When is it time to replace my tyres?

There are many things that factor into the decision to replace your tyres. You could get a flat tyre or the tyre could be visibly damaged are the most obvious times. 

The lifespan of tyres depends on a combination of influences including 

• The drivers driving habits
• The climate
• Road conditions 
• The design & quality of the tyre you bought previously
• How well you maintain & look after your tyres. 

However, there are 3 main things to consider when its time to replace your tyres. 

Tread Wear

Having the proper tread depth in your tyres is essential to prevent hydroplaning and skidding. The minimum tread depth is 1.6mm.  Most tyres sold have a tread or tyre wear indicator to let you know when you need to replace your tyres. If you can’t find the mark another easy way to check is with a 5cent coin or a thin ruler. You need something to fit in the grove that you can then measure to see if it is less or more than 1.6mm. If it is less then it is time to change your tryes.

Climate

The two seasons that can wreak your tyres the most our summer & winter. Too much exposure to direct sunlight, UV, and high heat can cause cracking in your tyres. If the car, van, truck, is parked outside in the elements and is not driven enough then this can accelerate the process. Extreme cold can work in a similar way but it is not as common in Australia unless you are in areas where it snows. Which may come into play soon as Canberra is getting colder & colder every year. 

Tyre Age

Tyres are designed to provide you with thousands of Kilometers worth of tread. Some tyres are better than others and provide more range. If maintained properly then you can extend the life of the tyre to some degree. Some things you can do is change your tyres around, keep the tyre pressure at the right levels for your tyre, & avoiding road hazards where possible. But in the end, if you go over your expected tyre lifespan then you need to change your tyres.  

If you suspect some of the elements above then please give us a call or another tyre shop in Canberra. By driving with old, bold tyres can be dangerous for you & others on the road. 

Also, the police do pull people over if they see your tyres are bold or need changing. This can then cost you a little bit extra, so be proactive in your car safety. 

We look forward to helping you and keeping your car & you safe.