Annabelle Clarke

PR Manager

Annabelle Clarke | Author

Eduardo Rodrigues

Content Writer

Claudia Tuñón

Isobel Coughlan

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

Alastair Shephard

Tyres are one of the things we change most frequently on a car. However, selecting the right one is crucial to keep your care safe and avoid paying high costs.

last anywhere between 5,000 and 20,000 miles

. So, getting to know which tyres suit your vehicle ASAP is critical

Today, we'll explain all the markings you'll find on a tyre, what they mean, and which ones you need to look out for. Ready to become an expert? Scroll down to learn more.

What tyres are right for my car? The basic tyre types

Before you do anything, get to know the basic tyre types. These will help you decide what tyres suit your vehicle and which you prefer the look of. Find the top categories below. 

Never mismatch tyres on an axle pair. But more about this is below. 

Low-profile tyres have a small sidewall, meaning the outer diameter is closer to the diameter of the wheel itself. These are often seen on cars with large wheel sizes, 17" and above.

Learn about replacing your wheel bearings

Large tyre manufacturer Michelin invented the "Run Flat" tyre to help vehicles drive on tyres without air pressure. While you shouldn't be doing this, it's vital if your tyre sustains a puncture and loses lots of air. These tires are convenient in motorway breakdown situations, as you must always continue driving to get to a safe position. 

Modern tyres now use a different manufacturing method. The principle is the same: the vehicle can be driven for sometimes over 40 miles on a tyre with no air pressure. 

Don't solely rely on run-flat tyres, though! You still need to be 

These tyres have been adopted as standard fitment on a few cars, mostly 

HL tyres support the weight of electric and hybrid cars. They provide a higher load-carrying capacity without changing the tyre size. You can usually spot a HL tyre by the "HL" prefix at the start of the tyre size information.

OE (Original Equipment) tyres are the tyres that come with your vehicle. Your manufacturer approved these, so you know they're compatible with your car.

Some manufacturers use brand-name tyres that are specialised for their vehicles. If this is the case for your car, you'll see an OE marking on your sidewall. It's best to use OE tyres if they're present in your car. 

For example, Alfa Romeo cars have an AR marking, Hyundai has a HN marking, and Volvo has a VOL marking. 

What tyre sizes fit my car? Standard tyre sizing and ratings

Knowing your tyre sizing is essential. But how do you work out which size you 

You can review your current tyres or consult your owner's manual or service details. 

Examining your tyre marking lets you know what tyres work for your car. If you've bought your car second-hand, note there's no guarantee that the previous owner will fit the right tyres. 

When investigating tyres, note that the first two numbers indicate the physical size of the tyre. You may find your owner's manual suggesting two or more tyre sizes for the same wheel size. This is normal, so make a note of both. 

215 - This is the width of the tyre in millimetres. 

60 - This is the profile, as a ratio of the width - e.g. 60% of 215 

Now, onto the second half of the lettering. This describes the following: 

R - This means Radial, as opposed to 'Cross-Ply', which is the inner construction of the tyre. Apart from some vintage cars, all tyres are Radial. 

96 - Load rating: this is how much weight the tyre can hold. A rating chart is seen 

H - This is the speed rating; high-performance cars with high speeds require higher-rated tyres. A speed chart is available 

Checking the owner's manual or service records

Manufacturers offer different wheel options for each vehicle. So, your car registration number isn't the only information you need (have it handy anyway!). You must also understand tyre sizing and general tyre characteristics — especially if buying online. 

This information is in your last car service record or the owner's manual. Never lose these documents! 

Did you know that you need special tyres for different seasons? That's right. The weather affects your wheels. 

Climactic tyres are usually divided into summer and winter tyres. Winter tyres need better grip to navigate snow and ice. If you live in a region with severe winters, swap your tyres as the seasons change. 

If you live in an area with occasional snow but primarily mild winters, you should opt for all-season tyres. You can use summer tyres all year round if you live somewhere with warmer winters (temperatures above 7°C). 

Your driving style also affects your tyre choice. Take a moment to reflect on your driving habits and factor these into your tyre choice. 

