What is included in a car tyre check?

Our experienced mechanics will visually inspect the condition and tread of all of your tyres. If necessary they may also check your tyre pressures to ensure they align with the manufacturer guidelines. They can then advise whether or not they think replacements are needed, or if it’s time to swap your front and rear tyres.

DS

DS is the premium automobile marque of the Groupe PSA. First announced in 2009 by Citroën as its premium sub-brand; it was suggested to be an abbreviation of different spirit or distinctive series. However, in French, the name is considered a play on words, as the translation of déesse becomes goddess in English.

How popular is DS in the United Kingdom?

As a newcomer to the UK market in its own right, there were around 35k DS cars on the roads in the UK by the end of 2018. Whether those figures will continue to rise at the same rate shown since their introduction in 2015, only time will tell.

Looking to provide a standalone marque to initially compete with brands such as Volkswagen and Audi, PSA decided that neither Citroën nor Peugeot would be able to carry the brand strength that would be able to make a serious threat in the market with an elevated price-point at the level of quality and luxury they set out to achieve.

DS: Establishing a new range of upmarket models

To compete with the likes of Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, DS introduced a range of hatchbacks, saloons and SUVs but it’s undoubtedly their supermini city car that is proving the most popular.

The DS3, sold as a 3-door hatchback or a convertible, is available in countless customisation options and also as the subcompact luxury crossover SUV DS3 Crossback. The DS3 was voted Car of the Year by Top Gear Magazine, and first place supermini four times in a row in the JD Power Satisfaction UK Survey.

DS: Don’t be fooled into thinking they’re just a one trick pony

At the other end of the range you’ll find the DS7 Crossback. Here’s a large SUV designed to compete directly with the Audi Q5, the BMW X3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC; that’s quite a jump for a car that’s built by Citroën.

The models that you’ll find between the DS3 and the DS7 are created with the same style for the market in mind. The DS4, a mixture of hatchback and SUV, and the DS5, a bigger hatchback priced and pitched against the Audi A4, the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes C-Class saloons.

Why are tyres important?

Your tyres are essential for safe driving - they are the only contact point between your vehicle and the road. Tyres have four key functions; they provide grip for braking and acceleration, maintain steering and directional control, support the weight of the vehicle and act as a shock absorber for vibrations from the road.

Can I drive with worn out tyres?

Driving with worn tyres is extremely dangerous because it can result in serious or fatal road accidents. Tyres should always be well maintained and checked regularly, especially when the seasons change.

The minimum tread for a car tyre in the UK is 1.6mm, however it is recommended that tyres are changed when the tread reaches 3mm.

How do I know if my tyres need replacing?

Some common signs that your tyre may need replacing are:

• There's not enough tread depth

• You're experiencing a shaky drive

• You hear squeaks, whines or other strange noises when driving

• You can see cracks in your tyres

• You've noticed bulges or blisters

##Is it illegal to drive with bad tyres?

Your tyres are an important safety feature of your car, especially in wet or icy conditions. To keep you and your passengers safe, they must always meet these basic legal requirements:

• Be compatible with the other tyres on the car.

• Be in a generally good physical condition - no tears, holes or blisters.

• Be correctly inflated to the recommended pressure.

• Have sufficient tread and depth of tread – at least 1.6mm in the centre ¾ of the tread in a continuous band around the tyre.

And remember the more tread your tyres have, the better your grip on the road and the shorter your stopping distances, therefore the safer your car will be to drive.

Why should I book a tyre check?

The number one reason to book a free tyre check with us is safety. This is the most important reason for keeping your tyres in good condition. A bad tyre could spell disaster when travelling at speed, so it's vital that you get them checked regularly to keep yourself, your passengers and other road users safe.

Keeping your tyres in good nick can also save you money, as good, healthy tyres will ensure your car consumes fuel efficiently.

How long do tyres last?

On average, tyres should last between three to five years, or between 30,000 to 60,000 miles. This can vary greatly between different drivers and different tyre types. Tyre experts Michelin recommend that, after five years or more your tyres should be inspected at least once a year by a professional. Then, if you’re still driving on them after ten years they should be replaced, as a precaution.