What’s the correct tyre pressure for my car?

This information varies depending on your vehicle's make and model. Refer to your car's handbook for the correct PSI or Bar units. You can also find the tyre pressure recommendation on the inside door or fuel flap. If you aren’t sure how to adjust your tyre pressure, pop in, and we’ll do it for you.

How long do car tyres last?

We can’t guarantee an exact number of miles. It depends on the quality of the tyres, the tyre price, and your driving habits. Overall, cheap tyres won’t last as long as more premium tyres. Tyres could last anywhere from 4,000 to 30,000 miles, or even more for higher-quality products.

Should all four tyres be the same?

Using different brands of tyres is legal, but we don’t recommend mixing tyre brands and patterns on the same axle. This means the front two tyres should match each other, and the back two should match each other. There’s no law to state this, but it’s the safest way forward. All tyres on the vehicle should also be the same seasonal kind. For example, don’t mix summer, winter, and all-season tyres. This may cause the car to become unsteady and difficult to control. Again, this isn’t the law, but it’s our expert opinion. On the other hand, it is law that tyres match in size per axle. We recommend using the same four tyres for your vehicle, but we understand this isn’t always possible. Whether you need premium or budget tyres, our Ayr garage can provide you with the best tyres for your vehicle.

How do I know if I need new tyres?

It’s time for new tyres when: Bald: Your tyres are balding or less than 1.6 mm in tread depth. However, keep in mind that the European minimum depth is 2.4 mm. Damage: Replace the tyres when they sustain damage on the sidewalls. Leaks: If you have a leak or puncture in the tyre, you should get it replaced.

Do I need winter tyres in the UK?

In the UK, there is no legal requirement to fit winter tyres. However, you shouldn’t use summer tyres in the winter as they are not practical below 7°C. The best tyres for driving in the UK are all-season tyres, as these function well in both the summer and winter. Since we get pretty mild winters and our summers aren’t too scorching, all-season tyres are a versatile and practical choice. Plus, you don’t need to worry about changing your tyres every few months, saving you money in the long run.

Tyres in Ayr with Andrew Dodds Autocare

Car tyres in Ayr for all budgets

As authorised distributors for Davanti, Kumho, and Triangle, we take pride in offering a wide selection of high-quality tyres in our Ayr garage. In addition to premium brands, we carry budget-friendly options from top manufacturers like Triangle and Kumho. Count on us for all your tyre needs, and we’ll assure you of the finest quality.

Once you’ve chosen a premium, mid-range or economy tyre, it’s time to get them fitted. Our advanced Sicam F16 tyre changer enables non-contact fitting of up to 30-inch tyres with laser-guided precision to prevent damage.

To find out more, please get in touch using our contact form or call us on 01292 299 023.

Which tyres do we stock?

We supply tyres from world-renowned manufacturers, including Maxxis, Nexen, Roadstone, Goodyear, and Michelin. Our Ayr garage stocks summer, winter, and all-season tyres to suit all weather conditions. We’re also stockists and agents for Davanti, Kumho and Triangle.

Davanti Tyres

All Davanti tyres undergo rigorous testing and development. They are fantastic for wet weather and provide a quiet driving experience.

Kumho Tyres

Kumho tyres offer high quality at an affordable price. In fact, Kumho tyres can travel up to 77,000 miles before they need replacing.

Triangle Tyres

Triangle offers reliable and affordable tyres. These are a great choice if you’re on a budget.

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What tyres should I get for my car?

When you have issues with your tyres, we know you want good service, fair prices, expert advice, and a nearby solution. That’s where we step in.

Choosing the right tyres for your car can be challenging. But our tyre experts are here to guide you through the decision-making process. We’ll ensure you get the best tyres for your needs, car, and budget. We have an extensive range of tyre brands in stock, including premium, mid-range, and economy tyres.

What’s the legal minimum depth of tread for car tyres??

Driving with tyres that have a tread depth of less than 1.6 mm is illegal because it renders them bald.

You can do the penny test to quickly determine whether your tyres are within the legal limit. Insert a 20p coin into the tread depth. If the tyre covers the coin’s outer band, it is over the legal limit and safe to drive. However, if the tyre doesn't cover the coin's outer band, then your tyres are too bald. You must contact your local garage for new tyres immediately.

At Andrew Dodds Autocare in Ayr, we would be happy to assist you with any tyre-related issues.

Tyres frequently asked questions

What’s the correct tyre pressure for my car?

This information varies depending on your vehicle's make and model. Refer to your car's handbook for the correct PSI or Bar units. You can also find the tyre pressure recommendation on the inside door or fuel flap.

If you aren’t sure how to adjust your tyre pressure, pop in, and we’ll do it for you.
How long do car tyres last?

