When Should You Change Your Car’s Tyres? Simple Steps To Check Tyre Life

When Should You Change Your Car’s Tyres? Simple Steps To Check Tyre Life

We usually remember to fill fuel, get servicing done or clean the car, but tyres quietly do their job without much attention. However, tyres are the only part of your car that actually touches the road and their condition directly affects safety, braking, comfort and fuel efficiency. Knowing when to change your car’s tyres is not just good maintenance, but it can prevent accidents.

Why Tyre Health Is So Important

Your car’s tyres are responsible for grip, stability and control. Worn-out or old tyres can increase braking distance, reduce grip on wet roads and even lead to sudden blowouts at high speeds. This is why it is strongly recommended checking tyre condition regularly, even if the car feels “fine” to drive.

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The 5-6 Year Rule

One of the biggest misconceptions is that tyres only need replacement when the tread is worn out. But, the tyres should be changed every 5 to 6 years, regardless of how much they have been driven. Rubber naturally degrades over time due to heat, sunlight, and air exposure. Even a car that is rarely used can have unsafe tyres if they are old.

To check tyre age, look for the DOT code on the sidewall. It is a four-digit number where the first two digits indicate the manufacturing week and the last two show the year.

Tread Depth

Tread depth plays a key role in grip, especially during rain. In many countries, including India, the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm. Most tyres come with built-in tread wear indicators (TWI), which are small raised bars inside the grooves. If the tread is level with these bars, the tyre must be replaced immediately. For better safety, it is recommended changing tyres when tread depth reaches 3 mm, as braking and wet-road performance drop sharply below this level.

Signs of Damage You Should Never Ignore

Apart from age and tread, visible damage is a major red flag. Look out for the following factors:-

How Long Do Tyres Usually Last?

On average, standard passenger car tyres last between 40,000 to 80,000 km, depending on driving style, road conditions, and tyre quality. Aggressive driving, sudden braking, or poorly maintained roads can shorten tyre life significantly. High-performance tyres may wear out even faster.

Three simple maintenance tips are-

Shivani Sharmma is a passionate and driven automotive enthusiast with over seven years of diversified experience in journalism, content strategy, auto…

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