We all know the feeling: cruising down the road, music blasting, sun shining – but then, you hit a bump, or worse, a puddle. Suddenly, you’re wondering, “Are my tyres going to hold up?” Worn tyres can sneak up on you, and if you’re not careful, they could lead to accidents, poor handling, and even higher fuel bills. So how do you know if your tyres are worn out?
How to tell if your tyres are worn out and what to do about it
1. Check the tread
The tread is the part of the tyre that makes contact with the road. Over time, it gets worn down from constant friction, and that’s when you know it’s time for some new tyres. Here’s a simple way to check: take a coin (yep, any coin will do), and place it in the tread grooves. If the coin fits all the way in, you’re probably looking at some seriously worn tyres.
In a perfect world, the tread depth should be at least 1.6 mm. If the coin doesn’t disappear into the tread, you’ve got yourself some worn tyres and should start thinking about replacements.
2. Visual inspection – cracks and bulges
Now, before you say, “But my tyres look fine!”, take a closer look. Worn tyres might be hiding some sneaky issues. Check for any cracks or bulges along the sidewalls. These could be signs of tyre damage and that they’ve lived a good, hard life.
If you see a bulge or cracks, don’t wait for the tyres to blow out on the highway – get them checked ASAP. Cracks can occur from age or exposure to heat, and bulges might result from hitting potholes or curbs too hard. Either way, you’re better off replacing them before they cause serious problems.
3. Uneven wear patterns
Worn tyres aren’t always evenly worn. If the tread is worn down more on one side or in patches, it might be a sign that your wheels are out of alignment or your suspension is off. It could also indicate that your tyres aren’t properly inflated, which can also cause premature wear.
What’s the takeaway here? If your tyres have uneven wear, it’s not just the tyres’ fault. Something in your car’s system needs fixing. Head to a mechanic to get it sorted. Uneven wear on worn tyres means they aren’t doing their job properly – and you’ll be risking your safety if you don’t fix them.
4. The age of your tyres
Even if your tyres don’t seem super worn, they can still be in bad shape due to age. Tyres have a lifespan of around 6 years, even if they look fine on the outside. After that, the rubber can break down and harden, making them less effective at gripping the road.
If your tyres are more than 6 years old, it’s worth checking them out, even if the tread doesn’t look too bad. Keep in mind that the sun, heat, and even the chemicals on the road can cause the rubber to deteriorate over time. So, if you’re unsure about the age of your tyres, check the sidewalls for a production date. It’ll give you an idea of how much life is left in them.
5. The “slippery when wet” test
If you’ve ever driven in the rain with worn tyres, you probably know the feeling of sliding around a bit more than usual. Worn tyres don’t channel water as effectively, making them prone to hydroplaning. This happens when the tread can’t displace water fast enough, and your tyres start to skim across the surface of the road instead of gripping it.
Want to check if your tyres are ready for a rainy day? Head out in the wet (safely, of course) and see how they handle. If they seem to slip or slide easily, that’s a big sign of worn tyres.
6. How’s your steering?
When tyres are worn, they lose their ability to grip the road evenly, which can make your car feel less responsive. If you notice your steering feels loose, or the car pulls to one side even when you’re not steering, it could mean that your tyres are worn unevenly.
Your car should steer straight with minimal effort. If you’re fighting the wheel just to stay on track, it’s time to consider replacing your worn tyres.
7. Keep an eye on your fuel efficiency
You might be surprised to hear that worn tyres can mess with your fuel efficiency. When your tyres lose their tread, they don’t roll as efficiently, which means your engine has to work harder. If you’ve been noticing your petrol gauge dropping faster than usual, it could be time to check your tyres.
Having worn tyres is like walking around with a pair of shoes that have no grip. You’re just working harder than you need to. New tyres can help your car run more efficiently, saving you some money at the pump.
What to do about worn tyres
Alright, so you’ve discovered your tyres are worn out. Now what? Don’t panic – just follow these simple steps:
- Get your tyres checked by a professional: Don’t mess around with safety. If you’re noticing any of the signs of worn tyres, it’s time to take your car to a mechanic. They’ll give you a full assessment and help you decide if it’s time to replace those old tyres.
- Replace the tyres: If your tyres are too worn to fix, you’ll need to replace them. You might be thinking, “But aren’t tyres expensive?” Well, yes, but think of it like this: replacing worn tyres is an investment in your safety. Plus, better tyres can save you fuel costs in the long run.
- Maintain your tyres: To prevent premature wear, make sure you keep your tyres properly inflated. Under-inflated tyres wear out faster and can cause damage to your car’s suspension. Regularly check your tyre pressure, and rotate your tyres regularly to ensure even wear.
- Align your wheels: Uneven wear might be a sign of poor alignment. It’s worth getting your wheels aligned to make sure your tyres are wearing evenly. Not only will this make your tyres last longer, but it’ll also improve your car’s handling.
Worn tyres might seem like a small issue, but they can lead to big problems down the road. By staying on top of tyre checks and replacing them when needed, you can keep your car running safely and efficiently. Don’t wait until it’s too late – check your tyres regularly and avoid those bumpy, unsafe rides!