Wheels and Tyres
What are Tyres?
The only part of your car that actually touches the road.
Simplified animation — not to scale.
In plain English
Tyres are rubber air-filled rings fitted to your wheels. They carry the weight of the car, transmit braking and steering forces, and absorb small road imperfections.
A simple analogy
"Like the soles of a pair of running shoes — once they're worn smooth, you slip the moment the pavement gets wet."
How it works
A tread pattern carved into the rubber clears water, snow and grit so the tyre can grip. Air pressure inside gives the tyre its shape and load capacity. As you drive the tread wears down; once it gets too low, grip in the wet collapses quickly.
Signs of trouble
- ⚠Tread depth below 3 mm (legal minimum in the UK is 1.6 mm)
- ⚠Uneven wear across the tyre (often a tracking or suspension fault)
- ⚠Cracks, bulges or cuts in the sidewall
- ⚠Frequent loss of pressure
- ⚠Vibration or pulling to one side at speed
Rough UK cost
£75 – £230 per tyre fitted
Parts: £60 – £200 per tyre
Labour: £15 – £30 per tyre to fit and balance
Always get a written quote. Prices vary by car, region, and parts brand.
Heads up: Carautonomy is for general guidance only. If your car is showing warning lights or behaving oddly, get it looked at by a qualified mechanic.