If you want tyres that provide a smooth ride with no road noise, look for tyres that are made for comfort and have lower speed ratings (e.g. H, S or T ratings). These don't focus as much on speed and give you more stability. 

You should also skip aggressive tread designs. They can generate more noise. 

If you're a keen driver and want to feel the curve of the road, opt for tyres with better steering precision or great handling. These are sometimes called "high-performance" tyres and give a stiffer but more precise feel. 

Finding the right tyre for your car: Top FAQs

Still have a few questions? Don't worry. Here are the top FAQs about choosing the right tyre for your car. 

You should change your tyres when the performance dips or there's visible wear. You should also change them after a puncture. 

It's illegal to drive on bald tyres. If your tread depth is less than 1.6mm, it's time to change. 

If you don't enjoy changing tyres, picking a premium style will ensure they last longer. The price is higher, but you won't have to visit the garage as much. 

Yes and no. If you practise careful driving (e.g. gentle acceleration and braking), your tyres will wear slower. But ultimately, if you drive often, you'll wear your tyres. 

Should I replace my tyres with a different size?

If your owner's manual gives the option of more than one tyre, you can use both. But weigh up the pros and cons of each size, as there may be genuine reasons for selecting one over another. 

For example, choosing a tyre with a larger sidewall profile will increase give and improve overall ride quality. But you can also opt for a lower profile for better cornering feedback. When in doubt, discuss your options with an expert. 

Should all four tyres on a car be the same size?

Yes. In an ideal world, you should have the same size, speed rating, load index, and tread pattern of tyres. A set of matching tyres optimises the performance and safety of your drive. 

Of course, sometimes you'll need to go for a mismatched tyre (e.g. using a spare in an emergency). But this should be avoided if possible. Mismatched tyres make you a danger to yourself and other drivers. 

Also, never mismatch tyres on an axle pair. Different sizes and tread patterns can lead to poor grip, an uneven drive, and stress on the axle system. You'll also have less control on wet or loose ground. 

Yes, good tyres do make a difference. Expensive tyres can upgrade your driving experience. However, you don't need to splurge to feel this difference. Instead, changing your tyres regularly will provide a safe and comfortable drive — even if you opt for budget-friendly tyres. 

You can find your vehicle's recommended tyre pressure in the owner's manual. It may also be printed on the sill of the driver's door or inside the fuel tank flap. Note that the recommended tyre pressure might differ for the front and rear tyres! 

Selecting the right tyres for your car is essential, so don't put it off! Hopefully, this quick guide has pointed you in the right direction. Remember to check your user manual and previous tyre type. If unsure, always consult a professional before selecting any old tyre set.

Spread the cost of tyres and other car maintenance bills. Apply for a credit limit of up to £5,000 and see dependable dealerships in your area with 

 has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his five cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.

Which tyre is right for my car? 

It’s hard to buy, own and maintain a car without hearing the terms cam belt, timing chain, or timing Belt. Whether upon purchase, at a service interval, or worst of all, when something’s gone wrong! 

In this article, we’ll clear up any confusion about what cam belts are, what they do, how long they really last, how important they are, and what a replacement cam belt or chain can cost. 

Bumper knows a large repair bill on your car is the last thing you want to spend your money on, but essential parts such as cam belts are crucial for your safety. Learn how you can split the cost of repairs into monthly instalments, interest-free. 

Cam belts, or timing belts, are vital parts of a car’s engine, made of rubber, with metal wires embedded for strength. Typically

 the belt will be mostly covered by plastic guards. The top half of an engine, or Head, houses the valves and camshafts. The latter components control the flow of fuel and gases in and out of the engine, and their rotation is critical to the engine running properly. 

The cam belt or timing belt is responsible for the timing of the internal combustion engine. The camshaft determines the timing of the valves, which are powered by the cambelt, from the crankshaft. Small notches in the belt locate the cambelt to the shafts. This ensures the rotational position of the camshaft relative to the crankshaft. 

Is a timing belt the same as a cam belt? 

Yes, a cam belt is a type of timing belt, just like a cam chain is a type of timing chain. As with many car parts and features, people refer to the same components by various different names. 

