SIDEWALL MARKINGS

(located on the side of the tyre wall)

On the tyre sidewall, there are several important inscriptions to take note of when selecting the right tyre for your vehicle. In addition to displaying the brand name and range, the sidewall also provides crucial details such as the tyre size and characteristics. These include the nominal width, the ratio between the nominal section height and width, the structure or construction code, the rim diameter, and the load and speed index. Understanding these markings can help you ensure that you choose the correct tyre that meets the specific requirements of your vehicle for optimal performance and safety on the road.

TYRE PRESSURES

(usually located on the inside of drivers door)

Maintaining proper tyre pressure is crucial for ensuring the safety and efficiency of a vehicle. The tyre pressure, when cold, should be checked regularly to uphold optimal performance, as adjusting the pressure while the tyre is hot can lead to inaccurate readings. It is recommended to check tyre pressure every month, with special attention before embarking on a long journey. By keeping tyre pressure at the appropriate level, drivers can not only enhance the safety of their vehicle but also improve fuel efficiency and extend the lifespan of their tyres. Prioritizing regular tyre pressure checks is a simple yet effective way to uphold overall vehicle performance and reduce the risk of accidents on the road.

TYRE TREAD DEPTH

(the minimum UK legal limit is 1.60mm)

The tread depth of a vehicle's tires is a substantial safety factor that should not be overlooked. Maintaining adequate tread depth is crucial for ensuring optimal contact with the road surface, especially during adverse weather conditions. Proper tread depth can help improve traction, handling, and overall vehicle control, making it essential for safe driving practices. A thorough understanding of the impact of tread depth on driving performance can contribute significantly to road safety for both the driver and others on the road.

TYRE INTEGRITY

Optimised integrity for performance and safety

A tire comprises rubber, steel, and fibers, with steel and fibers serving as structural components, while the rubber shields them from environmental factors. The rubber is vulnerable to damage from chemicals and other environmental elements.

- Exposure to sharp objects, intense impacts, or mishandling can result in both visible and hidden structural flaws.

- Additionally, insufficient tire pressure can lead to structural inadequacies.

- The rubber is susceptible to degradation from high temperatures and sunlight.

BRAKING DISTANCE

Understanding the Relationship

As the Anti-lock Braking System intervenes to maintain control of the wheel at the critical slip threshold during braking, water from the road surface is forced into the tire treads. This water accumulation causes the rubber to become saturated, significantly impacting the braking distance. The tyres struggle to maintain sufficient grip on the wet surface, leading to a notable increase in the distance required to come to a complete stop. In this scenario, the braking distance in meters is extended, prolonging the time it takes to reduce the vehicle's speed to a safe level.

HYDROPLANING

Understanding Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning is a phenomenon that relies on various factors, including the depth of the water on the road, the depth of the treads on the car's tires, and the speed at which the vehicle is traveling. To assess the risk of hydroplaning, a common method involves driving a car into a basin containing 8 mm of water and gradually increasing the speed. Once the tires begin to lose contact with the road surface and the engine has to work harder without the car accelerating, it indicates that hydroplaning has commenced. This demonstration not only showcases the importance of water depth, tread depth, and driving speed in determining the onset of hydroplaning but also serves as a practical way to understand how these elements interact to affect driving safety in wet conditions.

THE EU TYRE LABEL

(located on the side of the tyre wall)

The EU Regulation, implemented to enhance road transport safety and efficiency, mandates specific labelling requirements for tires. These labels must visibly display crucial information on fuel efficiency, wet grip, and external noise in order to empower consumers with the knowledge needed to choose the most suitable tires for their vehicles. Effective from 1st July 2012, all tires sold in the EU after 1st November 2012 are mandated to carry a prominently displayed sticker or label providing this essential information, ensuring that buyers can make well-informed decisions when investing in tires for their vehicles.

THE TYRE SPECIALISTS

Its were we began

Tyres are at the heart of BTE Automotive's origins and continue to be a focus of our services. Our extensive inventory includes a wide selection of over 50 of the most popular tyre sizes that are readily available in our stock. Utilising cutting-edge technology, we employ the latest Bosch race-spec tyre installation and wheel balancing equipment to ensure precision and accuracy in our services. Our team of skilled and seasoned tyre fitting technicians are dedicated to providing top-notch customer service, offering valuable advice and guidance to ensure that each installation meets our high standards. In addition to our expertise in tyre fitting, we also utilize advanced diagnostic equipment to calibrate tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) on modern vehicles, further ensuring the safety and performance of your vehicle.

BRAND QUALITY

The quality of a tyre is synonymous with each brand

Pirelli, adhering to strict quality control procedures, embraces and wholeheartedly endorses the implementation of the tire label as a valuable tool to provide consumers with greater transparency and assistance in making informed decisions when purchasing new tires.

The true worth of a tyre should be assessed based on a comprehensive range of criteria (including performance on both dry and wet roads, aquaplaning resistance, high-speed stability, dry braking, longevity, etc.) that Pirelli rigorously evaluates for all its tires. While the label may not display certain detailed information about specific tire types, such as winter tires and their capabilities, tire dealers play a pivotal role in guiding consumers in their buying decisions by offering expert recommendations tailored to each individual's needs.

PUNCTURE REPAIRS

Keeping you on the road

Tyre repairs fall under the scope of the British Standard - BSAU159f:1990 - which classifies repairs into minor and major categories. This standard also outlines criteria regarding the size, location, and quantity of repairs permitted, along with recommendations on appropriate repair materials.

Thorough inspection is essential before proceeding with a tyre repair. If the tyre exhibits any of the following conditions, it should not be repaired: inadequate tread depth (less than 1.6mm throughout the central three-quarters of the tread around the entire circumference), structural damage from running flat, secondary damage from the initial injury, rubber deterioration due to aging, bead damage, visible cords, or subpar previous repairs.

It is crucial to conduct a comprehensive inspection to determine if a tyre is suitable for repair. In case of uncertainty, the tyre should not be repaired.

The repairable area is calculated as a percentage of the tyre's "nominal" section width, varying with tyre size. The repairable area is measured from the centerline, for example, 82mm means 41mm on each side of the centerline.

As run-flat tyres are engineered to endure extended driving with low or no pressure, the structural integrity of these tyres cannot be reliably assessed after such use. For safety reasons, we neither repair run-flat tyres nor recommend puncture repairs on them.