Why should you replace your tyres? Considering a new set can set you back a significant amount, no one wants to replace them too early. You want your money’s worth. But leave it too late, and you can risk being on the wrong side of the law.

There’s also safety. Tyres may still look fine even when grip and safety are compromised. Below, we’re covering the main indicators of tyre health: tread depth, damage, age, and handling changes. Don’t ignore shoddy tyres; they affect your safety, braking distance, and MOT compliance.

How to Check Tyre Tread

In the UK, as of December 2025, the legal limit for tread depth is 1.6 mm across the central ¾ of the tyre. But that’s the lower limit. We recommend replacing your tyre at anything under 3mm, especially in wet or icy weather.

Why? Well, a thin tread can increase the risk of sliding on ice and lengthen stopping distances. That can lead to accidents.

How should you check your tyre tread depth? All you need is a 20p coin.

The 20p Test: Take the coin and place it in the tread. If the outer rim of the coin is covered by the tread, it’s generally safe.

When to Replace Tyres

The most obvious sign your tyres need replacing is visible damage. You should perform a tyre damage check every few months to assess for any issues.

Look for:

• Cuts: Any deep cut in the tread or sidewall weakens the tyre’s structure.
• Bulges: A sure sign of internal damage, replace immediately.
• Cracks: Even small cracks show the rubber is ageing or drying out.
• Exposed cords: The tyre is no longer safe to drive on.
• Embedded objects: Nails, screws, or sharp debris can cause slow leaks or sudden failure.
• Sidewall damage: Especially dangerous and cannot be safely repaired.

Don’t wait for a blowout, get your tyres changed if you see any of these signs.

Tyre Wear Signs

It’s not just about visible damage or tread depth. There are several other issues to check. These issues, such as misalignment or being unbalanced, can be caught early, preventing costly replacements.

Potential signs of wear include:

• Inside-edge wear = alignment issue.
• Outside-edge wear = under-inflation.
• Centre wear = over-inflation.
• Cupping/patchy wear = suspension or balancing issue.

Usually, uneven wear isn’t severe. It’s just a strong indicator that something is wrong with the vehicle. Misalignment, balancing, or inflation are easy to fix if you bring your car down to our service centre.

But if the uneven wear is severe, the tyre may need replacing (even if the tread remains).

Tyre Age Limit

Age isn’t often a factor in replacing tyres. They usually wear out long before their expiry date. But if you’re an infrequent driver, it’s something to consider.

The general recommendation is to replace tyres every 5-6 years regardless of tread. The rubber hardens over time, even if it’s not used.

Look for the DOT code date on the sidewall; it lists the tyre’s age, e.g., 2419 means week 24 of 2019.

Handling Changes and Vibration

If your car suddenly feels different to drive, it’s time for a tyre safety check. Watch out for vibration at speed, the car pulling to one side, reduced grip in the wet, or longer stopping distances.

These symptoms can come from worn tyres, poor alignment, or internal tyre damage after hitting a pothole.

Any unexpected change in handling is a clear warning sign to get your tyres inspected.

If you’re not certain your tyres are still safe, visit us for a quick tyre health check. We’ll let you know the best course of action.