A cam chain serves the exact same purpose as a cambelt but is constructed of metal, similar in shape to a bicycle chain. It is generally encased in a sealed, metal engine cover. Cam chains are typically run ‘wet’ meaning they operate in the oil, aiding lubrication and efficiency.

Many manufacturers claim the chain will not need replacing for the life of the engine, or at least 200,000 miles. They do not usually, therefore, feature on any servicing schedules, this is one of the main benefits of cam chains; their longevity,

Cam belts are usually rated to last between 60,000-100,000 miles, or around 5-7 years depending on the manufacturer. The cam belt tensioner should be changed at the same time, as these keep the cam belt in contact with the pulleys. 

Does my car have a cam belt or a cam chain? 

All modern car engines have either a cam belt or a cam chain but it pays to check which your car has. This way you can ensure the appropriate maintenance is carried out to avoid 

. There are some tell-tale covers and parts to look out for under the bonnet, but without delving into each specific model, these are the safest ways to check: 

Consult the owner's manual, specifically the service interval section. This will tell you the required service intervals, and whether your car has a belt or chain. 

If this is not available, a quick call to your local dealer or specialist relevant to your car should be able to help, it would also be pertinent to get an estimate of the cost for replacement of the belt or chain in the future.

There are a few different reasons for a cambelt to fail, this is because they interact with multiple components and are made of perishable material. 

One of the most common reasons for cam belts failing is neglect. Failing to replace your old rubber cam belt in line with the servicing guidelines for your car will result in the material perishing and breaking. 

When installing a new cam belt, care should be taken to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for belt alignment, tension and fitting direction. Any one of these issues could cause the belt to wear unevenly and excessively. 

As discussed, the cam belt uses a tensioner to remain in proper contact with the timing gears. If the tensioner stops providing this tension, the timing gears will strip the teeth or even throw the belt from the pulleys. 

Both outcomes result in a severely damaged belt and potential damage to the engine. Tensioners should always be replaced when a new belt or water pump is fitted because the cost of the new part is much lesser than the consequences of a failed belt. 

Cam belts do not generally give much warning of failure without visual inspection. Worn belts will not give an audible warning nor affect the performance of the vehicle. 

One instance between normal function and complete failure may be that the belt jumps on one or both of the pulleys. This can be caused by a failing tensioner and will result in poor running or a complete failure to start. 

The best method of ensuring cam belt longevity is to replace it on or before the recommended intervals, with a quality belt kit. 

Cam chains are slightly different because the chain and sprockets are metal, if the tensioner becomes faulty, noise can be heard specifically on start-up. It will take the form of a metallic tick, clatter or rattle. 

One tip is to search online for videos of owners of your make model and engine type with the term ‘timing chain noise’. There will usually be multiple results of which you can use to identify a suspect noise coming from your own engine. 

If any noise is heard, it is recommended to have this checked as soon as possible, as full timing chain or belt failure can be catastrophic for your engine. 

How much does a cam chain cost to repair? 

The total cost for a cam chain replacement can range from £700-£1300. Typical labour times are in the 4-6 hour range including tensioning and setup and part costs can be upwards of £300 as the chains are high-precision parts. 

Although according to most manufacturers, Cam Chains should not require replacement or service for the lifetime of the engine, this is not always the case, however. 

Sometimes they may need repair work. Causes can be material failures such as chain stretching. Other common cam chain issues include failing tensioners, worn sprockets and poor lubrication. 

In many cases, any issue with the timing chain is best resolved by the complete removal and replacement of the chain and tensioner. 

 and can sometimes only be tackled by a specialist garage. This is because there are often special tools required to successfully remove and replace the chain correctly. 

Another consideration for cam chain replacement is that the 

 as the cam chain is lubricated by the engine oil. This adds to the parts list; an oil filter and oil. 

How much does a cam belt cost to repair? 

The total cost range to repair a cam belt is between £300 and £700. Cam belts are typically simpler to change. Some manufacturers require special tooling, often for locking the engine whilst the belt is removed, and sometimes for correct tensioning. These tools are cheaper than those needed for cam chains. 

