How To Tell When You Need New Tyres

Tyres are the unsung hero of every car and vehicle. Every time you drive, they take the entire weight of the vehicle and help you get from A to B.

But, because they do so much work and are under so much strain, your tyres get tired, worn, and lose their effectiveness.

It’s important, then, to understand the signs that will tell you when your tyres need changing. If you don’t, there could be catastrophic consequences. Today, we’re going to take a look at what to look out for – and how to keep your tyres in tip-top condition.

https://flic.kr/p/4FU1ii

Check them

A surprising number of people never check their tyres, and, unsurprisingly, that makes them more likely to have problems. You should give your tyres a once-over at least once a month- and more often if you drive a lot. It’s easy to do – take a penny, and roll it along each of the tyre treads. If there are any points where Her Majesty’s head is completely visible, it’s time to get them changed. If you have new tyres, checking them is even easier. They have indicator bars that begin to appear as the tyre wears down, and if you can see them clearly, you need to make a change.

Cracks

Cracks in your tyres are also a sign that you need to replace them. Pay close attention to the sidewalls of your tyres, as well as the treads, as it is a good sign that you have a leak. Make sure to have them checked if you see any severe cracking, as it is more likely you will suffer a blowout. You can bring it to a repair shop, or call out a mobile tyre fitting service to come and visit your house. Or, of course, you can just replace them yourself with a jack and your spare!

Old age

Imagine having to take the strain of a tonne of metal every day, and you can see why tyres have a finite lifespan. So, whether or not you notice any damage, you should look at changing your tyres at least once every eight years – or more often if you drive a lot. Tyres are made of rubber, which tends to degrade due to the sun and weather conditions. So, make sure you change your tyres to avoid any blowouts or other accidents.

Punctures

Big punctures are easy enough to spot, but it’s slow ones that can often cause the most major issues. You should always check your tyre pressure once a fortnight anyway – for efficiency reasons. But, if you notice that you are filling them up a lot more regularly than usual, it’s a sure sign you have a slow puncture. It could be anything that causes the leak – a nail, or sharp shard of glass, for example. And, the effects can cause significant issues. You might find yourself beginning to drift across the road, and the extra pressure can cause damage to your axles and other wheel parts. If you think changing a tyre is expensive, wait until you have to repair the structural damage! So, even if you think you can get away with a slow puncture, it isn’t worth the risk.

Hope this has helped – let us know if you have any more tips!