When to replace your tires

Replacing your tires

All tires wear out or become damaged and will eventually need replacing.

How quickly that happens depends on various things, like your driving habits, where you live and how well you maintain your tires.

When should I buy new tires?

You should inspect your tires regularly – at least once a month. Check the below to see if your tires need replacing:

  • Tread wear bars: most tires have tread wear bars - bands of hard rubber that you can only see when your tread depth has gone beyond the limit for safe driving, which is generally 1.6mm.
  • Uneven wear patterns: you should also check your treads for uneven wear patterns that can indicate other problems with your tires or your vehicle.
  • There’s a bulge or a blister on the sidewall of a tire. These can lead to tire failure and could be dangerous.
  • A tire has gone flat due to a blow out.
  • A tire has lacerations or other significant damage.
  • You have sidewall or tread punctures larger than 0.64cm. You cannot repair any punctures larger than that and you should never repair tires worn below 1.6mm.

Tips for buying replacement tires

  • Replace all four at once

It’s a good idea to replace all four tires at once. For optimum handling and control we recommend they are all the same type and size, unless otherwise specified by the vehicle manufacturer.

  • Make sure they match

If you’re only buying two, make sure the new ones match the tires you’re keeping, and that this is permitted by your local laws and by the vehicle manufacturer.

  • Put new tires on the rear axle

For better traction and stability when you drive, if you are only buying two new tires put them on the rear wheels.

  • Radials and non-radials

If both must be fitted to the same vehicle, put the radials on the rear axle.

  • Never mix

Radials and non-radials on the same axle.

  • Different speed ratings

It’s not recommended to fit tires with different speed ratings. However, if they are fitted with different speed ratings they should be installed with like pairs on the same axle.

  • Load-carrying capacity

Make sure replacement tires have an equal or greater load-carrying capacity to what the original equipment manufacturer specifies.

What happens to my old tires?

90% of old tires (also termed ‘end-of life’ tires) are recycled for energy recovery in the U.S., Europe, and Japan.  

Warning

Before you replace your tires, always consult the vehicle owner's manual and follow the vehicle manufacturer's replacement tire recommendations. Vehicle handling may be significantly affected by a change in tire size or type. 

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