You need your tyres to be in optimum condition. If you use old, worn-out tyres, you’ll find yourself with less grip in an emergency and vulnerable to a flat tyre at any moment. But knowing when to change can be difficult. Below, we explore how you can realise when it’s time for new tyres.
When should you replace them?
You should generally replace your tyres when they lose grip or become aged. In this situation, tyres will lose their tread and will offer less grip – especially in icy or dangerous conditions. Aged tyres are also thinner and less durable resulting in many more punctures. It’s best to replace them before it gets to this stage.
Warning signs
There are plenty of warning signs you can investigate to judge whether your tyres have lost grip – and it doesn’t require you heading into a garage.
Worn Treads
The tread is the rubber on the circumference of the tyre that makes contact with the road – usually it’ll be covered with indents and patterns for grip. If the tread wears away, you’ll have less grip. You can check for this by examining the depth. The depth of the grooves on the tread will often start at around 9/32nds of an inch – if it gets to 2/32nds, experts say you should change the tyre.
Bulges and Blistering
Inspecting the surface of your tyres is important. If there are any strange bulges, this could mean that the internal structure of the tyre has broken, releasing air from the tyre. If you notice this or similar blistering, you should replace the tyre.
Brake Pedal Vibration
You can also notice tyre problems while driving your car. If your brake pedal shudders or vibrates while you try and stop the car this means that your tyres aren’t gripping the road properly. Similarly, steering wheel vibration could mean that your tyres aren’t aligned after wearing down unevenly.
Sidewall Cuts or Cracks
As the rubber on your tyre is exposed to extreme conditions and becomes older, it’s likely to crack or cut. Regularly examine the sidewall of your tyres to check for cuts or cracks.
Damaged valve caps
If the valve caps are damaged then air will continuously leak from the tyre, while also allowing dirt and debris inside the tyre. Always check your valve caps to make sure they’re intact.
If you do notice that you need to replace your tyres, then it doesn’t have to be a difficult process. You can find cheap tyres online, to quickly replace your existing set and give you peace of mind that you’ll avoid any breakdowns or punctured tyres.
