7 things you’ve always wanted to know about your car tyres but were too afraid to ask.
We’ve been providing quality car tyres for years, so we know a thing or two. But what kind of a company would we be if we didn’t share some of the facts with you? So here are 7 interesting nuggets of information that you’ve always wanted to know but never thought to ask.
1. Tyre sidewall markings
Ever wondered what the letters and numbers on the side of your car tyres mean? In order they refer to:
- The tyre width
- The tyre height
- The diameter of the rim
- The maximum weight the tyre can carry (load index)
- The speed rating of the tyre.
2. The dot code
Other curious markings on the side of your tyres include the dot code. The four digits shown actually refer to the date of manufacture. The first two digits relate to the week of the year and the second two digits relate to the year the tyre was manufactured.
3. Tyre safety labels
Since 2012 all tyres have been required to carry a tyre safety label. This ranks the tyres on performance for grip when braking in the wet, external noise emissions and fuel efficiency.
Learn more about tyre safety labels.
4. Run flat tyres
Run flat tyres have reinforced sidewalls which allows you to drive safely on a punctured tyre to the tyre replacement centre, without need for roadside repair.
Learn more about run flat tyres.
5. Tyre pressure
All cars have a different optimum pressure for you tyres and you should check it out before you inflate your tyres. Your logbook should contain the correct pressure for you car, but if in doubt, give Lindley’s a call or pop into one of our tyre replacement centres in Nottingham to find out more.
Learn more about tyre pressures.
6. Winter tyres
Winter tyres contain more natural rubber, allowing them to grip in icy conditions. However, they are designed to work at their optimum level when conditions are under 7°C so be sure to change them back when the weather becomes warmer.
More information on winter tyres.
7. Tread depth
The official tread depth for you car tyres is 1.6mm. You can check this with a 20 pence piece. Insert the coin into the tread and if the tyre tread comes up over the band around the coin, they are the legal depth. If not, it’s time to get them replaced. If in doubt at all, bring your car along to one of our tyre replacement centres in Nottingham.
Learn how to check your tyres tread depth.
Still got a question you want to ask? Simply give us a call or pop in to one of our Autocentres in Nottingham City Centre, Arnold, Basford or West Bridgford and we’ll be happy to help.