Just fitted new tyres? Before you hit the road with confidence, it’s worth knowing that fresh tyres need a short bedding-in period. This guide explains why new tyres feel different, how long they take to settle, and the simple driving habits that keep you safe while improving grip and longevity.
Anyone who has ever bought a new pair of shoes will know about that brand new feeling, when they’re still a little too “box fresh” to be considered truly comfortable. Getting over that hurdle is all part of using something new – so is the same true of car tyres?
When you first drive away from the garage with a new set of tyres, the visual transformation is undeniable. New tyres have that crisp and perfectly cut tread surrounding their diameter, the tyre size calculation and markings are all crystal clear, and the central wheel rim is incredibly shiny.
But does having new tyres affect the driving capability, safety and experience?
Let’s take a closer look at what it’s like to drive on new tyres…
Are New Tyres Safe?
This is a more complex question than it seems at first glance.
New tyres are, in many ways, the safest they could possibly be. With no structural damage or signs of wear, and a perfect tread surrounding every inch of the tyre surface, new tyres are great for handling and for supporting efficient driver response times and actions.
But there’s a catch. When tyres are removed from their mould, a silicone-like substance is used to ensure that the rubber doesn’t stick to the mould. And while invisible, some residual amount of this substance can be left behind on the surface of the tyre.
Because of this, despite the box-fresh finish of tyres lending itself to great handling, it’s important to drive with care and caution for those initial few hundred miles – to ensure the silicone substance doesn’t impact traction and grip.
Recommendations When Driving on New Tyres
This is where we come back to that bedding in period that’s alluded to in the title of this article.
When you first drive on brand new tyres, it’s important to drive with care – for at least 150 to 200 miles.
Driving with care means:
- Driving at a sensible speed
- Avoiding taking any sharp corners, particularly at speed
- Taking care not to drive in adverse weather conditions or on very wet / slippery road surfaces
- Avoid harsh braking
Following the above tips and recommendations will help to settle the tyres in and to remove any residual silicone-like substance, while keeping you safe.
