Top 5 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Tyres

Your tyres are the unsung heroes of every journey — the only part of your vehicle that actually touches the road. They carry the weight of your car, absorb bumps, and grip the road whether it’s a blazing-hot summer day or a rain-soaked evening. Yet, despite their importance, tyres are often overlooked until a problem arises. Knowing when to replace them isn’t just about prolonging your car’s performance — it’s about keeping you, your passengers, and everyone else on the road safe. Here are the top five signs it’s time to swap out your tyres for new ones.

1. Tread Wear Below the Legal Limit

The depth of your tyre tread is crucial for maintaining grip, especially on wet roads. In Australia, the legal minimum tread depth is 1.5 millimetres. Anything less and your tyres are considered unsafe, with the risk of aquaplaning and significantly reduced braking ability. You can check tread depth with a tread gauge, or even by using the old “coin test”: place a 20c coin into the grooves. If the platypus bill is completely visible, it’s time for new tyres. Worn tread doesn’t just make your car less safe — it can also attract fines if you’re caught driving on tyres below the legal limit.

2. Cracks, Bulges, or Cuts in the Tyre

If your tyres are showing visible damage, such as cracks in the sidewalls, bulges, or cuts, it’s a clear red flag. Cracks often appear due to exposure to sunlight, heat, and age, causing the rubber to harden and weaken. Bulges indicate internal damage, usually from hitting potholes or kerbs, which can lead to blowouts at high speeds. Cuts can compromise the structural integrity of the tyre, even if they seem minor. Unlike tread wear, these signs aren’t always easy to predict — but if you spot them, replacement is the safest option.

3. Vibrations While Driving

A smooth ride is what you expect from healthy tyres and properly balanced wheels. If you’re experiencing unusual vibrations through the steering wheel or floor of your car, it may be more than just a rough road. Vibrations can be caused by misaligned wheels, unbalanced tyres, or internal tyre issues such as separation of the tread. While wheel balancing and alignment may sometimes resolve these problems, persistent vibrations can point to deeper tyre damage. Ignoring it not only affects your comfort but can also lead to further wear on your suspension and steering components.

4. Uneven Wear Patterns

Not all tyre wear is created equal. If you notice that one side of the tyre is wearing down faster than the other, or the centre of the tread is more worn than the edges (or vice versa), it signals an issue. Uneven wear is often caused by underinflation, overinflation, or poor wheel alignment. For instance, underinflated tyres wear more on the outer edges, while overinflated tyres wear faster in the centre. Even if there’s some tread left, uneven wear shortens the tyre’s lifespan and compromises its grip. If uneven wear persists, new tyres are usually the safest solution.

5. Age of the Tyres

Even if your tyres look fine, age is a hidden factor many drivers overlook. Tyre manufacturers generally recommend replacing tyres every five to six years, regardless of tread depth. Rubber deteriorates over time due to exposure to sunlight, heat, and general use, leading to hardened, less flexible tyres that don’t grip as well. You can check the age of your tyres by looking for the DOT code on the sidewall, which shows the week and year of manufacture. Driving on old tyres is a gamble — they may fail suddenly, putting you and others at risk.

Stay Safe on the Road

Your tyres are your vehicle’s foundation for safety, performance, and peace of mind. Whether it’s worn tread, cracks, vibrations, uneven wear, or simply age, recognising these signs early can save you from breakdowns or accidents. If you’re unsure about the condition of your tyres, the safest step is to have them checked by a professional.

For expert advice and tyre replacement services, trust Petersen's Secondhand & New Tyres, proudly serving Townsville drivers with reliable options for every budget and vehicle. Call us today on (07) 4772 3001 or visit our Contact Page to book an inspection and keep your journey rolling safely.

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