There are two main purposes of the writing that you'll see on the sidewall of your tyres.

The first is to help identify the size and specification of the tyres correctly. The second is to confirm that the tyre has been tested and approved to European and other country safety standards. The European mandatory is known as 'E' marking.

Vehicle manufacturers always recommend that you fit the correct tyres when it comes to replacing your vehicles tyres. This includes:

• The exact tyre size that your vehicle was fitted with as it would have left the factory.
• Correct speed and load rating.

Your vehicle hand book will give you the information you require about the correct size. Also, the law requires your vehicle to be fitted with the correct type and size of tyre for the vehicle type you are driving and for the purpose it is being used.

The legal limit for minimum depth of the tread on your tyres is 1.6 millimetres, across the central ¾ of the tread going around the complete circumference of the tyre.

The load and speed ratings on tyres are the maximum under specific working conditions. This is why you should always adjust tyre pressures according to the vehicles hand book. This will help you get the best out of your tyres, make you and your family safer, and lead to more lower fuel consumption which all helps to reduce your carbon foot print.

Click here to read more about the load and speed ratings