When to Replace Your Tyres

Replacing your tyres at the right time is crucial for your safety, vehicle performance, and fuel efficiency. Here’s a detailed guide to help you know when it’s time to replace your tyres.

1. Tread Wear

The tread on your tyres is what provides traction between your car and the road. Over time, tyres lose their tread, which reduces grip, especially in wet conditions. The legal minimum tread depth in most countries is 1.6mm.

  • How to Check:
    Use a tread depth gauge or the penny test. Insert a penny into the tyre’s tread groove with Abraham Lincoln's head facing down. If you can see the top of his head, the tread is too shallow, and it's time to replace your tyres.

  • Signs of Worn Tread:
    If the tread is uneven, you may notice bald spots or grooves that are worn down more on one side, which can affect handling and steering.

  • Impact on Safety:
    Shallow tread increases the risk of hydroplaning (when your tyres lose traction on wet roads) and can significantly reduce your ability to brake in wet or icy conditions.

  • 2. Tyre Age

Tyres have an expiration date, even if they haven’t been used much. Over time, the rubber compounds in the tyres break down and lose their flexibility, even if the tread still looks decent.

  • How Long Should Tyres Last?
    Most manufacturers recommend replacing tyres every 6 years, but even if they seem fine, tyres should never be used for more than 10 years regardless of the tread condition.

  • How to Check Tyre Age:
    Look for the DOT code on the sidewall of your tyre. The last four digits indicate the week and year the tyre was manufactured (e.g., “2319” means the tyre was made in the 23rd week of 2019).

  • Impact of Age on Performance:
    Old tyres are more prone to cracking, splitting, and losing structural integrity, especially if they've been exposed to sunlight, heat, or extreme weather conditions. Even if you don’t use your car much, tyres degrade with age.

  • 3. Visible Damage

Physical damage to your tyres can happen over time due to hitting curbs, potholes, or road debris, and it’s a serious indicator that replacement is needed.

  • Signs of Damage:

    • Cuts or Gashes in the sidewall or tread.

    • Bulges or Blisters on the sidewall, which can lead to a tyre blowout.

    • Cracks in the rubber, which can develop from UV exposure or age.

    • Punctures that are too large to repair, or multiple punctures in the same tyre.

  • Impact of Damage on Safety:
    Any visible damage to your tyres compromises their ability to perform properly. Driving with damaged tyres puts you at risk of blowouts, tyre failure, and loss of control.

  • 4. Uneven Wear or Vibration

Uneven tyre wear can be a sign of improper wheel alignment, suspension issues, or unbalanced tyres. If your car vibrates or pulls to one side while driving, it's time to inspect your tyres.

  • Signs of Uneven Wear:

    • Cupping or scalloping on the tread.

    • Edge wear, where one side of the tyre tread is worn more than the other.

    • Bald spots in specific areas of the tread.

  • Impact on Handling:
    Uneven wear or vibrations reduce your vehicle’s handling and can cause additional stress on your car's suspension system. It also increases tyre wear, leading to premature replacement.

  • 5. Frequent Loss of Pressure

Tyres should maintain a consistent air pressure level to ensure safe handling, even wear, and optimal fuel efficiency. If your tyres regularly lose air pressure, even after being inflated, it could indicate a problem.

  • Possible Causes:

    • Leaks in the tyre from small punctures or cracks.

    • Valve stem issues.

    • Internal damage that affects the tyre's ability to hold air.

  • Impact on Safety:
    Low tyre pressure increases rolling resistance, which can cause your tyres to wear out faster, reduce fuel efficiency, and compromise your car’s braking ability.

  • 6. Tyre Noise and Unusual Sounds

If you hear loud, unusual sounds coming from your tyres, such as a humming, thumping, or grinding noise, it could indicate uneven wear, internal damage, or misalignment.

  • When to Replace:
    If the noise persists despite balancing your tyres or fixing alignment issues, it could be a sign that the tyres themselves are worn out or damaged and should be replaced.