road means less grip, especially in wet conditions.

Why it matters:
Over-inflated tyres give a harsher ride, increase stopping distances, and are more prone to impact damage from potholes or kerbs.

2. Keep an eye on tread depth
In the UK, the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm, but grip and braking performance begin to drop before that. Aim to replace tyres at around 3mm to maintain safer stopping distances, especially in wet weather.

3. Inspect for damage
Cuts, bulges, cracks, and embedded objects can all lead to sudden failure. A quick visual inspection during driver walkaround checks can catch problems early.

4. Rotate tyres for even wear
Front tyres often wear faster, particularly on front-wheel-drive vehicles. Rotating tyres every 6,000–8,000 miles helps extend their life and ensures more consistent handling.

5. Drive with care
Harsh driving, kerbing, and hitting potholes can damage tyres and throw out wheel alignment. Encouraging smooth driving pays off in tyre life and driver comfort.

Good tyre maintenance is simple, inexpensive, and essential for safe, efficient fleet operation. A few minutes of attention each month can prevent breakdowns, reduce costs, and keep your vehicles performing at their best.