When should I replace my tyres?
What you need to know:
There are measures you can take to prolong the lifespan of your car tyres. Correct inflation and wheel alignment prevents damage of tyre treads and side walls as well as driving sensibly to avoid speeding over sharp edged pot holes or over stones and rocks off road.
Hi Paul,
How can I know when my tyres are due for replacement? A technician at a wheel alignment shop in town advised that my tyres should be replaced but I am not convinced as I have had these tyres for only three years.
Sula K.
Hello Sula, you can use tyre tread wear indicators and visible uneven or excessive wear to determine when you should replace your car tyres. Tyre treads across the tyre patch are the contact point between the car and the road surface.
Tyre treads evacuate water, provide traction and help us manoeuvre while driving. All reputable tyres are designed with tread wear indicator bars which are molded between tyre treads and set at the legal minimum tread wear limit of 1.5mm. We should consider replacing tyres just before the treads flush with these bars. Using your observation you can see tell-tale signs that your tyres are due for replacement.
An unevenly worn out tyre tread patch, a damaged tyre tread with a deep cut, a bulging or cracked tyre side wall are all signs that a tyre should be replaced as it will affect steering and brake performance or outrightly fail while the car is in motion.
There are measures you can take to prolong the lifespan of your car tyres. Correct inflation and wheel alignment prevents damage of tyre treads and side walls as well as driving sensibly to avoid speeding over sharp edged pot holes or over stones and rocks off road. Tyres with good treads and correct inflation improve your road safety and fuel economy.