The belt itself is also considerably cheaper, with new parts often only costing around £130, including a new tensioner and belt. One caveat is that in many cases, the cambelt will also power the water pump, this means it makes the most sense to replace this at the same time, adding an extra £40-60 for most vehicles. 

Cam belts are generally easier to change, but will often still require the removal of ancillary components such as the engine mount, alternator and aforementioned water pump. This means labour hours can range from 2-4 hours. 

There are two different types of engines, interference and non-interference. This refers to the configuration of the engine, and how compact the packaging is, most modern engines fall under the ‘interference’ category, meaning if the belt breaks, the engine could be damaged. 

In a non-interference engine, often found in older vehicles, the car will not start or run, this is because the engine’s valves will not be closing or opening to allow fuel in and 

In a more modern car, the severity of the damage will depend on when the belt is to fail. 

When starting the engine, the cam belt has to turn the entire engine in unison, including the camshafts and water pump. This can overload a damaged belt and cause it to break. 

If the engine has not started running, threes a possibility that the pistons will not hit the valves. This would be the best-case scenario for a broken cam belt. 

As the cambelt is under quite a lot of stress during operation, it’s possible that the belt could snap whilst driving at speed. 

This will cause the entire valvetrain to stop moving, depending on where in the engine cycle the belt breaks, the engine could lock up and cause the driver to lose control. In this instance, it’s best to take the car out of gear or shift to Neutral if automatic. 

In interference engines, upon timing chain or belt failure, the pistons can come into contact with the valves, this will usually cause significant damage to the engine. Specifically, the valvetrain, camshafts and head. In some cases, it can also damage the pistons irreparably. 

Both scenarios will cost thousands of pounds to repair. This is why it is imperative to keep up to date with service intervals, as well as monitor any new noises or symptoms.

What are the symptoms of a broken cam belt?

As we’ve discussed, the timing or cam belt connects the rotation of the crankshaft to the camshafts and therefore the position of the valves. This means a broken cambelt will have a significant impact on the engine.

Without the valves being opened and closed at the right time, the engine will not be able to run. The valve's closing creates a pressurised chamber for the fuel to ignite, meaning no fuel can ignite in the cylinders. 

In some cars, the engine will still attempt to start, meaning it may make some disconcerting sounds whilst it turns over, injects fuel and the spark plugs fire.

Many modern cars, though have a crank and camshaft sensor, which detects the speed of the respective shafts and ensures everything is in sync. If it's not - for instance when the cambelt is broken - the ECU will either cut the fuel supply, spark or power to the 

As above, the engine will not fire if the cambelt is no longer driving the camshafts. If therefore the car has an adequate fuel supply, a strong spark and no hindrance to the air intake, it's a good chance the cambelt has broken.

If the cambelt has stretched, but not completely broken, the engine may still run. In this instance, the camshafts can be slightly out of sync to the rest of the engine, but still, allow the cylinder to be pressurised at nearly the right time. 

The engine will run very poorly, though with the likelihood of backfiring and smoke from the exhaust very high. An engine with a suspected cambelt failure should not be run.

How to maintain the life of your timing belt

As the cam chain runs in a sealed system using the engine's oil, the quality of the oil will affect the wear and efficiency of the chain. The best way to help prevent premature chain wear is to maintain regular oil changes and to use the correct grade of engine oil. 

As the cam belt is in the open air, it is not susceptible to wear due to poor oil in the same way a cam chain is. For engine longevity though, it’s still recommended to change your oil regularly! 

The only way to prevent premature cambelt failure is to maintain regular changes in line with the manufacturer's service intervals. It is also important to replace the ancillary components that also interact with the cambelt; namely the water pump and belt tensioner. 

Now we’ve discussed the ins and outs of cambelts and cam chains, take even more worry out of the automotive experience by 

To apply for a credit limit of up to £5,000 and see dependable garages and dealerships in your area you can split the cost at enter your registration and postcode on our 

What Is A Cam Belt And When Do You Need To Change It?

¿Qué es una correa de distribución o de levas? y ¿Cuándo hay que cambiarla?

Was ist ein Nockenriemen und wann müssen Sie ihn wechseln?

