Ask an expert

I have just fitted some new tyres to the front of my car, and put the old ones on to the rear.The tyres that are now on the rear have been supersededand I therefore now have a different tread pattern on the front and back.

The spare is still the brand new orginal but a different pattern to both the front and rear. All five tyres are directional, how do I get on if I have a punture, with a directional and different tread tyre from both a legal and insurance point of view?

Thanks

Peter

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 27 July, 2010

First up the best tyres (tread depth) should be on the rear. Refer to a previous 'Ask Jack' question/answer on the reasons why.

Having a different tread pattern is not a problem as long as the tyre construction or type are the same. For example you can't have one directional and one conventional tyre on the same axle but you can have a different brand of tyre of the same construction.

Unless you have two spare tyres, a directional spare doesn't work. The risk you take is putting the directional tyre on the wrong side (obviously a puncture can happen on the left or right hand side of the vehicle) which is a big 'NO NO' even as a short term measure.

If it could be proved a directional tyre fitted to the wrong side of the vehicle was the cause or contributed to a accident you may have some explaining to do to both the authorities and your insurance company.

In cases like this, the space saver, emergency only type spare is a better option.

Unless you own a very high performance vehicle I question the need for Directional tyres in the first place to be honest.