When you think about car safety, tyres aren’t always the first thing that spring to mind, but they should be.
They’re the only part of your car that’s in constant contact with the road, making them crucial to both safety and performance. Choosing the right tyres and looking after them properly is one of the simplest ways to stay safer, drive smoother and get the best from your car.
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Your safety drives everything we do. That’s why we’re proud to be TyreSafe 2026 Award winners for Tyre Safety in the Community. This is our third consecutive year receiving a TyreSafe award, a testament to our ongoing commitment to keeping drivers safe on the road.
Why are tyres so important?
Out of all the components on a car, tyres have one of the biggest impacts on how your vehicle behaves. Because they’re the only point of contact with the road, they directly influence:
- Steering
- Braking
- Acceleration
- Ride comfort and stability
Many drivers automatically choose budget tyres without realising how much tyres contribute to safety and performance. If you regularly drive long distances, it’s worth investing in mid-range or premium tyres as they offer better grip, shorter stopping distances and improved durability, making them a smarter long‑term choice.
What tyres do I need?
When choosing tyres, start by finding the correct size for your vehicle. You can do this easily using our registration number tool. Simply enter your vehicle reg and we’ll show you the right fit.
Once you know the size, you’ll need to pick the right type. In the UK, there are three main tyre categories:
Summer tyres
Designed for warm and wet conditions. They perform well in spring and summer but lose effectiveness when temperatures drop. Most UK drivers use summer tyres all year, even though performance decreases in colder months.
Winter tyres
Built for extreme cold, snow and ice. They offer excellent grip in harsh winter conditions but aren’t necessary for most UK drivers due to our milder climate.
All‑season tyres
A balanced option that performs well in both warm and cold conditions. They don’t need to be swapped out seasonally, making them ideal for year‑round UK driving.
When should tyres be changed?
UK law requires a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm, although there is evidence that stopping distance on a wet road significantly increases at 3mm of tread depth. Therefore, checking tread depth regularly is essential.
Tyre pressure is equally important and should be checked at least once a month.
The easiest way to find out if your tyres are safe is through our Free Tyre Check. Our technicians will inspect tread depth, pressure, wear and any signs of damage, then advise you on the next steps if needed.
If you prefer to check at home, it’s best to use the Halfords Essentials Analogue Tread Depth and Pressure Gauge.
How to maintain tyres
Replacing tyres can be costly, but good maintenance helps them last longer. Here’s how to protect them:
- Check tyre pressure regularly – correct pressure improves safety, fuel efficiency and tyre lifespan.
- Rely on your TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) – all cars built after 2014 have one, but manual checks are still recommended.
- Use the right tyres for the season – avoid using summer tyres in winter conditions.
- Replace tyres correctly – 4WD vehicles should have all four tyres changed together; other vehicles should change tyres in axle pairs.
For more tips, visit our How to Make Your Tyres Last Longer guide.
How can Halfords help?
Free Tyre Check
We’ll inspect your tyres for pressure, tread depth, wear and damage to ensure they’re safe and legal.
10‑Point Car Check
Our technicians will check your tyres plus headlights, brake lights, wiper blades, battery, windscreen, oil, screenwash, AdBlue and coolant levels.
Tyre Replacement
With over 600 autocentres and a nationwide fleet of mobile tyre experts, we can replace your tyres wherever suits you.
Same day tyre fitting
We now offer same‑day tyre fitting at selected garages nationwide. Book online before 1pm and, where available, we’ll replace your tyres the same day to get you back on the road quickly. Visit our same‑day tyre fitting page for availability, FAQs and booking.
For lots more useful tyre information, head over to our tyre advice and buying guides.
