Regular tyre checks are crucial for maintaining vehicle safety and performance. Tyres are the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road, making their condition paramount to your driving experience.

Tyres have a finite lifespan and their condition can deteriorate over time, even with minimal use. Factors such as driving habits, climate, road conditions, and maintenance practices all influence how long your tyres will last.

Sign 1: Tread Depth is Below Legal Limit

The tread on your tyres is critical for providing the necessary grip on the road, especially in wet conditions. A tread depth gauge can be used to measure if the tread is below the legal limit of 1.6mm.

Driving with low tread depth increases the risk of hydroplaning, reduced handling, and longer stopping distances, which can lead to accidents.

Sign 2: Visible Damage on Tyres

Bulges, cuts, cracks, and punctures on a tyre's surface are clear indicators that your tyres may need immediate replacement.

Visible damage can compromise the structural integrity of the tyre, leading to a higher risk of blowouts while driving.

Sign 3: Tyres are Over 5 Years Old

Over time, tyres can dry out and lose elasticity, leading to reduced performance and safety. Even if the tread depth is adequate, old tyres can be a safety hazard.

The age of a tyre can be determined by the DOT code on its sidewall, which indicates the week and year of manufacture.

Sign 4: Vibration or Unusual Noises

Excessive vibration or unusual noises while driving can be a sign of misaligned or unbalanced tyres, or even internal tyre damage.

If you experience persistent vibration or noise, it's important to have your tyres inspected by a professional to determine the cause and necessary action.

Sign 5: Irregular Tyre Wear

Irregular wear patterns, such as wear on one edge of the tyre, can indicate issues with wheel alignment or suspension components.

Regular tyre rotation and alignment checks can help prevent irregular wear, but once it occurs, it's often a sign that new tyres are needed.