Considering new tyres? 5 signs that you need a replacement
As the most regularly replaced component, tyres are a crucial part of your car and should not be neglected.
Not only are they vital for your safety, but they also take the brunt of every single glitch- every emergency stop, every accidental wheel spin, every mounted curb, your tyre feels it the most.
But how do you know when your tyres need replacing? Well, we’ve made a quick checklist of 5 signs to look out for that indicate your tyres need replacing, so you don’t need to be an expert to know when it’s time.
1) Tyre tread depth
Tyres need to meet the legal requirements in order to be road worthy. If you fail to adhere to these regulations and drive with worn tyres beyond the legal limit, this could result in penalty points on your licence or fines.
For a new car, the tread depth would usually be about 8mm, but this will wear down over time. The legal limit for the depth of tread on each tyre is at least 1.6mm, so keep an eye out and when it becomes as low as roughly 3mm, it’s best to get them booked in at your local tyre garage.
You could also check them for yourself with an easy to use tyre gauge that can check the depth of your tread for each tyre.
2) Feel a difference
You may notice a few differences when driving the car such as:
- It doesn’t grip the road as well in certain weather conditions such as rain (this suggests worn tyres)
- You feel a slight pull on the wheel (this could be a punctured tyre)
- You find it takes longer to stop when you brake (this suggests worn tyres)
3) Punctures
Punctures are not always necessarily the most obvious sign that your tyre needs replacing. If you have a completely flat tyre than it would be obvious, however slow punctures are not always evident.
So, besides from looking flat or low of air, there are other ways you can check if your tyre may have a puncture:
- The feeling of heavy steering
- Swerving to the left or right
- Shuddering of the wheel
- If you suspect that you have a flat tyre, do not drive your car. Driving with a flat tyre can be dangerous and cause more problems.
4) Irregular tread wear
No tyres wear perfectly evenly, but having said this they shouldn’t wear too unevenly or irregularly either.
However, if you are noticing that you’re repairing them more often than you should, then this could be a sign of irregular tread wear. Misalignment when the tyres were first fitted is a common cause for irregular tread wear. A simple rotation of the tyre can fix the problem if you take it to a trusted tyre repair garage.
5) Replace them at least every 6 years
As a guide to follow for future reference, your car tyres should be replaced roughly every 6 years and at least every 10 years. Each car may have different requirements tailored for that model, so check your manual for any specifics.
Replacing worn tyres should be prioritised as a matter of urgency and can be fatally dangerous if ignored. So to ensure not only your own safety but the safety of your passengers and other road users as well, make sure you keep an eye out for the 5 signs and take your car to a garage to be repaired as a matter of urgency if any of the above does arise.
To find out more about new car tyres in Lincoln, please give Auto Exhausts and Tyres a call today and one of our friendly team will be able to help. Our friendly team can advise which car tyres would best suit your needs.
