Not all tyres are created equal. Understanding the differences between premium, mid-range, and budget tyres helps you make the right choice for your needs and budget. As part of our complete tyre services, we offer expert advice to help you decide which option is best for your vehicle and driving habits.
Buy New Tyres in Mitcham: All Major Brands Fitted by Experts
From premium performance to budget-friendly options, find the perfect new tyres for your vehicle. All prices include professional fitting, balancing, and valve replacement.
Choosing the Right Tyre for Your Budget & Driving Style
Premium Tyres
Premium tyres represent the pinnacle of tyre technology, offering the ultimate in performance, safety, and longevity. These tyres feature the latest innovations in rubber compounds, tread patterns, and construction techniques, delivering superior grip in all conditions, excellent fuel efficiency, reduced road noise, and impressive mileage. While they command a higher upfront cost, premium tyres often prove more economical over their lifetime due to their extended tread life and performance benefits that can improve fuel economy and reduce the risk of accidents.
Featured Brands: Michelin, Goodyear, Continental, Pirelli, Bridgestone
Best For:
•High-mileage drivers (over 15,000 miles per year)
•Performance and sports cars
•Drivers who prioritize safety and handling
•Motorway and long-distance driving
•Those seeking the longest tread life
Typical Lifespan: 30,000-40,000 miles
[Shop Premium Tyres →]
Mid-Range Tyres
Mid-range tyres offer an excellent balance of performance and value, providing reliable quality without the premium price tag. These tyres come from well-established manufacturers and deliver solid all-around performance for everyday driving. They meet all UK safety standards and provide good grip, reasonable fuel efficiency, and respectable longevity. For most drivers, mid-range tyres represent the sweet spot between cost and capability, offering dependable performance for family cars and daily commutes.
Featured Brands: Hankook, Avon, Firestone, Yokohama, Falken, Kumho
Best For:
•Everyday family cars
•Average mileage drivers (8,000-15,000 miles per year)
•City and suburban driving
•Drivers seeking great value without compromising quality
•Second vehicles
Typical Lifespan: 20,000-30,000 miles
[Shop Mid-Range Tyres →]
Budget Tyres
Budget tyres provide a safe, legal, and cost-effective solution for drivers who cover low annual mileage or need an affordable replacement. While they may not match the performance or longevity of premium tyres, all our budget tyres meet strict UK and European safety standards. They’re an excellent choice for city driving, short commutes, or vehicles with limited remaining lifespan. We carefully select our budget tyre brands to ensure quality and reliability, so you can drive with confidence even on a tight budget.
Featured Brands: Davanti, Landsail, Rapid, Minerva, and other quality-assured brands
Best For:
•Low-mileage drivers (under 8,000 miles per year)
•City and urban driving
•Older vehicles
•Temporary or short-term solutions
•Very tight budgets
Typical Lifespan: 10,000-20,000 miles
[Shop Budget Tyres →]
Tyres for All Seasons & Weather Conditions
The right tyre for the season can dramatically improve your safety, handling, and fuel efficiency. Understanding the differences helps you make an informed choice for driving in and around London and beyond.
Summer Tyres
Summer tyres are specifically designed for optimal performance in temperatures above 7°C, making them ideal for the UK’s spring, summer, and autumn months. The rubber compound used in summer tyres remains flexible and grippy in warm conditions, while the tread pattern is optimized for efficient water dispersal on wet roads. Summer tyres provide excellent handling, shorter braking distances in warm weather, and better fuel efficiency compared to all-season or winter tyres used in summer conditions.
When to Use: April through October in the UK, or year-round in southern regions with mild winters.
Performance Characteristics: Superior grip on dry roads, excellent wet weather performance, responsive handling and cornering, and lower rolling resistance for better fuel economy.
Winter Tyres
Winter tyres are engineered with a special rubber compound that remains soft and flexible in temperatures below 7°C, providing superior grip on cold, wet, icy, and snowy roads. The deeper tread depth and unique tread pattern with numerous sipes (small slits) create additional biting edges that grip snow and ice. While winter tyres are a legal requirement in some European countries, they’re an optional but highly recommended safety upgrade for UK drivers, particularly those in rural or hilly areas or those planning winter trips to the continent.
When to Use: November through March in the UK, when temperatures regularly drop below 7°C, or in areas prone to snow and ice.
Performance Characteristics: Exceptional grip on snow and ice, shorter braking distances in cold conditions, improved handling in winter weather, and safer driving in challenging conditions.
Important Note: Winter tyres wear faster in warm weather and should be changed back to summer tyres when temperatures rise consistently above 7°C.
All-Season Tyres
All-Season Tyres
All-season tyres (also called all-weather tyres) are designed as a year-round compromise, blending characteristics of both summer and winter tyres. They use a rubber compound that performs adequately in both warm and cold conditions, with a tread pattern that handles various weather scenarios. For UK drivers who don’t want the hassle or expense of changing tyres twice a year, all-season tyres offer a practical solution, particularly for those who cover moderate mileage in mixed conditions and don’t face extreme winter weather.
