Tyres typically last for around five years, or around 25,000 miles. The exact timeline for tyre replacement depends on how often you drive, how long your average journey, and how well suited tyres are to the driving conditions and terrain.
When a tyre is inspected as part of an MOT, the tester will look at the tread depth of selected tyres, tyre pressure, the sidewall, and general condition of the tyre. The tread depth must measure at least 1.6mm in order to be legal and safe to drive – with anything under or nearing this 1.6mm mark requiring replacement.
Other signs your tyres need replacing include uneven wear across the width of the tyre, damage, cracks, or bulges in the sidewall, and a constant drop in tyre pressure that indicates damage somewhere on the tyre.
You can replace all four tyres at once if they need doing – however, you don’t have to.
Many drivers and vehicle owners will opt to fit new tyres to the back (rear axle) of the car and move the former back wheels forward to the front axle. This optimises the lifespan of new tyres, as the front tyres become worn at a faster rate.
The benefit of replacing all four at once is a perfect balance when handling and accelerating / braking. However, replacing just two tyres makes the process more affordable.
The information regarding the correct tyre size and other details can be found in the vehicle handbook for your car, or printed on the sidewall of the old / original tyres.
The information on the sidewall is printed as one long series of letter and numbers, which breaks down into the tyre size, load and speed ratings, seasonal suitability, rim size, and more.
You can find out more on finding the perfect fit over in our Knowledge Hub, alongside information on mobile tyre fitting and accessing leading tyre fitting centres.
New car tyres can cost anywhere from £50 upwards, depending on whether you opt for budget tyres, mid-range tyres, or premium tyres.
Tyre size can also impact tyre price, as can specific design characteristics including whether you opt for winter tyres, summer tyres, all season tyres, or run-flat tyres.
The right tyres for your car will:
1. Enhance the vehicle performance
2. Improve safety
3. Provide a comfortable driving experience for the driver and passengers
When choosing car tyres, make sure to take into account the terrain you usually drive on (whether you need road tyres or versatile off-road tyres) and your driving style, as well as your vehicle type and whether you want to prioritise budget, high performance, or safety and comfort. Learn more about choosing quality tyres, comparing a range of tyres online, and accessing local tyre fitting services, by heading over to our Knowledge Hub.
