When Is It Time to Get New Tyres? Here’s What You Need to Know
Tyres are one of the most important safety components on your vehicle, but they’re also easy to overlook—until something goes wrong. Whether you're driving every day or only occasionally, your tyres wear down over time, and knowing when to replace them can make a huge difference in your car’s performance and your safety.
So how do you know when it's time to get a new set? Here are the key things to look out for.
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Your Tread Depth Is Getting Too Low
One of the most obvious signs that your tyres need replacing is worn-down tread. Tread helps your tyres grip the road, especially in wet or slippery conditions. In many countries, the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm, but for optimal safety—especially in rainy climates—it’s recommended to replace tyres when the tread gets below 3mm.
Not sure how deep your tread is? A simple trick is the 20p coin test (common in the UK). Insert a 20p coin into the tread grooves. If you can see the outer band of the coin, it’s time for new tyres.
You’re Seeing Damage or Cracks
Tyres naturally wear down, but physical damage is another warning sign that shouldn’t be ignored. Cracks in the sidewall, bulges, or splits are often caused by impact with kerbs, potholes, or just from age and exposure to sunlight. These weaknesses can lead to blowouts and dangerous situations on the road.
If your tyre has a deep cut, a noticeable bulge, or any part of the rubber is separating, it’s time to replace it—no exceptions.
Uneven Tyre Wear
Have you ever looked at your tyres and noticed that one part is more worn down than the rest? That’s called uneven wear, and it usually points to underlying issues like poor wheel alignment, incorrect tyre pressure, or suspension problems.
Uneven wear can shorten the life of your tyres and make your car harder to control. If you spot this, you may need both a tyre replacement and a visit to the mechanic to fix the root cause.
Strange Vibrations or Noises While Driving
While some road vibration is normal, excessive or sudden vibrations can be a warning sign that something isn’t right. It could mean your tyres are unbalanced or that there’s internal damage you can’t see from the outside. Unusual road noise—like a constant humming or thudding—can also indicate tyre problems.
If you notice any of this, it’s a good idea to have your tyres inspected professionally.
Your Tyres Are Just Old
Even if your tyres have plenty of tread left and look okay, age still matters. Over time, the rubber compounds in tyres break down, especially when exposed to sunlight, heat, and oxygen. Most tyre manufacturers recommend replacing tyres every 6 to 10 years, regardless of usage.
You can check the age of a tyre by looking at the DOT code on the sidewall. The last four digits represent the week and year of manufacture. For example, "2619" would mean the tyre was made in the 26th week of 2019.
They Keep Losing Pressure
If you find yourself constantly topping up your tyres with air, that could be a sign of a slow puncture, damaged valve, or even a cracked wheel rim. In any case, if a tyre won’t hold pressure, it may not be safe to drive on and could require replacement.
Final Thoughts
Tyres don’t last forever, and pushing them beyond their limits can be a real safety risk. Whether it's worn tread, visible damage, or just age catching up with them, keeping an eye on your tyres can help prevent breakdowns—and accidents—before they happen.
Make it a habit to check your tyres regularly, and don’t hesitate to get a professional opinion if something feels off. After all, your tyres are the only part of your car that actually touches the road—so it pays to keep them in top condition.