New Tyres & Expert Fitting

A standard tyre fitting appointment typically takes 45-60 minutes for a full set of four tyres. This includes removing your old tyres, fitting and balancing the new tyres, adjusting pressures to manufacturer specifications, and properly disposing of your old tyres. We aim to get you back on the road as quickly as possible without compromising on quality or safety.

Currently, tyre fitting is available at our network of garage locations rather than as a mobile service. This ensures we can use professional-grade equipment including computerized wheel balancing machines and tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) tools, guaranteeing the highest quality fitting and safety standards.

Environmental responsibility is important to us. All old tyres removed during fitting are disposed of through licensed waste carriers in compliance with UK environmental regulations. Used tyres are sent to specialist recycling facilities where they're processed into various products including:

• Crumb rubber for sports surfaces and playgrounds
• Fuel for cement kilns and power generation
• Raw materials for new products

Warranty coverage varies depending on the tyre brand and model you purchase. Many premium tyre manufacturers offer warranties covering manufacturing defects, and some provide mileage guarantees or road hazard protection.

When you buy tyres from Swansway Garages, we'll explain any warranty coverage included with your chosen tyres. Ask our team about specific warranty coverage when selecting your tyres, or check the manufacturer's warranty information included with your purchase.

The optimal time to fit winter tyres is when daytime temperatures consistently remain below 7°C, typically from late October or November in the UK. Winter tyres' rubber compound is engineered to remain flexible at low temperatures, providing superior grip compared to summer tyres which harden in cold conditions.

Don't wait for snow or ice because winter tyres improve safety on cold, dry roads too. Plan to switch back to summer tyres in March or April when temperatures rise above 7°C consistently, as winter tyres wear faster and perform less efficiently in warm weather.

Read more about Winter Tyre Safety on our blog for more information on winter tyres.

All-season tyres (sometimes called "all-weather tyres") represent a compromise between summer and winter tyres, designed for moderate climates where temperatures rarely reach extremes. Modern all-season tyres have improved significantly and now carry the 3PMSF (Three Peak Mountain Snowflake) symbol, indicating they meet winter tyre performance standards.

Advantages:

• No need for seasonal tyre changes, saving time and storage costs
• Adequate performance in mild winter conditions
• Better cold-weather grip than summer tyres
• Convenient for drivers in areas with unpredictable weather

Limitations:

• Don't match dedicated winter tyres in severe cold, snow, or ice
• Slightly reduced performance compared to summer tyres in hot conditions
• Potentially shorter tread life than seasonal tyres

All-season tyres suit drivers in southern UK regions with mild winters, those with low annual mileage, or anyone seeking convenience over maximum seasonal performance. For areas experiencing harsh winters or drivers prioritizing ultimate safety in extreme conditions, dedicated seasonal tyres remain the better choice.

Winter tyres aren't a legal requirement in the UK, but they significantly improve safety when temperatures drop below 7°C—even without snow or ice. The UK's unpredictable winter weather, featuring cold temperatures, rain, frost, and occasional snow, makes winter tyres a valuable safety investment, particularly in northern regions, rural areas, or hilly terrain.

Consider winter tyres if you:

• Live in areas prone to frost, ice, or snow
• Regularly drive in cold weather conditions
• Have a long commute or drive frequently in winter
• Drive in rural or poorly gritted areas
• Want maximum safety for your family during winter months
• Own a rear-wheel-drive or high-performance vehicle

Studies show that winter tyres can reduce braking distances by up to 10% on cold, wet roads and up to 50% on snow and ice compared to summer tyres. For many drivers, this improved safety margin justifies the investment.

If you're uncertain, speak to our tyre experts who can advise based on your location, typical driving conditions, and vehicle type.

We recommend inspecting your tyres at least once a month and before any long journeys. Regular checks help identify potential problems early, improving safety and potentially saving money by extending tyre life. Between your own regular checks, book a free tyre check at Swansway Garages every 6 months or 6,000 miles. Our qualified technicians will thoroughly inspect all four tyres, measure tread depth accurately, check for damage you might miss, and provide honest advice about any concerns.

