Aftersales

Tyre safety
When did you last check the tyres on your vehicle? Research shows that most tyres are either under inflated or worn below the legal limit of 1.6mm*

We have detailed below some useful information to assist you in checking your tyres to ensure you maintain the safe and smooth running of your vehicle. Ideally, you should check your tyres every two weeks or before a long journey*

If you would prefer, we will be able to assist you with a tyre health check and advise the correct BMW approved tyre for your vehicle should it need to be replaced. We are also able to offer a comprehensive replacement package including the environmentally friendly disposal of the old tyre, all at a very competitive price.

* For further information please refer to your vehicle owners handbook or contact us on 020 7514 3551.

Tyre pressures
It is vitally important that you regularly check the condition of your tyres and make sure that the tyre pressures are set to the correct level*. We recommend that you check your tyres at least twice a month or before any long journey as incorrect tyre pressures could cause irregular wear patterns, over inflated tyres tend to wear heavily in the centre of the tyre and under inflated tyres tend to wear the shoulders more. The correct tyre pressure readings can be found on the information sticker on the driver's doorpost, with the driver's door open. Make sure that you check the tyre pressures at ambient temperature (before being driven).

Once you have checked your tyre pressures, you may also need to reinitialise your Tyre Pressure Warning system (depending on the age and specification of your vehicle). Please check your owner's handbook for information on how to reset this device or call us on 020 7514 3551.

Tyre pressure settings for heavy loads and towing
You should also make sure that you increase the tyre pressure settings on your vehicle if you are going on a long journey with high loads or towing a caravan or trailer. Increased load tyre pressure settings can also be found on the information sticker located on the driver's doorpost. Remember, you should also deflate your tyres to normal load conditions after you have completed your journey, as the higher pressures will result in adverse tyre wear conditions and road holding of your vehicle.

Tyre damage
It is important for you to check the condition of your tyres regularly as any damage, foreign bodies, unusual tyre wear and sufficient tyre tread depth will all affect the ride quality and safety of your vehicle.

Pay particular attention to the sidewalls of your tyres and look for any bulges or cuts in them; this could be the result of kerb or pothole damage. You should also check to make sure that there are no signs of cracks appearing which are a sign of ageing.

Tread depth
You should also check the tread depth of your tyres; the minimum legal limit is 1.6mm across the middle 75% of the tyre at any point.

Tyre wear indicators are located in the base of the tyre tread groove and act as minimum wear indicators. Once the tyre tread has worn down to these indicators, which are set at 1.6mm, your tyres are illegal.

BMW recommends that you change your tyres when they reach 3mm tread depth, as tyres below the 3mm recommendation are worn by up to 78% and will greatly affect the overall braking and cornering performance of your vehicle.

Tyres below a tread depth of 3mm are also affected by an increased risk of Aquaplaning when driving on wet roads. This is when a wedge of water is formed between the road and the tyre and means that the tyre loses contact completely with the road surface, so that neither the car's steering or brakes can be properly applied.

	Tread depth remaining	Wear rate %
	8mm	0% worn
	7mm	15% worn
	6mm	31% worn
	5mm	47% worn
	4mm	62% worn
	3mm	78% worn
	2mm	94% worn
	1.6mm	100% worn

Legal issues
Remember that if your tyre is un-roadworthy you risk the performance of your vehicle and could also risk a possible maximum penalty fine of £10,000 and 12 penalty points on your driving licence.