[Amelia31]

Ok so I'm a bit of a newbie when it comes to this sort of stuff, so apologies if I sound a bit thick.

Basically, got my MOT done a few weeks ago, got an advisory notice about the tread on the front two tyres, but didn't have any money to get new tyres there and then. Would I be able to ring a garage to get a quote for replacing them now, or would I have to take it in? Also, any rough ideas how much it would cost?

Thanks!

[iwantcheese5]

If you know your tyre details (they're written on the sidewall e.g. 225/45 R18) then you can go on a website like http://www.blackcircles.com/ and see how much it's going to cost or just give the garage a ring once you know the tyre size you need. Remember though that internet prices will be cheaper and the local garage is normally going to be more expensive. An option if you're hard up for cash is to get some part worn tyres as they're much cheaper, for this ebay is your friend.

[FXX]

Costs will depend so much on which manufacturer you go with. Crappy Japanese tyres that can barely make it through puddles are much, much cheaper than the likes of Pirelli or Michelin. Whatever you end up doing make sure you go for one of the better brands. There's no point skimping on tyres.

I personally will always go for brand new rubber from a good manufacturer. They're the only contact you have with the road, might as well use something decent. As well as better grip and water displacement, better compounds last much longer too.

[Amelia31]

Great thanks for the advice guys, so basically I am much better paying like an extra £20 per tyre to get Pirelli rather than something like Tiger? Also from personal experience, do you reckon a smaller garage or somewhere like Kwikfit would be cheaper to get them fitted at?

[LandyJon]

If anything, the likes of ATS and Kwikfit will be more expensive. They're big companies and because they know they'll get the business, they'll charge more IMO.

I'd be inclined to take it to your local garage. The relationship between themselves and you will be much more personal because they want you to return; the big ones won't care. It's a straight in, straight out attitude. Support the smaller business, keep them afloat and you may find yourself paying less in the future.

Some garages will fit tyres for free if you take the wheel in on its own; I know my garage does.

[Minardi]

Ask around. Find somewhere decent. I don't hear (m)any people singing Kwik Fit's praises! I just avoid them on principle, I've heard enough horrors, I don't need to check myself. Tyre wise always buy new in my opinion, and get a decent brand. You don't have to break the bank, there's decent but mid prices tyres about.

[united2000]

Last time i got tyres went to Camskill on the net and asked local garage to fit them.
Pretty cheap website, but i got Toyo tyres, where i probably think you can go for budget tyres.

I wouldnt go to Kwik Fit either.

Tyres
That link has tyre reviews on it, can see the 'quality' of the brand, but the brand name doesnt always mean best.

For instance i had Pirelli's on my car new and got Toyo's now, Toyo's half the price and better than the Pirelli's i had.

[fruit_n_veg]

Last time I went to Kwik Fit and they did ok - mind you they're not the cheapest round for tyres - cheapest place I ever went was Micheldever Tyres in Hampshire, more tyres than you can imagine and they just did a McDonalds style drive through, someone came and took your order in the queue even! I'd get some quotes from local tyre dealers, make sure the price includes fitting, balancing and old tyre disposal. Also, go for a not bad brand - the cheapest wear out quicker so are a false economy except for if its a real banger

[united2000]

(Original post by fruit_n_veg)
Last time I went to Kwik Fit and they did ok - mind you they're not the cheapest round for tyres - cheapest place I ever went was Micheldever Tyres in Hampshire, more tyres than you can imagine and they just did a McDonalds style drive through, someone came and took your order in the queue even! I'd get some quotes from local tyre dealers, make sure the price includes fitting, balancing and old tyre disposal. Also, go for a not bad brand - the cheapest wear out quicker so are a false economy except for if its a real banger

lol that sounds ridiculous! did they let you stay in the drivers seat when they lifted the car up to replace the tyres

[Walter Ego]

Kwik Fit are infamous for offering 'free' checks whilst you have tyres fitted. Don't be surprised if this results in you needing new brake pads, discs, and a couple of suspension dampers. It isn't beyond them to pop out your perfectly fine brake pads whilst your wheel is off for the tyre change, and for them to pop in some badly worn ones. Another trick they use is to spray WD40 around the dampers to make them appear to be leaking. They often have a good deal on tyres, but if you use them make sure they are told that under no circumstances do you want them to check your brakes or anything else, and if they advise any additional work on your car that it will be done elsewhere.

When it comes to tyres, it depends on what you drive and how you drive it really. A 900kg Ford Ka, mostly driven around town at 30mph doesn't need the worlds best tyre. A 2 3/4 tonne Bugatti Veyron capable of 247mph does. Pirelli, Michelin and Goodyear are indeed quality tyres, but as to whether you really need that level of quality is up to you and your wallet.

Personally, I've always found Fulda (Goodyear budget brand), Hankook and Falken to be excellent budget tyres. Stay away from Linglong, Nankang, Wanli, Sunny etc. In the mid range, Toyo and especially Uniroyal with their excellent Rainsport tyres are a good compromise.

I always go to Motorsport Wheels (UK main importer of many brands of alloy wheel and tyre) for their excellent knowledge and service.

[Jez RR]

(Original post by Walter Ego)

When it comes to tyres, it depends on what you drive and how you drive it really. A 900kg Ford Ka, mostly driven around town at 30mph doesn't need the worlds best tyre. A 2 3/4 tonne Bugatti Veyron capable of 247mph does. Pirelli, Michelin and Goodyear are indeed quality tyres, but as to whether you really need that level of quality is up to you and your wallet.

Personally, I've always found Fulda (Goodyear budget brand), Hankook and Falken to be excellent budget tyres. Stay away from Linglong, Nankang, Wanli, Sunny etc. In the mid range, Toyo and especially Uniroyal with their excellent Rainsport tyres are a good compromise.

Personally I like Nokian. Very good tyres but with less of a mark up than better known names. Good in the cold weather as well.

I've ordered online from Mytyres before, then get them fitted at a local tyre shop for a tenner each.