Your tyres need to be changed more frequently than you think. They get a lot of wear and tear because they are the sole portion of your car that touches the ground.
Changing your tyres on a regular basis keeps your car running smoothly. If your tyres are underperforming, your vehicle will have to work more and consume more fuel. In the long run, this means your vehicle will be more expensive to operate. Even more crucially, bad tyres make your vehicle less safe on the road.
The tread, pressure, and any damage all play a role in determining when to replace your tyres. If even one of these variables is not adequate, your tyres must be replaced.
When should I replace my tyres?
The tread of the tyre is less than 1.6mm.
When the tread on your tyres becomes too thin, you are required by law to replace them. The legal limit is now fixed at 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre and across the whole circumference of the tyre.
The tread is the grooved rubber on the exterior surface of your tyres. The tread level is determined by the depth of the groove, which must be at least 1.6mm. Tires with tread depths less than 1.6mm must be replaced.
To measure the tread depth of your tyres, you’ll need a ruler. These can be purchased in stationery stores or from reputable auto parts retailers. Place the ruler in the groove and indicate where the top of the tread meets the ruler. If this mark is less than 1.6mm, the tread is too thin.
Many tyres contain valuable guides in the tread in the form of raised rubber shapes. When these begin to wear, your tyre tread is less than 4mm, and you should consider replacing your tyres as soon as possible.
Although the legal limit is 1.6mm, changing your tyres when the tread is less than 3mm is recommended. When the tread is 1.6mm, it takes your vehicle eight metres longer to stop when driving at 50mph in rainy conditions than when the tread is 3mm¹. Different manufacturers have different recommended limitations, so always consult your car’s owner’s manual first.
How long should my tyres be expected to last?
On average, most tyres are good for 20,000 to 30,000 miles of driving.
Tyres over 10 years old should be replaced to maintain your vehicle’s safety. Reading the markings on the sidewall of the tyre can tell you when it was manufactured. You will see a four-digit number that denotes a month and year, such as 0419 for April 2019.
When you’ve been driving on the same tyres for five years or more, it’s a good idea to have them tested on a regular basis to ensure they’re still in good shape. Tyres age as a result of heat, sunlight, and rain, and you will see cracks in older tyres. If you discover any cracks, have your tyres checked by a professional right away.
A team of skilled specialists at Bangor Tyre Company can completely inspect your tyres for you. They will inspect them for any faults as well as ordinary wear and tear to ensure that they are still roadworthy.
How can I extend the life of my tyres?
In general, good driving habits can help your tyres live longer. Avoid moving the wheels after the vehicle has stopped, as this might cause the rubber to overheat. Avoiding potholes and bumps in the road will assist to keep your tyres in good condition.
Examine your tyres.
To ensure that your tyres are safe to use, check the tread, pressure, and overall wear and tear regularly. We can inspect these for you at our Bangor valet centre. Whatever you need, get in contact with our team today to learn more about tyre inspections or to schedule an appointment with our staff.