Much like a pair of shoes will need replacing after a while, car tyres will need replacing from time-to-time and this is for safety, performance and efficiency
– it is also important for abiding by the law. So, how long do car tyres last? There is no single correct answer for this as it will depend on the amount of wear and mileage, but typically it is recommended that tyres are replaced every 5 or 6 years or 20,000 miles.
How to Prolong Tyre Life
There comes a time when tyres need replacing and this is inevitable, but there are steps that you can take to prolong their life. Investing in high-quality car tyres from credited distributors rather than worn tyres with unreliable histories can make a big difference, but you can also maintain them by driving gently, keeping them topped up and rotating from time-to-time. Reducing your mileage and keeping the car parked in a dry environment at a stable temperature and out of direct sunlight can also be helpful.
How Old are my Tyres?
You would be forgiven for not knowing the age of your tyres as it is certainly not the most important birthday that you need to keep in your mind. Fortunately, you can easily find this out by reading the tyre DOT codes – the embossed markings on the tyre. It is the final four digits that you need to pay attention to with the first two indicating the calendar week and the remaining two indicating the year. Even if the tyres appear to be in good condition, it is still smart to replace them after 5 or 6 years.
Examining for Damage
You also need to examine your tyres on a regular basis and look for signs of damage. If they have damage, they should be replaced immediately and it could be unsafe and even illegal to drive on them. Splits, cracks and bulges are signs that they could be damaged and you should also regularly check the tyre pressure and tread depth.
Pressure & Tread Depth
You will want to keep the tyres topped up the recommended pressure in order to protect the tyre and car, but if you notice that it keeps dropping then it could be time for a change. The minimum tread depth is 1.6mm but it is recommended that you change once it is less than 3mm to be safe.
Motorists need to make sure that they know when the time comes to change their tyres in order to stay safe, improve performance and also abide by the law. 5-6 years is the general rule of thumb for replacing car tyres, but you must also regularly examine them for signs of damage as well as take steps to prolong their life.
