When should I change my tyres?

Six reasons to change your tyres

Read the sidewalls of your current tyres. On most tyres, the size information is right on the tyres. An example of this information: "P 185/75 R14 82S." The P stands for "passenger tyres," 185 indicates the width in millimetres, 75 refers to the height of the tyre divided by the width (also known as the aspect ratio), R indicates the radial construction, 14 refers to the diameter of the full tyre in inches, 82 indicates the load rating, and S indicates the speed rating. Load rating is the amount of weight your tyres can support. The number on the tyre corresponds to a specific weight. For example, an 82 load rating indicates that the tyre can support a load of 475 kilograms. The speed rating indicates how well the tyre handles at top speeds. For example, S indicates that the tyre can handle well up to 180 km/h.

1If you get a puncture

Modern tyres are very sturdy and can cope with most things. Punctures, though, can and do still happen. Our helpful staff are certified to check your tyre after a puncture to decide whether it can be repaired.

2When your tyres worn down to the legal limit of wear

It’s a good idea to check your tyres regularly for tyre wear. But how? Here’s a simple way to tell if your tyres are worn out. If the surface of the tread rubber is level with these raised areas, the tyre tread depth is most likely very close to the legal limit of 1.6 mm. Or below it! Out staff strongly recommends that you consider changing your tyres before this limit is reached. They may no longer provide sufficient safety and you could be breaking the law.

3If your tyre shows signs of aging

Tyres have no predictable life. It doesn’t matter when the tyres were made. Tyres age even when not used, or if only used occasionally. There are many factors that will affect the life of the tyre such as temperature, maintenance, conditions of storage and use, load, speed, pressure as well as driving style. These will have a great impact on the length of service life you can expect from your tyres.

4If your tyre is damaged

Your tyre can be seriously damaged if it impacts any solid object on the road, like a kerb, pothole, or sharp object. Any visible perforation, cut or deformation must be checked thoroughly by a tyre professional. Only they can tell you whether the tyre can be repaired or has to be changed. Never use damaged tyres or tyres that have been driven flat or at very low pressures unless they have been thoroughly examined internally and externally by a tyre professional. Inspection by a professional is absolutely necessary because internal damage is not visible while the tyre is mounted; only then can a decision be made as to whether the tyre can be out back into service.

5If you identify abnormal wear

Abnormal uneven tyre wear - in patches, in the centre, at the edges - may indicate a mechanical problem like improper wheel alignment, or a problem with wheel balance, suspension or transmission. It could also be that you're driving with the wrong tyre pressure. If you notice abnormal wear, contact our tyre specialists. To prevent uneven wear, have your wheels aligned and balanced by our wheel and tyre technicians. This will also extend tread life and give you a smoother ride. Another way to keep your tyre wear even is to regularly rotate your wheel positions.

6If they’re not suited to your vehicle

For best all-around performance, the same type of tyre should be used in all four wheel positions. Tyres of different sizes, constructions, and stages of wear may affect vehicle handling and stability. In addition, there may be specific recommendations by vehicle or tyre manufacturers which may apply to your vehicle. These should be followed, please check your vehicle handbook for details.