5 signs you need to replace your tyres

Tyres are designed to have a limited lifespan. They take a beating every time you drive and the wear they handle helps to protect the rest of your vehicle.

For your safety, it is vital that you know when the time has come to replace your tyres with new ones, ensure you don’t fall foul of the law or put yourself, your passengers, or other road users in jeopardy.

As one of the leading tyre fitting experts in Scotland, we know exactly what a tyre looks like when it needs to be replaced and have put together a useful guide for you to do the same.

Here are 5 of the key signs that your tyres need to be replaced as a matter of urgency.

Sign 1) Low tread depth

Tyres that are well maintained and do not get a puncture or similar damage will usually only need to be replaced due to low tread depth. The legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm but you should begin your search for new tyres when it reaches around double this amount.

Sign 2) Uneven tread

If your tyre is wearing more in certain places than others, there may be an issue with the wheel alignment. Most fitters will be able to deal with this at the same time as replacing your tyres.

Sign 3) Cracking or bulges

Any visible cracks on the surface of your tyre or the wall of the tyre mean that the tyre is compromised and a new one is required as soon as possible.

Sign 4) Flat Tyre

One of the more obvious ones. Punctures can sometimes be replaced but if you have a completely flat tyre it may be that the hole or slash is too large to be repaired.

Sign 5) Age

How long tyres last will depend on a number of factors but if you have had the same tyres for anywhere near 10 years they should be replaced.

What to do if you need to change your tyres

If you have spotted any of the signs in this article the time has come to replace one or more of the tyres on your vehicle.

You now have a few options. Firstly, you could simply order yourself some tyres and install them yourself. If you are experienced in car related matters and are confident that you can do so safely and legally, this is the cheapest option.

However, the majority of people wish to have their tyres installed by a professional and with the responsibility of transporting you and your loved ones, this is probably the best option.

You could either visit a local garage to have your tyres replaced, or hire the services of a professional mobile tyre fitting expert in your local area.

These professionals will travel directly to your location and change your tyres at a time that you agree to, making this by far the most convenient tyre change option. Also if you have spotted any issues that make your tyres unroadworthy you should NEVER attempt to drive the vehicle and a mobile tyre fitting firm may be your only choice.