Kwik Fit and tyre manufacturers recommend the following for best tyre performance and safety:

These recommendations are made in the interests of attaining the best vehicle performance and customer safety. We will always offer guidance based on our expertise and latest information from our suppliers and provide customers with alternatives to assist them in making an informed decision that fits their needs.

If you are at all unsure, speak to the team at your local Kwik Fit centre.

Both tyres on the same axle should be same type and have comparable tread depths

We recommended that tyres of comparable wear and type are fitted on the same axle.

If you need to replace one tyre you will need to decide whether to replace one or both tyres to ensure the tread depth and performance characteristics of both tyres are compatible across the axle. If the remaining tyre on the axle has 3mm of tread or less, it is best to replace both tyres with new tyres to ensure braking and handling are optimised.

Three key reasons why we recommend replacing both tyres on the same axle in this situation are:

1. Tyres of considerably different tread depths on the same axle can cause an imbalance of grip which could mean your car will veer to one side rather than stopping in a straight line when the brakes are applied.
2. Tyre construction can vary significantly, even between patterns made by the same manufacturer. Fitting different brands and patterns across a single axle can lead to under or over steering when cornering.
3. All tyres on a vehicle should always be the same seasonal type, being summer, winter and all season. Having two different seasonal type tyres can lead to the vehicle being unstable.

Newest tyres should be fitted to the rear axle

If only two tyres are being replaced on a vehicle then the new tyres should be fitted on the rear axle and tyres of similar type and comparable tread depth fitted to the front. Having the newer tyres with more tread on the rear axle will provide better handling, wet grip, and water clearance to avoid oversteer and aquaplaning on wet surfaces. This is the case regardless of whether the vehicle is front or rear wheel drive.

Fitting the newest tyres to the rear of the vehicle will also ensure the vehicle handles in a similar fashion to that which the driver has become familiar with before the tyre change as the optimum grip remains on the tyres at the rear of the vehicle..

There are exceptions:

• Where front and rear tyre sizes are designed to be different or have different size specifications
• Where a vehicle is designed to have directional tyres at the front and asymmetric at the rear