Media post: How Often Should You Replace Your Tyres?
Knowing when to replace your vehicle’s tyres is important. Wait too long to replace them and they could become dangerous to drive on. But how do you know when it’s time to get new tyres? This post takes a look at some of the important warning signs to consider.
How many miles should you get out of your tyres?
The average tyre can typically handle somewhere between 30,000 to 60,000 miles before it becomes too worn. Of course, it depends very much on your driving habits, the type of terrain you regularly drive on and the quality of the tyre.
On a front-wheel drive vehicle, front tyres typically have a minimum mileage of 20,000 miles, while rear tyres often last at least 40,000 miles. If you regularly rotate your front and back tyres, then you should expect to get at least 30,000 miles out of each.
What do manufacturers recommend?
Tyre manufacturers recommend replacing tyres every 5 to 6 years – regardless of how many miles you have done. This is because tyres naturally wear over time as a result of exposure to sunlight, heat, frost and rain. Therefore, a car that has only been driven a few times over 6 years may still sustain tyre damage.
Some tyres are designed to withstand the elements and can last longer. But generally speaking, few tyres will last longer than 10 years. By researching the tyre model online, you may be able to find more information as to what manufacturer recommends.
Will cheap tyres wear out faster?
Some premium tyres are made from higher quality rubber and can last longer than your average tyre. However, all tyres must meet certain standards – and a cheap tyre may not be much less durable than a mid-range tyre.
When trying to find cheaper tyres that last long, shop online and seek out specialist tyres for your unique driving needs. It’s best to stick to brand new tyres and avoid used tyres – especially when buying tyres online.
What are some signs you need to replace your tyres?
In truth, it’s hard to predict when you will need to replace tyres. This is because it only takes a small driving error like clipping a kerb to cause a dangerous amount of damage to your tyre. The best thing you can do is learn to identify what types of damage warrant a replacement and to inspect your tyres regularly.
A few signs that you should replace your tyres include:
– Illegal tread depth: Tyres must be replaced once the tread depth wears below 1/16th of an inch. At this point, tyres are likely to lose their grip, which could increase the risk of skidding and getting into an accident. Some modern tyres have lines marked within the tread to indicate when they have become excessively worn. If your tyres don’t have these indicators you can use a tread depth gauge to measure the tread depth. It is also possible to use a 20p coin (place the coin in the groove – if you can see the outer band of the coin, your tyre needs to be replaced).
– Sidewall cracks: Cracks in tyres need to be addressed immediately. A crack in the tread may be possible to patch up. However, sidewall cracks almost always require an immediate replacement. Continuing to drive on cracked tyres could put you at major risk of experiencing a blowout.
– Bulges and blisters: Bulges and blisters are also a sign that a tyre needs to be replaced straight away. Once bulges appear, it’s likely that a tyre’s structural integrity is at risk. A blowout is likely to occur in the near future if you don’t replace the tyre.
– Odd noises: Your tyres shouldn’t be rattling, humming or squealing. Such noises are a sign of some kind of damage that needs to be addressed straight away. It may be something that can be easily repaired, but if it’s a problem with the tyre (and not the wheel or brakes), it’s likely you’ll need new tyres.
– Vibrations. A tyre that vibrates a lot could potentially be misaligned. It may be possible to realign the tyre but a replacement will likely be needed if there is any visible damage.
Conclusion
Check your tyres regularly for damage to make sure that they are safe to drive on. You can expect to get 30,000 miles to 60,000 miles out of your tyres if you take measures to drive safe and avoid rough terrain. Choosing the right type of tyre will make a difference to how long they last. Always replace tyres after 10 years, regardless of how many miles they have done.
