Tyres have a range of functions providing grip, steering and braking. The average sized tyre will rotate about 880 times every mile, with a total mileage of about 30,000 miles which is more than once round the earth (circ 24,902 miles at the equator). This means that during its life the tyre will rotate more than 26 million times. Each time it is in contact with the road it is deflected under the load of the vehicle, meaning it is distorted more times than most other vehicle components.

As a general rule we recommend that when your tyres need replacing, put the new tyres on the rear of the vehicle. This applies to both front and rear wheel drive cars, with increased safety being the main reason. Particularly in the wet, it has been shown that with partly worn tyres fitted to the rear, their reduced water dispersal ability leads to a greater chance of over-steer and loss of control. Used tyres are also more prone to punctures and it has been established that rear deflations are more likely to cause loss of control than front deflations.