A question a lot of road users ask is how to know when your tyres need replacing? A tyre that reaches the 5-year mark would be recommended to be checked and possibly even changed to ensure your vehicle and its tyres are safe to drive on the road.
All tyres are different and can vary in quality. Most tyres will drive for between 20,000 to 30,000 miles, however some may not last this long depending on how and where they have been driven.
Tread depth
There are many signs that can occur when your tyres need replacing but the most critical is certainly the tyre tread depth.
The legal limit for a tyres tread depth is 1.6mm and it is recommended that you check this every 2 weeks, especially before and after a long journey.
If your tread depth goes below 1.6mm unnoticed this can cause a bad ride quality as well as leading to less control and more difficulty steering your vehicle.
When your depth gets to the 2.0mm margin it would certainly be a sign that your tyre needs checking and possibly replacing.
Lifespan
The average life expectancy of a tyre is roughly 5 years, depending on the quality. After so long from new the rubber compound will start to wear leading your tyre to be more susceptible to cracks, blisters and blow outs.
There are lots of factors that can improve a tyres lifespan including checking your tyres inflation. The recommended PCI for a tyre is between 31-35, If your tyres pressure is below this it is more likely to cause more wear and tear due to there being more strain placed on the rubber, therefore leading to your tyres more likely needing to be replaced more often.
Vehicle vibrating
Some roads can sometimes be very bumpy or rough which can cause your vehicle to vibrate at speed, however it your vehicle is vibrating when driving on a smooth newly tarmacked road this can be a sign of many things including wheel alignment, suspension issues and of course worn tyres.
If this happens and your vehicle is vibrating or if you feel there is something not quite right when you pull off, you should check your all tyres to check for any possible issues with them including punctures, wear, and tread depth.
If there is no problem with your tyres and your still getting funny vibrations through your vehicle is could be possible there is a problem with the vehicle elsewhere.
Cracks on Sidewall
Cracks in the sidewall of your tyres can happen at anytime and can be very dangerous to drive on, with a much higher chance of a blow-out being caused.
Over time when your tyres become older, cracks are more and more likely to appear due to deterioration. If a crack does appear it would certainly be time for you to get a new tyre.
Bulges and blisters
Over time when a tyre starts to weaken it is possible that bulges and blisters can appear on the surface of the tyre. Sometimes these can be very small and not easily noticeable.
If a bulge or blister appears it was be time to get your tyres checked as it can cause a blow-out of the tyre. So it is critical that when you are checking your tyres that you are checking them carefully to ensure proper safety on the road.
