The amount of air that is inside a tyre. This is measured in PSI [pounds per square inch] or Bars. The recommended air pressure is available from your vehicle handbook.

The measurements of the wheels, steering and suspension, in line with manufacturers’ specifications. Ultimately the aim is to ensure a car drives in a true straight line.

Occurs when a film of water prevents a tyre from being able to grip the road. The result is lack of control and traction for the driver.

The balancing of tyres ensures equal weight distribution when wheels spin.

The metric unit for measuring air pressure.

Steel wire wrapped in rubber, that helps hold the tyre to the metal rim.

A single element in a tread pattern. The shapes of rubber that create the tread pattern. Shapes vary depending on tread design.

The structure or skeleton of the tyre which sits beneath the tread and sidewalls.

Otherwise known as winter tyres, these are designed with special compounds and components to maximise performance in temperatures below 7°c and in wet, snowy and icy conditions.

The mix of rubber and other materials used to produce the final material a tyre is made of. Different compounds are derived for different tyre purposes.