How Long Do Tyres Last? When To Get Them Changed Out

On average, it's recommended that your tyres be changed every 5-6 years. This isn't necessary in all cases, however, as your tyres may wear out sooner or later, depending on:

• How they're used (and how often)
• Environmental conditions
• Their size and design
• The vehicle they're on

That's why you should get regular servicing from your local garage every 6-12 months. In this checkup, a technician can evaluate the actual state of your tyres and give advice based on this. Depending on their assessment, your tyres may need changed sooner (every 3 years) or much later (upwards of 10 years).

So, what factors can impact this lifespan, and how long do tyres last for a standard car?

How Many Miles Should Tyres Last?

Standard tyres should last for between 50,000 and 60,000 miles. This is mostly influenced by the manufacturer, however. Premium options are capable of handling up to 80,000 miles before wearing out, and budget-friendly designs might only last for 20,000-30,000 miles.

The average U.K. driver only puts 7,400 miles on their car each year, so this is roughly 3 years of driving before tyres need replaced. Aside from brand and design, though, many factors can drive this time up or bring it down, such as:

• Your driving technique
• How often you drive the car
• Where it is parked most regularly
• The type of roads you drive on
• Weather conditions it faces on a regular basis
• How many miles you personally drive per year
• The weight of your car, and the average load it carries

For example, a car taken on long road trips in rural areas with difficult roads will see its tyres wear out faster than a car which is driven in cities and used as a nearby commuter vehicle. Cars stored in garages or shaded areas will also have better tyres than cars stored in the sun or left to experience extreme heat or cold. If you own a truck or regularly transport heavy items, your tyres will need swapped out long before a standard passenger car.

Do My Tyres Need Changed Sooner?

Regardless of how many miles you've placed on the tyres, it's important to watch for classic signs of wear and tear. If you notice these factors, you will need to change your tyres out sooner than expected. You can contact a shop like Autofusion to have your tyres inspected and potentially replaced:

• Tread is worn down
• Cracks in the rubber
• Air pressure being lost faster than normal
• Wobbly wheels, particularly at high speeds

Worn Tread

Brand new tyres will have a standard tread depth of around eight millimetres. However, this can reduce significantly over time. As the surface of your tyre rubs against the road's surface, friction is created that will cause the tyre to wear down.

The legal limit is 1.6 millimetres, so you mustn't allow your tread depth to fall below this level. The shallower your tyre tread, the longer it could take your vehicle to stop, particularly in wet or icy conditions.

Worn-down tread is generally the first sign that you need new tyres. Keep an eye on it, particularly if you do a lot of mileage.

Cracks

Cracks most commonly result from leaving your car parked for long periods of time or in direct sunlight. A tyre's rubber is naturally pliable, which allows for flex and elasticity. When you drive your car, the rubber will shift to accommodate the weight of your car. If the vehicle is parked for an extended period, the tyres will dry out more quickly, making cracks appear. This also happens as the tyre ages and if it's regularly subjected to UV rays.

To avoid cracks, drive your car often and try to park it in a shady spot, such as a garage. This isn't always possible, but it can increase the lifespan of your tyres.

Lost Air

If your tyres are losing more air than before, they may need replacing. Air loss can be a sign of age, as the tyre develops weaknesses. It may also result from seals beginning to crack or wear down.

It's usual for some pressure to be lost, even in a new tyre, but you should only be putting air in your tyres once a month.

Wobbles

Wobbly tyres are a firm sign that it's time for replacements. If the wheels become unbalanced, their weight is distributed unevenly and that results in excessive wear. If the problem is fixed quickly, you may not need to purchase new tyres, but the longer you leave it, the more severe the damage becomes.

How Long Can A Spare Tyre Last?

Spare tyres have the same lifespan as a standard tyre. However, being left in your boot for months or years at a time does not prevent it from:

• Aging
• Being exposed to changing temperatures
• Drying out

As such, even an unused spare tyre may only last 3-5 years before needing replaced also, depending on its manufacturer and overall age.

Likewise, the spare tyre may not be properly balanced with the rest of your existing tyres, especially if it has thicker tread than the rest of your wheels (due to lack of use). As such, spare tyres are valuable when you've experienced a flat or a blowout, but you should check in with your auto centre after attaching the spare.

This will allow a mechanic to evaluate the balance, alignment, and tread depth in relation to the rest of the tyres. Adjustments can then be made to ensure it complements the rest of the wheels, instead of disrupting them.

Need A Tyre Replaced?

Even if you check over your tyres personally, a second opinion is helpful. Tyres may be unevenly worn out, with one brandishing thinner tread or the beginning of cracks sooner than the others. Driving in this state can lead to performance issues, as well as suspension damage or axle misalignment over time. As a layman, it can be hard to spot this difference.

Likewise, your tyres may have thin tread, but not so much that you deem it an issue. Unfortunately, wearing the tyres down to their base tread can raise the chances of blowouts or increase your fuel consumption. An expert can give a better assessment on what's "used" and "too used."

If it's time to change a tyre, get in touch with your local Autofusion centre for expert advice.