4 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Car Tyres
Tyres are a significant component in any vehicle, as they are the only point of contact between your car and the road. Without proper tyres condition, you risk losing control of your vehicle and putting yourself and others in danger. That is why every vehicle owner should know when to change their tyres whether they are new, used or retreaded.
How To Know When To Change Your Tyres?
Genarally, it is recommended to change your tyres every 6 – 8 years or after driving approximately 20,000 miles to 30,000 miles, depending on your driving habits and the type of tyres you have. However, there are certain signs that can indicate it is time to change your tyres before the recommended timeframe.
Tread Wear
Tyres treads are designed to provide grip and traction on the road. Over time, these treads wear down due to regular usage and can affect the performance of your vehicle. If you avoid these signs, it can lead to lower fuel efficiency, poor handling, and increase the chances of accidents.
According to tyre manufacturers, tyres should be replaced when the tread depth reaches 1.6mm but in our recommendation, it is best to change them at 3mm for better safety.
Check Tread Wear:
Tread wear can be easily checked by using a tread depth gauge or the old-fashioned penny test. Simply insert a 20p coin into the tread grooves, and if the outer band of the coin is visible, it’s time to change your tyres.
Uneven Tyre Wear:
Sometime tyres can wear out unevenly due to improper alignment, suspension issues or over/under-inflation. This can lead to bald spots on the tyres, which can be dangerous while driving as they have reduced grip and stability. You can check for uneven tyre wear by examining the tread depth on different parts of the tyre.
Age of Tyres:
The tyres lasted for 8 to 10 year according to most manufacturers. However, at the span of 6 to 8 years it is important to keep a close eye on the condition of your tyres. Factors like exposure to extreme temperatures, sunlight and chemicals can cause the rubber to degrade and deteriorate over time.
Check Tyre Age:
The age of your tyres can be found engraved on the sidewall in the form of a four-digit number. The first two digits indicate the week of manufacture, and the last two digits represent the year. For example, if your tyre has 2218 engraved on it, it means that it was manufactured in the 22nd week of 2018.
Damaged or Punctured Tyres:
Even if your tyres have not reached their recommended lifespan, they may need to be changed if they are damaged or punctured. Small punctures aren’t problems but multiple puncture repair and sidewall damage can greatly affect the safety and performance of your vehicle. It is important to regularly check your tyres for any signs of damage, such as cuts, bulges, or cracks.
Wrap Up:
The above signs should be taken seriously and considered as a warning to get your tyres changed. Driving with worn, old or damaged tyres is not only dangerous but also illegal in many countries. Also, consider someone to hire a professional to check the condition of your tyres if you’re unsure about it.
