When a tyre has burst, been cut open or worn through, it needs replacing, not repairing. We bring a new tyre to the car and fit it where it stands. Urgent jobs are fitted in if the diary allows.
We work from one base at Brent Cross, NW2 1LX. Abingdon is about 46 miles from it in a straight line, a longer trip for the van, so we tell you on the call whether we can come and, if so, give you an arrival time.
Getting the right tyre starts with the size printed on the side, a string such as 225/45 R17 94W. That is the width in millimetres, the sidewall height as a percentage of the width, R for radial, the wheel diameter in inches, then the load index and speed rating. If the damaged tyre is hard to read, use the one on the other side of the same axle, which should match.
Also tell us if the tyre is a run-flat (marked with letters such as RSC, ROF, RFT or SSR) or carries a car maker's approval mark, such as a star for BMW or MO for Mercedes-Benz, so we can match it.
Common sizes are often on the van, but we do not promise a size until we have checked. If yours is not, it is sourced for the job, and the arrival time you are given on the call takes that into account.
If the tyre on the other side of the axle is worn, the fitter can tell you while there, and it is your choice whether to replace both.
A burst, a deep cut, a bulge or cords showing through mean the tyre should not be driven on at all. If the car is parked safely, leave it where it is. If it stopped on the A34 or another main road, we cannot work on the carriageway, verge or slip road: move off the road only if the car can be driven safely, otherwise call your breakdown cover, which may reach you sooner.
The price depends on the tyre: its size, brand, load and speed rating, and whether it is a run-flat. You are told it on the call before anyone sets off, and an urgent job in the evening or at a weekend, when the diary allows one, costs the same as a booked weekday fitting.
Many newer cars, especially some BMW and MINI models, leave the factory on run-flat tyres and carry no spare wheel. The sidewall says so, with a marking such as RSC, ROF, SSR, ZP or RFT depending on the maker.
A car built for run-flats should stay on run-flats, because it has no spare to fall back on and its suspension is set up for their stiffer sidewalls. Tell us on the call if the car has them, so the right tyre is sourced.
Call or WhatsApp with where the car is, the registration and the tyre size from the sidewall. A photo of the damage helps find the right replacement.
You hear what the job involves and the options for your car. Nothing is booked until you say yes.
The fitter comes to your home, your workplace or a safe place to park, raises the car on a jack and does the job beside it.
Before the fitter leaves, the wheel is checked for security and the tyre pressure is set to the maker's figure.
“A pleasure having them come down and save me. Big shout out to Hiwad, really responsive, recommend him to anybody.”
“Faultless experience. Great communication, attitude and service.”
“Good and reliable service in all conditions.”
Cars and light vans need at least 1.6 mm of tread across the central three-quarters of the tyre, around the whole circumference.
For a car, each illegal tyre can bring a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points; the maximum fine for a van is higher.
Push a 20p coin into the main grooves at several points around the tyre. If the outer band of the coin is visible, the tread may be close to the limit and should be measured properly.
A tyre is also illegal with a cut longer than 25 mm or a tenth of its section width, whichever is greater, that reaches the ply or cord, a lump or bulge, exposed cords, or the wrong size or type for the car.
The last four digits of the DOT code on the sidewall give the week and year of manufacture, so 2319 means the 23rd week of 2019.
Rubber hardens and cracks with age even on a tyre that has done few miles, and many tyre makers advise replacing any tyre ten years old or more.
These are the neighbourhoods, postcode districts and main roads on record for this area. Whether we can take a particular job depends on the diary and the distance from our base, so the call always decides.
Yes, if the site allows it. Supermarket, retail park and station car parks are private ground, so the owner's permission comes first. Places of this kind in this area include:
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Get the car somewhere safe, send a photo of the damage and the size, and the new tyre comes to the car. Call and we will tell you straight away whether we can take the job; if we can, the arrival time is given on the call. The price is given on the call.
