When to change tyres?

At some point, various factors can require you to change the tyres on your car. Here are some of the most common reasons why you should fit a new set of tyres onto your vehicle.

Worn out tyres

By law, you must replace your car's tyres if they have less than 1.6mm of tread depth. You can check your tyre's tread depth by using a dedicated gauge tool or having a qualified tyre expert check them for you. If you're on a tight budget, a 20p coin can provide a rough estimate: if you insert the coin into the tread groove and the outer band is visible, the tyre may not have enough tread depth left.

Tyre damage

If your tyre is showing signs of damage it must be replaced immediately to avoid the risk of a sudden tyre failure. Any sign of the inner ply is also against the law. If you notice punctures, cracks, or bulges in your car's tyres, you will need to replace them asap.

Uneven tyre wear

Typically, car tyres wear out evenly, with the tread pattern on the outer edge of the tyre wearing out at the same rate as the tread in the middle of the tyre. However, if your car's tyres are wearing out faster on some areas than others, you'll need to have them replaced, even if the tread on the unaffected side complies with legal limits.

Old tyres

In the UK, there are no legal limits on the age of car tyres. However, you may want to consider replacing your car's tyres if they're getting old. Over time, the strength of a tyre will degrade, even if you drive the car infrequently or have put a set of unused tyres into storage.

So for anyone asking the question "when should I change my tyres?" you can see that there are a few scenarios which will tell you the right time. Knowing your tyres, their condition, their age - all will help you in making the right decision.

If you are unsure as to the right time to change your tyres, seek out and speak with a trained tyre fitter who will be able to give your tyres an inspection and advice on any course of action required.