When to Use: Year-round in the UK’s mild climate, for drivers who want convenience over maximum performance.
Performance Characteristics: Decent performance in all conditions (but not exceptional in any), convenience of year-round use, adequate grip in light snow, and reasonable fuel efficiency.
Trade-offs: While convenient, all-season tyres don’t match the performance of dedicated summer tyres in warm weather or winter tyres in cold conditions. They represent a compromise for versatility.
Which Seasonal Type Should You Choose?
For most UK drivers, summer tyres offer the best performance for the majority of the year. However, if you live in a rural area, frequently drive in winter conditions, or want maximum safety during the colder months, a set of winter tyres for November through March is a worthwhile investment. All-season tyres work well for drivers seeking convenience and those who cover moderate mileage in mixed conditions.
Want a deeper comparison? Read our comprehensive guide: Summer vs. Winter vs. All-Season Tyres: Which is Best for UK Drivers?
More Than Just a Tyre Price: The IQ Tyres Service Guarantee
We are one of the leading auto repair shops serving customers in Tucson.
All mechanic services are performed by highly qualified mechanics.
All-Inclusive Pricing
Our tyre prices always include everything you need: professional fitting by experienced technicians, brand new rubber valves, computerized wheel balancing to eliminate vibrations, and eco-friendly disposal of your old tyres. The price we quote is the price you pay—no hidden extras, no surprises at checkout. This transparency sets us apart from online retailers who often add significant fitting fees at the last minute.
Expert Fitting Included
Our experienced technicians use state-of-the-art equipment to fit your tyres safely and correctly. We take care to avoid damage to your alloy wheels during mounting, use proper torque settings for your specific vehicle, and ensure perfect sealing. Every tyre is fitted to manufacturer specifications, and we perform a final safety check before you drive away. This level of expertise simply isn’t available when buying online and using a third-party fitter.
Free Wheel Alignment Check
To help you get maximum life from your new tyres, we offer a free wheel alignment check with every purchase of two or more tyres. Proper wheel alignment is crucial for preventing premature and uneven tyre wear. If we detect any alignment issues, we’ll provide a no-obligation quote for correction. This complimentary check can save you hundreds of pounds in premature tyre replacement costs.
Honest, Local Advice
We’re not a call center or a national chain with sales targets. We’re a local, independent Mitcham garage that’s built our reputation on honesty and quality service. We’ll give you straight advice on the best tyres for your car, driving style, and budget—not just push the most expensive options. If your current tyres are still safe and legal, we’ll tell you, even if it means we don’t make a sale today. Your trust is worth more to us than a quick profit.
Supplying All Major Tyre Brands
As an independent garage, we can source and fit tyres from any brand to match your vehicle’s specifications and your budget. Whether you need premium performance tyres from Michelin or reliable budget options from Avon, we have the right solution for you. We’re not tied to any single manufacturer, so our advice is always honest and focused on your needs.
Do You Need New Tyres?
Low Tread Depth
Is your tread below 3mm? While the legal limit is 1.6mm, tyre performance—especially in wet conditions—drops significantly below 3mm. Use a 20p coin: if you can see the outer band, your tread is too low.
Visible Cracks or Bulges
Any cracks in the sidewall or visible bulges are a major safety risk and indicate structural damage. These tyres should be replaced immediately, as they can fail suddenly at high speeds.
Constant Pressure Loss
Are you frequently topping up your tyres? This could indicate a slow puncture, a faulty valve, or a damaged rim seal. Our technicians can diagnose and fix the issue.
Uneven Wear
Wear on one edge of the tyre often points to an issue with your [wheel alignment](/services/wheel-alignment/). Addressing alignment problems early can save you hundreds in premature tyre replacement costs.
Vibrations While Driving
If you feel vibrations through the steering wheel or seat, your tyres may need re-balancing. Unbalanced tyres cause uneven wear and can damage your suspension over time.
Unsure About Your Tyres?
Don’t take chances with your safety. Drive into our Mitcham garage for a free, no-obligation tyre safety check. Our experts will inspect your tread depth, pressure, and overall condition and give you honest advice—even if that means your tyres are fine.
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"I have taken several of the family cars here for the past several years and without exception the experiences have been outstanding. I would highly recommend this place to any one who wants great service, honest value, and really great people."
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"I have taken several of the family cars here for the past several years and without exception the experiences have been outstanding. I would highly recommend this place to any one who wants great service, honest value, and really great people."
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"I have taken several of the family cars here for the past several years and without exception the experiences have been outstanding. I would highly recommend this place to any one who wants great service, honest value, and really great people."
Our Professional Tyre Fitting & Balancing Process
Understanding Your Tyre Size: How to Read the Sidewall
Every tyre has a code on its sidewall that tells you its exact size and specifications. Here’s how to decode it.
Visual: A clear, annotated diagram of a tyre sidewall showing the numbers 205/55 R16 91V with arrows pointing to each component.
Example Code: 205/55 R16 91V
205 – Width
This is the width of the tyre in millimeters, measured from sidewall to sidewall. In this example, the tyre is 205mm wide.
