It is recommended that you check your tyres every 4 weeks, to ensure there are no imperfections or signs of degradation. Alongside brakes, tyres are one of the most important features of your car in terms of safety - if your tyres are worn down, your stopping distance is decreased. Maintaining them ensures that you are aware of any issues before they become dangerous and that you can look at getting your tyres changed before they cause an accident. We’ve put together a handy guide on the things you should be looking out for and when to get them replaced.
Tyre bulging and blistering
Lumps and bumps may occur if the tyre has been hit by force, such as kerbing the car at speed. This is known as ‘bulging’. However, it doesn’t just occur under these circumstances - weakening of the rubber can cause these imperfections and the weaker the rubber gets, the more likely it is you may experience a blowout. If you see this sign on your tyres, it’s imperative that you get them replaced as soon as possible to keep yourself and others safe. If you’re unsure whether your tyres are a liability, you can get a free tyre check booked to have the experts look at them and advise you on what to do next.
Unexplained noise from the tyres
Whilst our cars make all sorts of noises, you drive yours long enough to recognise when a noise doesn’t sound right. If the sound persists for a long time, you must get it seen to by a professional, as there could be an issue that needs fixing immediately. If you hear a creaking, whining or squealing coming from the tyres, it could be an indication that there’s a problem. It may not necessarily be your tyres - it could be from the surrounding area, such as the springs. If your tyre gets punctured or cracked, the changes in air compression are what causes the strange sounds. To avoid a dangerous blowout, make sure you get any suspicious noises looked at by the garage.
Depth of the tyre tread
This is one of the most obvious signs that your tyres need replacing - all tyres have a legally required tread depth in order to be considered roadworthy. All tyres start their life at around 8mm and as you use your vehicle, this will slowly decrease. The absolute minimum you can legally drive around with is 1.6mm, but it is always recommended that once the tyre hits a tread depth of 3mm, you need to book to get them replaced with new ones.
If you are found with a tread depth lower than 1.6mm, you could be dealt with a hefty fine of up to £2,500 or points on your licence for each tyre under the limit. If you are someone who drives around a lot or needs to commute long distances, it is likely that the rubber will wear away much faster. To check the tread depth of your tyres, you can feel along the groove of the tyre until you feel a little bump - this is the Tread Wear Indicator (TWI) that is moulded into the rubber. If the rubber of the tyre is the same level as the bumps, you need to get them changed immediately, as they are officially below the legal minimum.
The car is vibrating or shaking
Sometimes, faulty tyres can cause your car to vibrate or shake, especially if you are driving along at speed. However, it could also be down to wheel alignment or balancing. Not only is vibration irritating whilst you are driving, but it can distract you enough that you lose your judgement and cause an accident. If your car is experiencing these issues, it’s best to take it to your local garage to see if the tyres could be causing them - if so, it’s time to get them replaced. Leaving it means that your tyres could end up wearing away unevenly or excessively, meaning they’ll need to be replaced a lot sooner than normal.
Your tyres are over five years old
If you don’t drive very often, your tyres may last you years! No matter how little you drive, all tyres have a lifespan of up to five years. After this time, the materials the rubber is made out of may start degrading and the likelihood of blisters and cracks increases. We would recommend that you get yourself some new tyres before the five year mark, even if they look as though they are still in good working order. Some tyres will have a certain mileage they can do before it is recommended that they be changed and the manufacturer's recommendations will be able to give you the figure. You can then prepare for new tyres in advance and it won’t come as a big shock. As an average, most will last around 25,000 miles but this depends on the amount of driving you do and how you drive the car.
Cracks along the sidewall
It is important to check your tyres regularly for any cracks in the rubber. As you keep driving the vehicle on cracked tyres, they can become worse and could ultimately lead to a potential blowout in the tyre, which is dangerous for you and other drivers around you especially when travelling at speed. The rubber in your tyres is made up of chemicals and oils and over time, they may experience deterioration. As these cracks may not be very obvious, it’s important that you regularly do an up-close inspection of the rubber to make sure no cracks are forming.
Free tyre checks with Swansway Motor Group
We understand how important it is to ensure your tyres are in top condition for driving, so take advantage of our free tyre check- one of our technicians can help to advise you on any issues that you may be experiencing and how to fix them. We will check your:
- Tread depths
- Air pressure
- Overall tyre conditions which includes the spare wheel
Ensuring your safety is our top priority and our team is on hand to support you with anything tyre-related. If you’re thinking about changing your tyres, take a look at our handy guide on what the different types of tyre are. If you’re unsure what you're looking for or would like to know more about any of the information you see on our website, don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our team and we’d be happy to help you.