The AA has recently commented on common speed camera myths, urging drivers to slow down and pay attention to the limits. 

It’s believed by some road users that changing lanes can help drivers avoid detection by speed cameras. Whilst this was true at one time, modern speed cameras have multiple setups allowing all lanes to be covered. 

More often than not, there will be white markings across all lanes near speed cameras, allowing for a secondary check that shows how far the vehicle has travelled between two points. 

Cameras must be visible for drivers to be prosecuted 

Despite the Department for Transportation declaring that all cameras are required to be painted yellow, it is not true that they must be perfectly visible for motorists to receive a fine. 

So trying to contest your fine due to the camera being covered by an overgrown tree, isn’t going to work. 

First introduced in 1991, the first type of speed camera, the Gatso, was named after Dutch rally-driving inventor, Maurice Gatsonides. Still in use today, these cameras record how fast a vehicle travels between two points by capturing two images. 

Another type is the average speed camera, which works by capturing the speed of a vehicle at various points along a road, meaning drivers cannot just slow down on their approach. 

There's no limit for how many cameras can be involved in the average speed camera check and some have a network of up to 1,000 cameras. 

The final type is the Speed and Traffic Camera, which uses radar to see how fast a vehicle is going. A digital image is produced, showing the colour, type, make, model and registration number of the vehicle. 

The registered owner is sent a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) within two weeks of being caught. Fines issued are a minimum of £100, with 3 points on your licence. However, these can be escalated depending on how far over the limit you were driving. 

Yes, speed cameras absolutely work. The London School of Economics estimated that between 1992-2016, speed cameras reduced deaths around 60 – 70%. The advice from the AA remains drivers shouldn’t look to avoid detection from cameras and should follow all speed limits and laws of the roads. 

Help to keep our roads safer by slowing down. Plus, you might save yourself some money! 

Make car repairs more affordable and spread the cost of your next bill into interest-free monthly payments. To apply for a Credit Limit and see local dependable garages and dealerships in your area, enter your vehicle and registration on 

Debunked: Common speed camera myths 

Cars are complicated machines, involving many systems and components. In order to maintain trouble-free motoring, there are a few important things every motorist should know and check regularly. 

The first port of call for any maintenance should be your owner's handbook. This gives details of all the user-serviceable systems in the car and how to check them. They will give vehicle-specific advice you may need to know. 

Even if you drive your car every day, you should be vigilant in checking these safety-critical items, some of them won’t need an inspection. You’ll interact with them directly by using your car, but it’s still prudent to be able to detect and rectify issues. 

With the average motorist spending over £800 on car repairs in 2021, it’s good to get ahead and be prepared. 

With many vehicles going largely unused over the pandemic, we’d recommend carrying out these checks every few weeks with normal usage, and especially before a long drive, e.g. 

before setting off on holiday, you'll want to do some checks

Make sure they are at the correct pressure, a pressure gauge is ideal, but a daily visual check will ensure you haven’t developed a flat. Check your owner’s manual for recommended tyre pressures. Be sure to pay attention to how heavily loaded the car will be, e.g. luggage and additional passengers. 

Keep an eye out for the tyres perishing, bulging or wearing unevenly. 

Get a helper to walk around your car whilst you test the various 

 and brake light settings. Also, check for the correct indicator and hazard warning light function. 

You’ll probably notice this without meaning to, but just check all your mirrors are still present, clean and correctly adjusted.

This is again something you directly interact with, but if the belt feels slack, overly tight or restricted or there is a different noise or feel when you clip in, don’t drive until it can be inspected by a professional. Before driving with children, check their seatbelts for them. 

It seems obvious, but there were over 800,000 cases of drivers needing to be rescued after 

 in 2015, according to a study by LV=. Be especially careful if you live or are travelling to remote areas where fuel stations could be few and far between. 

After you’ve started the car, check the dash for warning lights. It's good to do this regularly too, such as when you’ve reached your destination. 

Oil should not be missed in your vehicle inspection, make sure the oil level is between the minimum and maximum. The colour should be a dark brown, if the oil is black, check your service interval log for overdue oil changes. 

