When Should I Get My Car Tyres Replaced?
Tyres are the only components that stand between the passenger and the road. They are the most vulnerable element of a vehicle, and hence they wear out more often than not than other parts. A good condition tyre improves the fuel economy, ensures a better braking mechanism and makes your driver safer on speeding highways.
It is a straightforward process to assess the tyres’ current condition to know the right time to have them replaced. Here is a guide to help you understand the requirements in which you should get your car tyres replaced.
Puncture in the tyre
Flat tyres are probably one of the most common problems that car users face. It is generally caused by sharp objects such as nails, pieces of glass, sharp rock etc. When assessing your tyres, if you come across any such object stuck in the outer wall, measure that object’s width. If that object is less than 2mm wide, you can easily have it repaired.
However, if the hole is bigger than 2mm, it is not safe to move with a repaired tyre, because as soon as the fixed spot experiences a high pressure, it will blow out and threaten the passengers’ safety. Therefore, in the case of significant punctures, it is wise to get your tyres replaced.
Tread depth has reduced
Treads are the unique patterns that are carved on the tyre surface. These treads help the tyre maintain a firm grip on the road. They lock with the road’s material and prevent the vehicle from an unusual skid or slide in adverse conditions.
It is a straightforward process to measure the tread depth, take a millimetre scale, put in the treads and mark the reading. If the reading is below the recommended depth, then it is time to get your tyres replaced.
However, in the new age car tyres online, bars are painted in these treads to indicate tread depth status. When the tyres are new, and in pristine condition, these bars are not visible to the naked eye, and they start to appear only when the tyre starts wearing out. If more than 2 bars have appeared, it is time to get a replacement.
Cracks in sidewall
The sidewall is the tyre’s outward-facing component and is significantly exposed to potholes, sharp gravels, and other irregular surfaces. Although sidewalls are built to withstand extreme pressure and weight, it starts to get weak due to its continuous exposure to uneven roads, and cracks and bulges begin to appear.
Cracks can be easily diagnosed just by looking closely at the tyre; if too many cracks are present on the sidewall, it indicates that the sidewall has become weak. Also, look for any bulges on the tyres, bulges appear when tyres are continuously driven over the potholes. These bulges are the tyre’s most vulnerable spot, and these bulges can cause the tyre to burst when exposed to high temperatures.
Therefore, if you spot a bulge in the sidewall, get your tyres replaced as soon as possible.
Tyre has completed its life
Usually, the tyre market manufacturers and experts recommend that the tyres be replaced every ten years. However, depending upon the kilometres travelled, you might have to replace them sooner than you think. If you search for cheap tyres fitted near me, you will find several garages near you that can rightly assess your tyres’ condition.
To know your tyre’s manufacturing date, take a look at the sidewall, and you will find a four-digit code written on it. The first two digits denote the month, and the last two digits are the year manufacturing. Additionally, if you have stock tyres; you can also find their manufacturing date in the owner’s manual.