Cheap tyres are fine. Unsafe tyres, or a cheap price that grows by the time you pay, are not. Most tyre rip-offs aren't about the price on the sign. They are about extras added at the till, the wrong tyre being fitted, or being told you need more than you do.

If you want somewhere to start, our directory lists tyre shops around Glasgow from OpenStreetMap data. They are not our partners and we don't rate them.

Know when you really need new tyres

The legal minimum for cars and vans up to 3,500kg is 1.6mm of tread, in a continuous band across the centre three-quarters of the tyre, all the way round. Each illegal tyre can mean a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points.

A tyre is also illegal with a cut deep enough to reach the cords that is longer than 25mm or a tenth of the tyre's width, with a lump or bulge, or with cords showing.

Most tyres have small raised bars in the main grooves, called tread wear indicators. When the tread is level with them, it is at the legal limit. Grip in the wet falls well before that, so many drivers change tyres at around 3mm.

If a fitter says you need new tyres, ask them to show you the tread depth reading and any damage.

Ask for the full fitted price

The tyre price is often not the price you pay. Before you agree, ask for one figure that includes:

  • Fitting.
  • A new valve, or a service kit if the car has tyre pressure sensors.
  • Balancing.
  • Getting rid of the old tyre.
  • VAT.

Prices vary a lot with the size, the brand and the shop, so get two or three quotes for the exact same size. Mobile fitters can be good value, but ask the same question and check for a call-out charge.

Buying online to have fitted locally? Ask the fitter's price for that first.

Check the size and the numbers

The sidewall has a code such as 205/55 R16 91V. The first three numbers are the size. The last part is the load index (91) and the speed rating (V). Your car's handbook or a sticker in the door frame says what it needs.

The size must match. The load index and speed rating should be at least what the car needs. Don't accept a lower rating because the tyre is cheaper or "it's all they had in".

If the car came on run-flat tyres and has no spare wheel, ask before swapping to ordinary tyres. You may need to carry a repair kit or a spare.

Budget, mid-range or premium?

New tyres carry a label that grades wet grip and fuel efficiency from A to E, and shows road noise. Compare those grades, not only the brand name. A mid-range tyre with a good wet grip grade is often a sensible choice for a cheap car doing town miles.

Part-worn tyres

Part-worn tyres are legal, but the seller has to follow the rules. A part-worn car tyre must:

  • Have at least 2mm of tread across its full width, all the way round.
  • Be marked "PART-WORN" permanently, in letters at least 4mm high.
  • Have no cuts over the limits, no lumps or bulges, and no cords showing.
  • Have any repairs done to the British Standard.
  • Have been checked while inflated.

If a part-worn tyre isn't marked, or the seller won't let you look at it properly, walk away. Ask how old it is and whether it has been repaired.

Check how old the tyre is

There is a four-digit date code on the sidewall. "2324" means it was made in week 23 of 2024. There is no legal age limit for car tyres in the UK, but rubber hardens as it ages. A "new" tyre that has sat in a store for years is not a bargain, so it is fair to ask for a recent one.

Don't get talked into more

Tyres on the same axle should be the same type, so you may need a pair rather than one. But if only one or two tyres are worn, you don't need four. Wheel alignment can be worth doing if a tyre is wearing on one edge. Ask them to show you the wear first.

If something goes wrong

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, work must be done with reasonable care and skill. If no price was agreed, you only have to pay a reasonable price. Raise it with the shop first, then in writing. For free advice in Scotland, contact Advice Direct Scotland (opens in a new tab) on 0808 164 6000.

Not sure what you need? Tell us about the car and we'll help you work out what to ask for and where to look. It is free to ask.

Common questions

Are part-worn tyres legal in Scotland?

Yes, if they meet the rules: at least 2mm of tread across the full width, a permanent "PART-WORN" mark, no serious damage, and only proper repairs.

How do I know if a quote is fair?

Get the full fitted price for the same tyre size from two or three places, including valves, balancing, disposal and VAT. Then compare like with like.