We can’t guarantee an exact number of miles. It depends on the quality of the tyres, the tyre price, and your driving habits. Overall, cheap tyres won’t last as long as more premium tyres. Tyres could last anywhere from 4,000 to 30,000 miles, or even more for higher-quality products.
Should all four tyres be the same?

Using different brands of tyres is legal, but we don’t recommend mixing tyre brands and patterns on the same axle. This means the front two tyres should match each other, and the back two should match each other. There’s no law to state this, but it’s the safest way forward.

All tyres on the vehicle should also be the same seasonal kind. For example, don’t mix summer, winter, and all-season tyres. This may cause the car to become unsteady and difficult to control. Again, this isn’t the law, but it’s our expert opinion.

On the other hand, it is law that tyres match in size per axle.

We recommend using the same four tyres for your vehicle, but we understand this isn’t always possible.

Whether you need premium or budget tyres, our Ayr garage can provide you with the best tyres for your vehicle.
How do I know if I need new tyres?
It’s time for new tyres when:
- Bald: Your tyres are balding or less than 1.6 mm in tread depth. However, keep in mind that the European minimum depth is 2.4 mm.
- Damage: Replace the tyres when they sustain damage on the sidewalls.
- Leaks: If you have a leak or puncture in the tyre, you should get it replaced.
Do I need winter tyres in the UK?

In the UK, there is no legal requirement to fit winter tyres. However, you shouldn’t use summer tyres in the winter as they are not practical below 7°C. The best tyres for driving in the UK are all-season tyres, as these function well in both the summer and winter.

Since we get pretty mild winters and our summers aren’t too scorching, all-season tyres are a versatile and practical choice. Plus, you don’t need to worry about changing your tyres every few months, saving you money in the long run.

Important information about your vehicle’s tyres

Inspect your tyres regularly

The law requires your vehicle to have the correct type and size of tyre based on your car’s purpose and specifications. The law also requires that your tyres have a minimum tread depth of 1.6 millimetres across the central 3/4 of the tyre, measured all the way around.

Your tyres are your vehicle's only point of contact with the road. Therefore, choosing the right type of tyre for your vehicle and its purpose is essential.

We recommend checking all four tyres every two weeks as a routine. You should also check the tyre pressure, tread depth, and general wear and tear. Don’t forget to check the spare tyre, too.

UK Tyre Law

The UK law requires your tyres to be suitable for your vehicle type and its purpose. This means fitting the right tyres and ensuring they are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.

The legal limit for minimum tread depth is 1.6 millimetres, measured around the central three-quarters of the tyre’s circumference.

Replacing your tyres before they reach the legal limit is crucial to ensure maximum safety. Many manufacturers recommend replacing tyres when the tread depth reaches three millimetres. In Europe, the limit is 2.4 mm.

To put it into perspective, if your tyre tread depth is 1.6 mm, it takes an additional eight meters to stop your car at 50 mph during wet weather compared to when your tyre tread depth is 3 mm. To summarise, the deeper the tread, the better. But 1.6 mm is the minimum legal requirement.

Penalty for Bald Tyres

Regularly checking your tyres can help you avoid three penalty points and a fine of up to £2,500 per tyre. Tyres worn beyond the legal limit, also known as bald tyres, are illegal.

Fitting tyres of different construction types on opposite sides of the same axle is also illegal. The two main tyre types are radial and cross-ply, and you shouldn't combine them on the same axle.

However, you can mix brands and patterns of the same construction type, depending on the vehicle type and manufacturer’s recommendation. Check your vehicle’s handbook for tyre fitment details, or call us at our local Ayr garage for advice.

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Tips for Tyre Maintenance

We recommend you check your tyres’ pressure and condition every two weeks.

Load Index and Speed Ratings

The majority of tyres carry coded markings on them, which correspond to their load carrying and maximum speed capabilities.

For example: 91V

91= Index of maximum load carrying capacity per tyre, in this case equates to 615kg.

V= Symbol which equates to a speed rating of 240km/h (approximately 149mph)

The load index is a numerical code, which corresponds to the maximum load a tyre can carry at the speed indicated by its speed symbol, under specific service conditions.

The speed symbol indicates the speed at which the tyre can carry the load corresponding with its load index.

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Understanding EU Tyre Labels

The EU tyre label provides important information about your tyres. Using a comprehensive grading system, the tyre label measures fuel efficiency, wet grip, exterior noise and more. This provides you with the most practical information about your tyres, so you can choose the right set for your vehicle.

For more information on understanding EU tyre labels, click here.

Tyre Markings Explained

Tyre markings can be confusing, but they are essential when choosing a replacement tyre.

The sidewall of a tyre typically contains various codes and numbers that identify its size, physical features and manufacturer.

While some markings are unimportant to the driver, others are crucial. If you’re looking for new tyres, we recommend learning the following tyre markings to make an informed decision.

For more information, click here.

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