How Do I Know When I Need New Tyres

How Do I Know When I Need New Tyres

Your car's tyres are one of its most important features, as they are the only things standing into the way of your car and the road. Improper care and maintenance can lead to accidents that can be harmful to both your car and its occupants, so it makes sense to look after them as best you can.

Your local service department, like Motorama, should be your first port of call if you're concerned about the standard of your tyres. If you're not sure whether you need to replace your current wheels, check out this guide full of handy hints.

WARNING SIGNS

One of the easiest ways to tell if you need new tyres is by looking at your tread depth. This should never fall below 1.6 millimetres, however if you often drive on wet or slick surfaces, you're better off having twice as much depth.

You can use a tyre tread depth gauge to measure this, putting one end on the tyre to be checked and sliding the measuring bar into the tread groove until it hits the bottom. Check the measurement at several points around the tyre to ensure it's even.

Newer tyres also have tread wear indicator bars built into the tyres, which are often invisible when the tyres are new but begin to appear as the tread wears down. They look like flat rubber bars running perpendicular to the tread direction. If more than one appears, the tread is getting low and it might be time to replace the tyres.

Blistering, bulging tyres can also mean it's time to buy a new set, as any weak spot can lead to a sudden blow out. Uneven wear on the tyre, whether it's in patches around the edges or in the centre, can indicate a problem with the wheel balance, transmission, suspension or alignment. It may also be a sign that you're driving with the wrong tyre pressure. Either way, it's a good idea to head to your local service centre.