Safety and your vehicle
What does the law say about fitting tyres of different types, such as radial and cross-ply, on your car?
- You may mix any tyres in any position you like
- Different types must always be paired on the same axle
- Cross-ply tyres must always go on the rear axle
- You must not fit tyres of different types on the same axleCorrect
Why?
Radial and cross-ply tyres behave differently under load, so mixing them on one axle can make the car unstable. It is illegal, and Annex 6 of The Highway Code requires tyres to be in good, legal condition, so keep both tyres on each axle the same type.
Highway Code rule Annex 6