When Should You Replace Your Tyres?

Part of your duty as a driver is to ensure that you look after your car, and keep it in a condition that facilitates safe driving. They may not be the first thing to come to mind, but your tyres play a crucial role in safe driving - and they should be part of your regular checks before setting off for a journey. 

In this blog, we’ll discuss what signs of wear and tear you need to look out for in your tyres, and how to know when it may be time to replace them. Whether you’ve been on the road for years and need a refresher on what to spot, or you’re new to driving and want to stay on top of your car maintenance, check out our guide.

Why are your tyres so important?

Your tyres are the only contact point between your vehicle and the road. They play a vital role in how quickly you can brake, because of the friction they create between them and the surface of the road. 

Well maintained tyres could be the difference between a narrow escape or an accident should you need to emergency stop. By looking after them and keeping them in the best condition, you put yourself in the best position to avoid any problems. 

How often should you change your tyres?

A tyre’s lifespan can vary based on a number of different factors - from the type of roads you drive on to how many miles you drive per year. As a general estimate, the lifespan of tyres is usually accepted as being about 10 years, or 20,000 miles worth of distance.. After this period passes, you'll likely need to change them to a new set. 

However, depending on the variables we mentioned before, it’s a good idea to get your tyres checked by a professional before that point, to identify any weak points or potential problems.

Signs that it’s time to change your tyres

There are several indicators of wear and tear that suggest it’s time to replace your tyres. The most common ones are: 

Tyre tread

Tyre treads are the grooves of rubber on your tyres. The depth of the grooves create friction so that your car can brake as quickly as needed, by gripping onto the surface of the road. Having a safe level of tyre tread depth also works to displace water, helping your car avoid hydroplaning. In the UK, the legal minimum tyre tread depth is 1.6mm - so how do you check that your tread is meeting the legal requirements?

Have you got some loose change in your pocket? One of the simplest ways to make sure that the tread in your tyre is legal is with the “20p test.” Simply place the 20p coin into several parts of the tyre. You should not be able to see the outer part of the 20p coin (it’s 1.6mm). If you do see some of the outer 20 pence, it means your tyres need changing, as they are below the minimum legal tread depth. 

Damaged tyres

Having damaged tyres means you need to either get them repaired or, most likely, replaced. Check your tyres for:

• Bulges: If you notice a visible protrusion or swelling on the sidewall of your tyre, this has probably happened due to internal damage - most commonly from hitting potholes or kerbs. You will need to get them replaced immediately. 
• Cuts and cracks on the sidewall: This is a serious sign you should not ignore. Cuts and cracks can lead to blowouts, as they severely weaken the integrity of the tyre. Cuts can be from debris on the road, while cracks commonly occur from prolonged exposure to UV rays.  
• Uneven tread wear: If you’ve noticed uneven tread wear on your tyre, it may indicate that there are other problems with your vehicle, such as your suspension, wheel alignment, or braking system. In severe cases, uneven tread wear can impact your car's ability to brake. 
• Foreign objects embedded in the tread: Unfortunately, it’s hard to avoid all debris on the road. Check your tyres regularly and use pliers to get rid of objects that have wedged themselves into the grooves of your tyres. If you believe that the object has punctured your tyre, don’t remove the object and take it to your local garage. You can change the tyre yourself, but you may want to confirm that it’s punctured before you change it out. 

How to look after your tyres

When you invest in new tyres, you want to make sure that you’re doing everything you can to help them last as long as possible. Staying aware of some simple car maintenance practices can be a great way to ensure you’re able to look after your tyres - maximising their life expectancy.

Keep them clean

Make sure you’re keeping your tyres clean. Park your car away from any mud or debris, then hose off your tyres to remove mud and dirt. You can use a soft-bristled brush to clean the rim of your tyres gently (you don’t want to scratch your paintwork), and a hard-bristled brush to get into the tread and remove any lodged dirt buildup. 

Additionally, after they’ve thoroughly dried, you can add wax and dressing to provide extra care and protection.

Check the pressure

The pressure of your car's tyres is a vital part of your regular checks, as your tyre’s pressure affects many things - including braking speed. Your vehicle's recommended tyre pressure will be found in the car’s manual, and you can adjust accordingly with a pump or gauge. 

If you’re not sure how to do this, or you want some support, you can visit your local Tyre Pros centre or get a free tyre check. 

Monitor your tyre tread

Your tyre tread will inevitably wear down over time, but there are some habits you can adopt which will help keep tyres in good condition for longer. Make sure to rotate your tyres every six months, ensure correct wheel alignment, drive smoothly, and inspect your tyres regularly to ensure you stay within the legal minimum of 1.6mm. 

Replace and maintain your tyres with Tyre Pros

You now know what to look for when you suspect your tyres are faulty, or that it might be time to replace them. If you have any concerns, or you want some guidance on whether or not your tyres are in need of some TLC, head to your local Tyre Pros centre today to speak to one of our experts. In the meantime, keep up to date with our blog for more advice and inspiration.