You should check your car tyres on a regular basis. It is recommended that you give them a full visual inspection at least once a month – looking for any signs of irregular wear, damage, and foreign objects within the tread. As well as this monthly check-up, make sure to give them a full inspection before any long journeys, ensuring you have the correct air pressure in the tyres. If you have a spare tyre in your boot – do not forget to also check this.
The legal tread depth for car tyres in the UK is 1.6mm of tread across the central three-quarters of the tyre, around its entire circumference. Once your tyres have reached around 2-3mm in tread depth, you should start to think about buying new tyres so you are not caught out.
If you are found to be driving on tyres which do not comply with regulations, you can face a fine of up to £2,500 and 3 penalty points on your licence for each illegal tyre.
Tyres are designed to work to their optimum performance based on the correct air pressure being applied to the tyre. If you have too little pressure within the tyre, you will find that it can increase rolling resistance and will wear unevenly on the outer edges of the tyre. A tyre with too much air pressure can suffer from poor braking and unreliable handling. The mid-section of the tyre will wear unevenly in this case. Over time, a tyre with incorrect air pressure will become dangerous as it wears unevenly and risks a tyre blowout when driving.
The lifespan of car tyres varies based on several factors, including driving habits, road conditions, and maintenance. On average, car tyres typically last between 20,000 and 30,000 miles, or approximately 3 to 5 years. However, this will vary, and some tyres may wear out quicker. Always check your tyres regularly to make sure they are safe and legal.