How often should I check tyre pressure?
Check pressures at least once a month, and before long journeys. If temperatures drop sharply (common in UK winter), it’s worth checking more often.
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Tyre maintenance tips: how to make your tyres last longer and save money
Tyre maintenance tips: how to make your tyres last longer and save money
Looking after your tyres isn’t just about safety – it’s one of the simplest ways to save money on fuel and avoid replacing tyres early.
Small habits like checking pressure, monitoring tread, and driving smoothly can reduce unnecessary wear. That means your tyres last longer, your car runs more efficiently, and you spend less over time.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make your tyres last longer with quick, practical maintenance tips.
Quick tyre care checklist (TL;DR)
- Check tyre pressure at least once a month and before long trips.
- Inspect tread depth and look for uneven wear.
- Remove stones/debris from tread grooves.
- Rotate tyres regularly to even out wear.
- Keep wheels aligned and balanced to prevent rapid wear.
- Drive smoothly to avoid scrubbing rubber away.
1. Check your tyre pressure regularly
Keeping tyres inflated to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended levels helps them wear evenly and keeps your fuel consumption as low as possible.
Recommended pressures are usually found in your handbook or on a door-jamb sticker. If you’re unsure, a local garage can check for you during a service or inspection.
Why low pressure costs you money
Underinflated tyres create more rolling resistance because more rubber touches the road. This increases drag, meaning your engine works harder and uses more fuel.
Over time, driving on low pressure also damages sidewalls and shoulders, leading to faster wear and earlier tyre replacement.
Top tip: pressure changes with temperature
Tyre pressure drops in colder weather, so checking more often in winter can prevent a slow loss of efficiency and uneven wear. Always measure pressures when tyres are cold for the most accurate reading.
2. Check tread depth and tyre condition
Regular tread checks help you spot damage early and keep tyres performing efficiently for longer.
How to check tread depth
- Use a tread depth gauge if you have one.
- Or try the 20p test: if you can see the outer rim of the coin, tread may be getting low.
The UK legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. However, many drivers replace earlier because wet grip drops as tread gets lower.
Common wear patterns (and what they mean)
- More wear in the centre: tyres may be overinflated.
- More wear on both edges: tyres may be underinflated.
- Wear on one inner or outer edge: possible alignment issue.
- Patchy / scalloped wear: wheels may need balancing or suspension checked.
Spotting these patterns early helps you fix the cause and avoid chewing through a set of tyres too soon.
3. Rotate tyres to make them last longer
Your front and rear tyres often wear at different rates. Rotating them regularly helps spread wear evenly, extending their life.
Many manufacturers recommend rotating roughly every 5,000–8,000 miles, or at each service. If your tyres are wearing noticeably faster at one end of the car, a rotation can make a big difference.
4. Keep wheels aligned and balanced
If your wheels are slightly out of alignment, tyres can scrub against the road at the wrong angle. This causes rapid, uneven wear.
Common signs include the car pulling to one side, the steering wheel sitting off-centre, or unusual vibration at speed. Fixing alignment and balancing early is far cheaper than replacing worn tyres later.
5. Drive smoothly to reduce tyre wear
Driving habits can make a surprising difference to tyre life. Hard acceleration, heavy braking, and clipping potholes all add stress and remove rubber faster.
- Avoid harsh braking and rapid starts.
- Take corners smoothly to reduce shoulder wear.
- Look ahead for potholes and broken surfaces.
- Keep a safe distance to avoid sudden stops.
Driving in a calm, consistent way helps tyres last longer and improves fuel economy at the same time.
When should you replace your tyres?
Even with great care, tyres won’t last forever. Replace them if you notice:
- Tread approaching the legal limit.
- Cracks, bulges, or cuts in the sidewall.
- Repeated pressure loss.
- Persistent vibration or road noise.
If you’re unsure about tyre condition, an inspection is the quickest way to stay safe and avoid unnecessary costs later.
Browse tyres at Blackcircles or book a fitting when you’re ready.
Tyre maintenance FAQs
What tyre pressure should I use?
Use the manufacturer’s recommended PSI, shown in your handbook or on a sticker inside the driver’s door. Pressures vary by model and load, so avoid using a “one-size-fits-all” number.
How do I know if my tyres are wearing unevenly?
Look for one-sided wear, heavy edge wear, or patchy “scalloped” areas. These patterns can indicate pressure, alignment, or suspension issues that should be checked.
Does rotating tyres really help them last longer?
Yes. Front and rear tyres wear differently, so rotating spreads wear evenly and can extend tyre life significantly.
At what tread depth should I replace tyres?
The UK legal minimum is 1.6mm, but many drivers replace earlier because wet grip declines as tread gets low. If you drive often in rain, replacing around 3mm is a common rule of thumb.
