When to change car tyres - A comprehensive guide

The tyres of your car are one of the most vital components as they are the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road. Tyres execute every bit of input, be it acceleration, steering or braking. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain your car’s tyres in the best working condition. Worn-out tyres not only reduce handling and braking performance but also increase the chances of tyre skidding. These factors are essential in emergency stopping and high-speed driving on the highways.

We provide detailed information on when to change car tyres, how to access tyre wear and tear, car tyre age, replacement mileage, and tips for extending tyre life.

How to assess tyre wear and tear

Assessing tyre wear and tear is the first step in determining whether your car’s tyres need replacement.

Tread depth check

The depth of a tyre’s treads can indicate its health. Tread patterns are designed to help tyres achieve optimum grip on the road in dry and wet conditions. As the tyres are used, the tyres wear down and the depth of the treads decreases. In India, the minimum legal tread depth is 1.6 mm. If upon inspection, the tread depth is found to reach this limit, it would be the best time to replace the tyres.

There are a few ways to check tyre tread depth - you can use a tread depth gauge, or look for the tread depth indicator between the tyre treads.

You can purchase a mechanical or digital tread depth indicator from an auto or online retailer. Use it per the instructions to check the depth of your car’s tyre tread.

Modern tyres have built-in tread depth indicators. This is the easiest and most effective way to check the tread depth of your tyres. Examine the tread wear indicator on the tyre (the raised square blocks between the tyre tread). If the indicator marker is level with the main tyre surface, it's time to replace the tyre.

Visible signs of tyre damage

Tyre tread is one way to check the tyre life. You can identify other areas of tyre damage by visible signs of cracks, bulges or blisters on the tyre surface. You must check if the side walls are free of any rubber chipping, cracks, or cuts. Additionally, check the uneven wear patterns of all the tyres, which is usually the result of bad wheel alignment and altered camber angles.

Car tyre wear indicators - mileage and age

Other important factors affecting the life of car tyres are vehicle mileage and age.

Effect of car’s mileage on tyre life

Indian cars are mostly equipped with all-season tyres, which can handle hot, cold, dry and wet seasons. Most manufacturers suggest replacing tyres every 4 to 5 years or 40,000 to 50,000 km. Some high-performance cars’ tyres require more frequent changes due to using soft rubber compounds in those tyres. Driving habits and conditions also play a crucial role in determining the tyre's life.

Effect of age on tyre life

Mileage is a separate factor, but tyres age with time, regardless of use. The tyre's rubber compound becomes harder as it undergoes oxidation in the atmosphere. It is recommended to change tyres around every six years as their chemical composition deteriorates beyond their usage limit. Ensure to check the manufacturing date of tyres when buying new ones.

Seasonal and driving conditions

Seasonal changes and driving conditions also affect the tyre’s life, so here is what you need to know.

Effects of extreme temperatures on car tyres

Hot weather causes the tyre’s rubber to soften and wear out more quickly. In cold temperatures, the rubber becomes hard, leading to the formation of minute cracks. Multiple cycles of seasonal changes slowly deteriorate car tyres. It is essential to understand the seasons in your region and replace the tyres when they show signs of visible damage or wear.

Effects of off-roading and heavier load

Off-roading can cause your tyres to wear out faster than city use. Uneven terrain, rocks, gravel, etc., in the off-road environment puts additional stress on the tyres. If your usage is mostly off-road, it is advised to replace stock tyres with off-road focused tyres. Off-road focused tyres are made of harder compound rubber and come with deeper and wider treads for better grip on loose surfaces. Overloading your vehicle subjects your tyres to unwanted stress, especially on the sidewalls, leading to deformation and risk of blowouts.

Types of car tyres

There are different types of car tyres, each with unique characteristics.

Summer car tyres

Summer tyres are designed especially for hot weather conditions. Summer tyres are made of hard compound rubber to withstand high temperatures. Their thinner grooves are designed to expel water and prevent aquaplaning. Summer tyres provide longer life in warm conditions.

Winter tyres

Winter tyres are designed to withstand freezing temperatures. They are made from softer compound rubber to avoid cracking and provide grip in the snow. Winter tyres have smaller grooves within the basic tread patterns specifically designed for excellent handling and braking performance in winter. Winter tyres offer longer life in freezing temperatures. However, these are not available in India due to hot climatic conditions.

All-season tyres

All-season tyres are designed to handle summers, winters, and monsoon seasons. They are made from a combination of soft and hard rubber compounds, delivering excellent grip and longevity in all seasons. These characteristics make all-season tyres a convenient choice for year-round use. All-season tyres are the best choice for regions that experience different weather conditions across the year.

Risks of driving on worn-out car tyres

There are multiple risks when you drive your car on worn-out tyres.

• Longer stopping distance
• Loss of control on wet roads
• Higher chances of tyre blowouts
• Higher chances of punctures
• Reduces steering ability due to low traction

Essential tips for extending a car’s tyre life

Following regular maintenance tips on car tyres can significantly extend your car’s tyre life.

• Maintain correct tyre pressure as recommended by the manufacturer
• Perform tyre rotation every 10,000 km
• Perform wheel alignment and balancing to reduce uneven wearing
• Avoid wilful wheel spins (burnouts)

Conclusion

Car tyres are the only contact points between your car and the road. They move, steer, and stop the vehicle, and thus, tyres must be kept in the best shape possible. Maintaining your tyres in top condition is essential for safe and efficient driving.  Periodically replacing your old tyres at the right intervals is an investment in your safety and reliable driving.

FAQs

Q. After how many kilometres should you change your tyres?

Tyres should be changed every 4 to 5 years or every 40,000 to 50,000 kilometres. Regularly inspect your tyres to stay informed about their condition.

Q. How do you know when your tyres need replacing?

Car tyres must be replaced when the tyre tread depth is below 1.6mm, and when there are visible signs of damage like cracks, bulges, or uneven wear. If you drive less, then the tyres must be replaced in about 6 years, regardless of kilometres driven.

Q. What is the average life of a tyre?

The average life of a tyre is around 40,000 to 50,000 kilometres or approximately 4 to 5 years. The car’s tyre life can vary depending upon the driving habits, road conditions, and how well the tyres are maintained.

Q. How do you change a tyre?

To change a car’s tyre, ensure your vehicle is on a flat surface. Loosen the wheel nuts before raising the car with a jack. Once elevated, remove the nuts and the flat tyre, and replace it with the spare tyre. Now, tighten the nuts by hand, lower the car, and then fully tighten the nuts using a wrench.

Q. When should you change your car tyres?

Car tyres must be replaced when the tyre tread depth is below 1.6mm, and when there are visible signs of damage like cracks, bulges, or uneven wear. If you drive less, then the tyres must be replaced in about 6 years regardless of kilometres driven.