Tyre Fitting in Ivybridge

Ivybridge sits on the southern edge of Dartmoor beside the A38, with heavy commuter traffic towards Plymouth and steep roads up to the moor. Daily mileage like that uses tyres faster than occasional driving.

Automaster, at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, fits new tyres, repairs suitable punctures, and sets wheel alignment and balance. Here is what commuters and local drivers in Ivybridge should know.

How quickly do commuter miles wear tyres?

Regular stop-start commuting and faster A38 running both add up, and wear shows first on the tyres doing the most work. Checking the tread every few weeks is a cheap habit that can head off a surprise.

The legal minimum is 1.6 mm across the central three quarters of the tread. A commuter on wet mornings is wise to replace before that point.

Short stop-start journeys do not let tyres settle at a steady temperature, while faster stretches push them harder. Both are worth bearing in mind when you decide how often to look them over. Keep an eye on pressures too, as they fall gradually even with no puncture.

What should I look for on the sidewalls?

Kerb scuffs are normal, but cuts, bulges or deep cracks are not. A bulge shows damage inside the tyre and needs attention at once. Look at the inner sidewalls too, which are harder to see.

Also check the tyres match. Two different types on one axle can change how the car handles, particularly under braking.

• Bulges or blisters
• Cuts deep enough to show cords
• Cracking from age
• Uneven wear across the tread

Is it worth fixing a puncture or fitting a new tyre?

If the puncture is in the central tread and the tyre is otherwise sound, a repair from the inside is often possible. If the damage is in the sidewall, it is not repairable, and a tyre that has been driven flat may need replacing too.

On the steep moor-edge roads above the town, a tyre you can trust matters, so we explain our reasoning plainly.

Steep roads up to the moor put extra strain on tyres, especially on wet days. If one tyre keeps losing air, do not simply keep topping it up; the cause should be found.

Do you cover Ivybridge and nearby villages?

Yes. We are at Longcombe Cross, Longcombe, Totnes TQ9 6PL. Drivers come from Ivybridge, South Brent, Ermington, Modbury and Kingsbridge.

For those who commute, tell us what you need and we will say what the job involves.

When you ask for a quote it helps to tell us which car you drive and which tyres you are replacing.

What shapes a tyre quote?

Size, speed and load rating, the number of tyres, and whether you also want alignment and balancing all affect it. We do not list figures because they differ so much between cars.

Send the registration and the sidewall size when you ask for a quote.

Different tyre types suit different cars, so we do not assume. Telling us the make and model, and whether the car carries heavy loads, helps us point you to the right fitting.