Some frequently asked tyre questions

What gives you the right to give advice on tyres?

Unlike many nationwide tyre company’s ALL our staff have completed specialist training and have a minimum of ten years experience in the trade. Some things you just can’t teach!

Is your advice independent?

Yes. Ness City Tyres is a privately owned company and not tied to ANY tyre manufacturer unlike ATS for example whose parent company is Michelin.

Can I raise or lower the speed rating of my tyres?

Legally yes, however we strongly recommend that you check with your insurance company before you do this. Some company’s will penalize you if you fit a lower rated tyre.

My new car came with ****** tyres. Should I fit them again?

It has been our experience that original equipment tyres last longer than aftermarket tyres. This is because the manufacturers tend to use a different compound. The idea behind this is that you will be happy with the original equipment and want to fit the same again. It is unlikely that you will get the same mileage.

Is wheel alignment that important?

Yes! With out a doubt. In order to get the best mileage from your tyres no matter if they are a premium brand or economy get your wheel alignment or “tracking” checked. It is free to get this check carried out. We recommend that you have it checked at about 3000 mile intervals. Just going into your drive may knock it out of adjustment.

What is the legal minimum tyre depth?

1.6mm It is illegal to run a tyre with less than 1.6mm of tread round the entire outer circumference of the tyre. The penalty for driving with illegal tyres on your car is very severe. There is a compulsory driving license endorsement of three penalty points and a fine of up to £2,500 for each illegal tyre.

I have been told that I can have an economy "Named Brand", what does this mean?

This is a common sales tactic used by nationwide garages. Most of the leading manufactures own or have a share in a subsidiary company that makes economy tyres. As most drivers are unaware of the economy brand some garages promote the economy as an “economy named brand” or "economy brand by named brand" The tyre supplied would have the economy brand on the tyre. Beware some company’s over emphasizes this link and some of the well branded company’s have no more than a marginal share in the economy brand.