If you know when to change your tyres, you can save on both money and stress. What signs, though, give away a worn-out tyre, and when can you swap tyre replacement for a tyre rotation?
Why do you need to replace your tyres?
Your tyres may be strong, but they’re not invincible. Even tyres made out of the best materials will fall victim to the hazards of the road. Some of the most common causes behind tyre wear and tear include:
If you opt not to replace your tyres, you’ll quickly find that your car care costs starting to rise. Your car’s tyres, after all, control more than just your ride while you’re on the road. If you have a damaged or inappropriately-fitted tyre, you may find yourself paying more for petrol than you would otherwise, as tyres can affect your fuel efficiency. Similarly, cars with uneven tyre positions are more likely to suffer axle damage than cars that regularly have their tyres rotated.
Not only that, but car owners who don’t keep an eye on their tyres are likely to have to pay more for frequent tyre replacements than those drivers who check their tyres consistently.
Instead of paying a fortune in repairs, then, it’s usually best to have your tyres examined on a regular basis. You can run through a tyre examination on your own, or you can head to your local garage for an inspection and tyre rotation.
What are your tyre’s functional milestones?
How, though, do you know when to change your tyres?
Even if your tyres aren’t showing obvious signs of tyre wear, there are certain milestones within their lifespan by which you’ll want to start checking them consistently. Regardless of what type of tyre you’ve invested in, you’ll want to keep a closer eye on tyres that are five years old or older. So long as these tyres still have a reasonable amount of tread, they should still be safe to use. Even so, tyres that age past five years have a tendency to warp and may fall victim to roadway damage more readily than newer tyres.
If you have tyres that are going on ten years old, then it’s time to start shopping for a new set. You never want to equip your car with a set of tyres that’s been on the road for more than a decade. Even if the tread hasn’t worn all the way down, these older tyres will cost you more in tyre maintenance and petrol than a new set would.
How can you tell when your tyres need to be replaced?
Even though most tyres have functional milestones by which you’ll need to check them, you’ll want to keep a closer eye on your tyres throughout the year. You never know when an uneven road or a sharp turn will compromise a tyre.
How, though, can you determine whether or not any of your car tyres need to be replaced? When in doubt, you can refer to the following checklist:
- Check your tread depth – The depth of your tread will determine your safety on wet roads in the winter and summer. You should drive on tyres with at least 1.6mm of tread. If your tread is any shallower than that, you’ll immediately need to have your tyres replaced. You can check the depth of your tread using a pound coin or with a tread gauge.
- Check your tyre pressure – Each tyre comes with its own recommended pressure. If your tyres’ pressure is too high, your wheels will turn more slowly and will weaken more quickly. If the tyre pressure is too low, you’ll wrack up fuel costs while also over-exposing your tyres to the road. By checking your tyre pressure, you’re ensuring that the whole of your car remains healthy whenever you head out on long drivers.
- Look over your tyres for damage – Last but not least, keep an eye out for obvious signs of damage. This means inspecting your wheels for stray nails or identifying uneven wear.
Tyre rotations versus tyre replacement
Sometimes, despite the wear your tyres may already have, the professionals at your local garage will only recommend rotating your tyres. Tyre rotations help you rebalance your car. So long as your tyres still have enough tread to keep you safe on the road, rotations can usually substitute for entire set replacements.
That said, if your tread is worn down or your tyres have sustained significant damage over several years of work, then a rotation won’t cut it. After all, when it comes to your safety on the road, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Don’t wait until your tyres blow to check on your current set. When you learn how to identify a tyre in need, you’ll save money on car maintenance and drive more safely.