FAQs

Winter tyres provide superior traction and control in cold conditions, especially when temperatures drop below 7°C. They have deeper tread patterns and softer rubber compounds, which allow them to perform better on snow, ice, and wet roads. All-season tyres, while versatile and convenient, don’t match the specialised performance of winter tyres in extreme winter conditions, but they are a good option for milder climates where extreme cold is less common.

Even though the legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm, it’s recommended to replace tyres once they reach 3mm, especially during winter. A deeper tread provides better grip on wet and icy roads, improving tyre safety. Regular checks at a tyre garage or a free inspection at Elite Garages can help determine if you need a tyre replacement.

An emergency car kit should include items such as a first aid kit, flashlight with spare batteries, mobile phone charger, jumper cables, reflective triangles, ice scraper and snow brush, non-clumping kitty litter for traction on icy roads, blanket or sleeping bag for warmth in case of an unexpected breakdown and a shovel.

You should avoid leaving items in a car during the winter months, as cold temperatures can damage or ruin them due to freezing. This includes electronics like laptops and cell phones, liquids such as beverages or fluids for your car, medications, food items like fruit and vegetables, and plastic or rubber parts.

There are several things you should check on your car before the start of winter to make sure it is in good condition and ready for the colder weather. This includes checking your battery, antifreeze, tyre pressure and tread, car brakes and all your fluid levels (engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant and power steering). Book your winter safety check now!

In simple terms, budget tyres are the cheapest and often don’t last as long or hold up as well as mid-range or premium tyres. Mid-range seems to be the happy medium as they provide better grip and longevity which is only superseded by the more expensive, premium tyres that offer even better performance, including Bridgestone.

If the damaged area on the tyre is larger than 6 mm, and on the sidewall, you should not get a repair and rather opt for a replacement tyre.

Rapids are also budget tyres but they are more high-end and rated as premium economy.  Whilst they provide more grip than standard budget tyres, Rapids don’t perform as well as a good quality mid-range or premium tyre. However, Rapid tyres do offer a great in-between offering quality and value for money.

No, as part-worn tyres are not safe and there is no guarantee they won’t fail.

We can usually repair punctures if they are on the central part of the tyre (the middle three-quarters). If a puncture occurs outside this area and near the tyre sidewall, a repair is unlikely and you should get it replaced.

We will always try and explain this in detail, providing all the pros and cons. Put simply, budget tyres are the cheapest and often don’t last as long or hold up as well as mid-range and premium tyres. Mid-range seems to be the happy medium as they provide better grip and longevity which is only superseded by the more expensive, premium tyres that offer even better performance.

In the UK and Europe, the legal tyre tread depth for cars is 1.6 mm around the tyre circumference and the central three quarters. However, most tyre experts recommend replacing your tyres when the tread depth is at 3 mm for better braking distances.

In short, you should nearly always fit four of the same tyres to your car. The size will be stated by your vehicle manufacturer.