There is no single mileage at which tyres wear out. Driving style, road surfaces, pressures and storage all play a part. Instead of guessing, look for the signs below.
Tread depth
The legal minimum is 1.6mm, but performance, particularly in the wet, drops well before that. Most drivers should aim to replace at around 3mm.
Age of the tyre
Rubber hardens with age even if the tread looks fine. Many manufacturers recommend having tyres inspected once they are five years old and replacing them by ten years at the latest. The four-digit DOT date on the sidewall shows the week and year of manufacture.
Cracks, cuts and bulges
Cracking in the sidewall, deep cuts, or a bulge on the side of a tyre mean the internal structure may be damaged. A bulging tyre can fail suddenly and should be replaced straight away.
Vibration and pulling
A new vibration at speed, or the car pulling to one side, can be caused by tyre damage, uneven wear or balance problems. It is worth having checked.
Repeated pressure loss
If one tyre keeps losing pressure, it may have a slow puncture, a damaged valve or a bead leak. Some of these can be repaired, but a damaged or aged tyre should be replaced.
Common questions
How many miles do tyres last?
It varies widely, from around 15,000 to over 40,000 miles depending on the tyre, the car and how it is driven. Front tyres on front-wheel-drive cars usually wear fastest.
Where do I find the age of my tyre?
Look for the DOT code on the sidewall. The last four digits show the week and year, so 2521 means week 25 of 2021.
Do unused spare tyres age?
Yes. A spare that has never touched the road can still harden and perish, so check its age and pressure too.
Can you replace tyres on the same day?
Often, subject to availability and stock. Call us with your registration or tyre size and we'll tell you what is possible.