How Old Should Tyres Be Before Replacement?

Tyres are essential parts of a car that plays the role of "connection" between your vehicle and the road. A quality tyre from a reputed manufacturer should support a rewarding driving experience, but the stability and longevity of a tyre depend on several factors. Quality of driving, external conditions, storage conditions, road surfaces, age of the tyre etc., work collectively to determine the working life of a tyre. In this article, we will talk about three essential aspects covering tyres -

• Things that can influence the life of a tyre

• Signs your car tyre needs to be replaced

• What is the approximate age of a tyre

Factors Affecting The Longevity Of A Tyre

Tyres come in different shapes and sizes, addressing specific requirements and road conditions. However, their working life can be reduced by several factors, some of which are mentioned below-

1. Inappropriate driving style - The habit of applying regular brakes, aggressive cornering, and overall harsh driving reflects negatively on the age of tyres, causing them to wear out quickly.

2. The wrong match - Combining different tyre types and technologies in a car may hamper the tyres' stability, balance, and performance. Uniformity in design and specifications (based on the vehicle) is essential.

3. Speed - Driving regularly at an excessive speed can also reduce their overall lifespan.

4. Load - Every tyre is designed to withstand a specific load. Overloading can deteriorate their performance and longevity.

5. Pressure - Underinflation or overinflation can accelerate the process of wear.

6. Temperature - A car tyre constantly exposed to excessive temperatures can wear out quickly.

7. Road conditions - Not all roads are built the same. A car that drives over bad road conditions means steady pressure and extra effort by tyres.

8. Weather conditions - Factors like heat, cold, wind speed, pollution, location of storage etc., can also affect a tyre's efficiency.

9. Other factors - Irregular maintenance and avoiding visible issues can impact car tyre health. Age is another reason too.

These are some of the core factors affecting tyre health. A tyre is expected to last longer if maintained well and regularly checked for wear and tears. A driver should follow a safe and careful driving habit and read all guidelines and instructions by the manufacturer.

Signs Your Car Tyre Needs To Be Replaced

It is highly unsafe to drive with overly worn tyres. Here is a brief mentioning of 5 signs communicating it's time a tyre should be replaced.

• Cracks - The sight of cracks on the sidewall of a tyre can be warning signs of a potential blowout. Rather than avoiding those cracks, get the tyre health checked.

• Old tyres - Because every car may have different specifications and requirements, it is good to check with the manufacturer about the right time by age and mileage for a replacement. Generally speaking, the tyre replacement frequency is 5-6 years.

• Tread depth - With time, a tyre tread will wear down. Check the tread depth regularly and make sure they are within legal limits. If not, it's time for a replacement.

Other signs a tyre may need to be replaced include whining, creaking or other strange noises coming from the tyre. Too much vibration while driving through expressways can be a sign of a bad tyre and a wrong alignment. The sight of bulges or blisters on the tyre can again be signs of damage.

What Is the Approximate Age Of A Tyre?

As mentioned before, tyres should usually be replaced every 5-6 years even if they are working well. Because every car is different and so are tyres, it is essential to refer to the manufacturer for more insights. However, a more frequent replacement may be needed if a tyre is inappropriately stored and faces one or more of the factors affecting longevity (as mentioned above).

Read More: Right Pair Of Scooter Tyres