When did you last replace your tyres? This is an often overlooked but particularly important part of car maintenance, and not all drivers know how to check their tyres or how often to buy new ones. WheelRight can provide detailed diagnostics to assist in making the right decision.
Why is it so important to keep an eye on your tyres?
Your tyres need to always be in a sound, roadworthy condition. This is not only so that your car will pass its MOT each year, but also for your own safety (and everyone else’s). Overly worn tyres give you less control and a poorer grip on the road, as well as increasing the risk of aquaplaning in wet conditions. It takes much longer to stop when your tyres are worn, and you could even be at risk of a blowout.
Obvious signs your tyres need replacing
So, what tyre issues should you be looking out for? Take a close look at your tyres and pay extra attention the next time you drive. If you experience any of the following, it is time to buy new tyres:
Brand new tyres come with at least 8mm of tread to help them maintain good contact with the road. Over time however, this will wear away. It is your responsibility to ensure that the tread doesn’t drop below a certain depth.
There is a straightforward way to check the remaining tread depth on your tyres, and you don’t need a tape measure. Take a 20p coin and place it in the main groove of the tread. If you can see the outer ring of the coin, it means that your tyres are too worn. Repeat in a few places around the circumference of the tyre just in case the tyre has worn unevenly.
Your tyres may also have tread depth indicators. These are extremely useful, as they allow you to check tread depth immediately.
Remember that the general recommendation for changing tyres is between 2 and 3mm, however the legal requirement is to have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm. This should be in a continuous band around the tyre and across 75% of the width. If you are caught driving with tyres that are considered dangerous because they don’t have enough tread, you could end up with a fine and points on your licence. You will be penalised per tyre (£2,500), so if all four are overly worn, you could face a maximum fine of £10,000 and 12 points.
If you can see obvious defects in the outside of the tyre, from splits to bulges, it means that there’s something seriously wrong internally. If you notice anything unusual, get your tyres checked out or changed right away.
If there’s a hole in the tread and it’s larger than about 6mm, it’s recommended to replace your tyre. This kind of damage can worsen, as well as causing problems for your grip, traction and control.
So, how often should you be checking your tyres? Ideally, you should conduct an inspection around once a month. If you’re planning a long journey, always check your tyres along with windscreen wipers, lights, engine fluids and other key elements.
It’s especially important for your tyres to be in good condition before winter sets in. Driving conditions such as snow and ice can make existing tyre problems worse, as well as making the roads more hazardous in general. If in doubt, always get your tyres checked out.
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