Book your free tyre check today

Tyre rotation involves moving tyres to different positions on your vehicle to promote even wear and extend tyre life. Front and rear tyres wear at different rates due to weight distribution, steering forces, and braking. Without rotation, you may need to replace tyres prematurely.

Different vehicles require different rotation patterns:

• Front-wheel-drive: Front tyres typically wear faster due to steering, power delivery, and weight
• Rear-wheel-drive: Rear tyres wear faster from power delivery
• All-wheel-drive: More even wear but rotation still beneficial

Most manufacturers recommend rotating tyres every 6,000-8,000 miles or at every other service. Regular rotation can extend tyre life by 20% or more, making it a cost-effective maintenance task.

Some tyres have directional tread patterns or different sizes front and rear, which limits rotation options. Our technicians can advise on the correct rotation pattern for your specific vehicle and tyres.

Maintaining correct tyre pressures is one of the most important aspects of tyre care, affecting safety, fuel efficiency, tyre life, and handling. Check pressures at least monthly and before long journeys, always when tyres are cold (before driving or after the vehicle has been stationary for 2+ hours).

How to check:

1. Find your vehicle's recommended pressures (listed in the handbook, on a sticker inside the driver's door, or inside the fuel filler cap). Note that front and rear pressures often differ, and recommendations may vary for laden vehicles.
2. Remove the valve dust cap from one tyre and press a tyre pressure gauge firmly onto the valve stem to take a reading.
3. Compare the reading to the recommended pressure. If low, add air using a foot pump, garage air line, or petrol station air pump. If over-inflated, release air by pressing the valve core briefly.
4. Replace the valve cap and repeat for all tyres, including the spare if applicable.

Many modern vehicles have Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) that warn of significant pressure loss. However, TPMS doesn't replace regular manual checks, as it only alerts you when pressures are already dangerously low.

The speed rating (the letter at the end of your tyre size) indicates the maximum speed the tyre is designed to sustain safely. Common ratings include:

• T = 118mph
• H = 130mph
• V = 149mph
• W = 168mph
• Y = 186mph

The load index (the number before the speed rating) indicates the maximum weight each tyre can carry when properly inflated. For example, a load index of 91 means each tyre can support up to 615kg. Always replace tyres with the same or higher speed and load ratings as specified by your vehicle manufacturer.

Budget tyres are manufactured by smaller or lesser-known brands and offer basic performance at lower prices. They meet all UK safety standards and MOT requirements, making them suitable for drivers prioritizing affordability for vehicles with lower annual mileage.

Premium tyres from brands like Michelin, Continental, Bridgestone, and Pirelli incorporate advanced technology developed through motorsport and extensive research. They typically offer:

• Shorter braking distances, particularly in wet conditions
• Better handling and cornering grip
• Quieter, more comfortable ride
• Longer tread life, often offsetting the higher initial cost
• Superior performance in extreme weather

Mid-range tyres from reputable manufacturers provide a balance between cost and performance, offering good quality at reasonable prices. Your choice depends on your budget, driving style, typical road conditions, and annual mileage.

Tyre lifespan varies significantly based on multiple factors including driving style, road conditions, vehicle type, tyre quality, and maintenance. On average, tyres last between 20,000 and 40,000 miles, though some premium tyres can exceed 50,000 miles with proper care.

Factors affecting tyre life:

• Regular underinflation or overinflation accelerates wear
• Aggressive driving (hard braking, fast cornering, rapid acceleration)
• Poor wheel alignment or suspension issues cause uneven wear
• Frequent driving on rough roads or surfaces
• Carrying heavy loads regularly

To maximize tyre life, maintain correct pressures, drive smoothly, rotate tyres regularly and address any vehicle issues promptly.