55 – Profile (Aspect Ratio)
This number represents the height of the sidewall as a percentage of the width. A profile of 55 means the sidewall height is 55% of 205mm (approximately 113mm). Lower numbers indicate a lower profile (sportier appearance and handling), while higher numbers provide more cushioning.
R – Construction Type
This letter indicates the tyre’s construction. “R” stands for Radial, which is the standard construction for modern tyres. You may occasionally see “B” for Bias-ply (older technology) or “D” for Diagonal.
16 – Diameter
This number indicates the diameter of the wheel rim in inches that the tyre is designed to fit. This tyre fits a 16-inch wheel.
91 – Load Index
This number represents the maximum weight the tyre can safely carry when properly inflated. Each number corresponds to a specific weight capacity (91 = 615kg per tyre). Always ensure your tyres meet or exceed your vehicle’s load requirements.
V – Speed Rating
This letter indicates the maximum speed the tyre is rated for. Common ratings include: T (118 mph), H (130 mph), V (149 mph), W (168 mph), Y (186 mph). Always match or exceed your vehicle’s top speed capability.
Where to Find This Information
You can find your tyre size in several places:
On Your Current Tyres: Look at the sidewall of your existing tyres. The size code is molded into the rubber and is usually easy to spot.
In Your Vehicle Handbook: Your owner’s manual lists the recommended tyre sizes for your vehicle, often with different options for different wheel sizes.
On the Driver’s Door Frame: Many vehicles have a sticker on the driver’s door frame (or inside the fuel filler flap) showing the recommended tyre sizes and pressures.
Important Note: Always ensure the tyres you purchase match your vehicle’s specifications. If you’re unsure or considering a different size, consult our experts for advice on 07904 962265.
New Tyre FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Q: Can I mix different tyre brands on my car?
A: While it’s technically legal to mix brands, it’s highly recommended to have the same brand and model of tyre on the same axle (both front tyres or both rear tyres matching). Mixing different brands or models can lead to unpredictable handling characteristics because each tyre may have different grip levels, tread patterns, and performance attributes. For optimal safety and performance, we recommend replacing tyres in pairs (both front or both rear) with identical tyres.
Q: How do I know which tyres are right for my car?
A: The easiest way is to use our registration lookup tool above, which automatically identifies the correct tyre size for your vehicle based on the manufacturer’s specifications. Alternatively, you can check the size on your current tyres’ sidewalls or consult your vehicle handbook. If you’re still unsure, or if you’re considering upgrading to a different performance level, our experienced team is happy to provide personalized recommendations. Call us on 07904 962265 for expert advice.
Q: Does the price include everything?
A: Yes, absolutely. All our new tyre prices include professional fitting, a brand new rubber valve, computerized wheel balancing, and eco-friendly disposal of your old tyre. There are no hidden costs or surprise fees at checkout. The price we quote is the final price you pay. This all-inclusive approach ensures you can compare our prices fairly with online retailers, who often add significant fitting fees later in the process.
Q: How long does it take to fit new tyres?
A: Fitting a single tyre typically takes 15-20 minutes, including balancing. A full set of four tyres usually takes 45-60 minutes. We aim to provide fast, efficient service without compromising on quality. If you’re in a hurry, call ahead and we’ll do our best to have your tyres ready for a quick turnaround. Walk-ins are welcome, but calling ahead on 07904 962265 ensures we have your tyres in stock and ready to fit.
Q: Do you offer a warranty on new tyres?
A: All new tyres come with the manufacturer’s warranty, which typically covers manufacturing defects. The warranty period varies by brand and model—premium brands like Michelin often offer more comprehensive warranties than budget brands. We’ll provide full warranty details when you purchase your tyres. Additionally, if you experience any issues with tyres we’ve fitted, we’ll inspect them free of charge and liaise with the manufacturer on your behalf if a warranty claim is needed.
Q: Can I buy tyres online and have you fit them?
A: Yes, we offer a fitting service for tyres purchased elsewhere, though we’d encourage you to get a quote from us first—you might be surprised at how competitive our prices are when you factor in our all-inclusive service. Our fitting service for customer-supplied tyres includes mounting, balancing, new valves, and disposal. However, please note that we cannot provide warranty support for tyres we didn’t supply, and we must inspect customer-supplied tyres before fitting to ensure they’re safe and suitable.
Q: Should I replace all four tyres at once?
A: It depends on your vehicle and the condition of your existing tyres. For most two-wheel-drive vehicles, it’s best to replace tyres in pairs (both front or both rear) to maintain balanced handling. For four-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles, it’s often recommended to replace all four tyres to avoid drivetrain stress caused by different tread depths. If your other tyres are relatively new with good tread depth, replacing just one or two may be acceptable. We’ll assess your specific situation and provide honest recommendations.
Get a Competitive Quote for Your Tyres in Mitcham
Whether you need a single budget tyre or a full set of premium performance tyres, our team is ready to help. Contact us for a fast, no-obligation quote—we’ll match or beat any like-for-like quote from a local competitor.
Request a Quote NowOr visit us at our garage on Carshalton Road, Mitcham—no appointment needed for tyre checks.
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