Coolant should also be monitored, the colour will either be red/orange or blue/green depending on the age of the vehicle. If the coolant is dark or colourless, take your car to a garage as it may need a 

Brake fluid and power steering fluid are similar to engine oil, check the level is correct, and the fluid is not excessively dark. 

For information on where to find the relevant tanks, consult your owner’s manual, as that will describe the location and appearance of the cap. 

With the possibility of being stranded far away from home, and the increased strain on your vehicle from elevated operating temperatures, checking your car over before a long trip is essential. 

Luggage and extra people can affect how your car performs and exacerbates any pre-existing issues with 

Ensure any roof rack boxes, bike racks and other attachments are well secured, be sure to check the loading capacity of your vehicle too, a plate inside the door is usually the best source of this information. 

If driving in Europe, make sure you’re equipped with the required safety equipment and know 

 or feeling from the steering, especially when turning. If you do, stop in a safe position and seek professional advice. 

Similar to the steering, before you start your journey, be sure your brakes feel and sound normal, long pedal travel or a squidgy pedal can indicate a leak, squealing or scraping can indicate worn pads. If anything at all is amiss, seek advice. 

When accelerating and cruising, listen for anything out of the ordinary, or if the car feels sluggish or slow to accelerate. Hesitation could be caused by various faults and may well be minor. 

Juddering when up to speed is often indicative of wheel miss-balancing, and under braking is usually caused by warped brake discs. If you experience any of these issues you should seek help as soon as possible. 

To make the whole process easier, check out Bumper’s interest-free monthly payments for car repairs. 

To be approved for a Credit Limit of up to £5,000 and 

search for garages and dealerships near you on the Bumper network, 

and enter your registration and postcode.

Safety checks - What to check before driving

Team Bumper met (for the first time in its entirety) in Lisbon last month for a week of collaborative workshops and team-bonding activities. 

In attendance, were our teams based in the UK, Spain, Germany and our development team based in Ankara, Turkey. 

The main purpose of the meet-up was to allow members of different departments to collaborate, chat and understand each other’s goals. 

During the update, teams stood to present who they were and their plans for the future. We heard from People, Engineering, Product, Sales, Risk and Compliance, Growth, and Operations. 

Before the trip, workshops were held by our People Team, to understand exactly what Bumper’s core values are; how we work together as a team, how we approach new opportunities and challenges, and how we interact with external stakeholders. 

 - We’re committed, enthusiastic and always give 110%. 

- We're inquisitive, drive change & positively disrupt. 

 - We embrace it, put our stamp on it & take pride in it. 

- We're passionate, tenacious and resilient; we get the job done 

 - We keep it real & we trust each other to do the right thing, in the right way. 

- We stay focused on the goal, avoid overcomplicating things & insist on transparency. 

One evening, we were joined by guest speaker, Alan Chambers, who discussed team motivation, how to create a winning mindset and what inspirational leadership looks like. Alan is a former Royal Marine Commando, Author, and Polar Adventurer. 

He led the first successful unsupported expedition from Canada to the North Pole by a British team. The expedition took them a whopping 672 nautical miles, through temperatures as low as -65°C. 

After seventy days out on the ice, Alan’s team planted the Union Flag on the 16th of May 2000. 

Lastly, some of the team took to the water for paddle-boarding and surfing, whilst others enjoyed a relaxing yoga session. 

For many of the team, working remotely across Europe, this was a great opportunity for them to get to know who they’re working with, face-to-face, without using a video meetings! 

“Very happy to meet every Bumpee face-to-face and spend time together. It was a great opportunity to collect unforgettable memories with each of you!”

Sumru, Talent and People partner (Turkey) 

“Glad to have met most of Bumper and had the opportunity to spend such a legendary time with each of you! I certainly enjoyed myself! A big thank you for the organisers!”

“Thank you to all organizers for this great retreat. It was great opportunity to meet all you in person. I hope to see you all again next retreat” 

“I had a blast! I had been hearing about this trip since I joined a year ago and it really surpassed my expectations big time. So proud to be part of Bumper; loved every minute of it!”

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