It's easy to forget about your vehicle’s tyres when you’re constantly on the go, but keeping them in good condition will help you to stay safe on the roads and get the most out of your tyres.
When it comes to the question of ‘how long do tyres last?’ – there is no definitive answer. However, there are tyre care and maintenance tips that you can follow to keep your tyres road-ready and in the best condition possible.
The team here at Eurorepar have put together a handy list of tips to make the most out of your tyres and keep you safe.
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of ‘how long should tyres last’ and how to keep them in the best condition, lets remind ourselves why this is so important. Your vehicle’s tyres are the only contact between you and the road. They provide grip as well as directional control and comfort. They also support the weight of the vehicle. Poorly maintained tyres will impact your vehicle’s performance and fuel efficiency (check out this handy blog for tips on reducing fuel consumption). Most importantly, if your tyre tread depth has reached 1.6mm or below, then they become illegal to use on a public road. This is because by this point you will be putting yourself and other drivers at risk, as you could lose control of your vehicle.
How long your tyres last will depend on the quality of your tyres, what road surfaces they are used on, how often you use your car, your driving style and how well they are maintained.
After you’ve had your tyres for five years or more, we recommend getting them serviced by a professional technician every year. At Eurorepar garages, we offer car tyre fittings, replacements and repairs across the UK. If your tyres are 10+ years old, we’d recommend replacing them with new tyres.
Whilst there is no specific number for tyre mileage, experts generally predict that front tyres will last around 20,000 miles and rear tyres will last twice as long, around 40,000 miles.
You can quickly and easily check the tyre sidewall to find information about the manufacturer and when they were made. Every tyre has a DOT (Department of Transport) four-digit code written on them: the first pair of numbers denote the week, and the second pair denotes the year.
Taking good care of your tyres will help to avoid unnecessary bills down the line, saving you money in the long run. Whether you’ve bought new tyres recently or you are looking to make your current ones last as long as possible, there are various things that you can do to prolong the life of your tyres and ensure they are safe to use.
1. Check your tyre pressure
Checking your tyres is important to do regularly, as underinflated tyres can increase your fuel usage and cause tyre wear on the outside edge. Conversely, overinflated tyres can cause wear on the inside edge of the tyre tread and reduce their grip.
Tyre pressure has a huge impact on the general handling of your car - including braking, steering, and even mileage. Naturally, tyres lose pressure over time. This is why it’s important that you check your pressures every month. Doing so will not only ensure the longevity of your tyres but will also help you to avoid any dangerous consequences related to incorrect pressures - such as a blowout.
Top tip: If you’re unsure how to check your tyre pressure, you can use a pressure gauge. They are simple to use, and your vehicle handbook will tell you exactly what pressure your tyres should be.
2. Check your tyre treads
Simply stand a 20p coin upright between the grooves of your tyre and if your tread doesn’t cover over the coin’s border, it’s likely they need to be replaced. If you’re concerned about tyre tread wear, book an appointment at your local garage immediately.
3. Ensure correct wheel alignment
Did you know that having wheels that are incorrectly aligned can cause your tyres to wear unevenly, and in turn result in increased fuel consumption and excess damage?
So, if you notice one pair of tyres wearing faster than the other, check your vehicle handbook to find the recommended alignment settings. Or book in with your local Eurorepar centre for a professional to take a look.
4. Rotate your tyres
Rotating your front and back tyres regularly, every 2,000 – 3,000 miles, will help to make your vehicle safer and your tyres to last longer. Always repeat the rotation on each tyre to ensure even wear.
Top tip: It’s worth noting that some vehicles have different sized tyres that cannot be rotated.
5. Avoid the kerb
It may seem obvious, but don’t rush to mount the kerb. This can cause unnecessary friction on the tyre wall and lead to tears or even blowouts over time. Instead, be mindful of how you angle the car when driving onto the kerb, to stop the tyres scraping against the concrete. Avoid parking close to it where possible – try to leave a foot’s distance between the kerb and your wheels.
6. Use seasonal tyres
A simple tyre care tip is to use seasonal tyres. This means swapping to summer tyres in summer and winter tyres in the – yep, you guessed it - winter. Summer tyres deliver grip on wet and dry roads and perform well at higher temperatures. On the other hand, winter tyres are made with special rubber compounds that stay elastic at cooler temperatures and will decrease wear. Changing your tyres with the seasons could help them to last much longer.
7. Drive mindfully
Hard braking, wheel-spinning and speeding can all cause tyre wear. This is why it’s important to stick to good driving habits, so that you can help keep your tyres at their best - wherever the road takes you. Try to avoid sharp cornering and late braking. Also, remember to leave a larger distance between you and the vehicle in front, and be mindful of your speed.
8. Avoid overloading your car
Exceeding the recommended weight limit of your car can cause a lot of stress on your tyres, inevitably leading to uneven wear and a shorter lifespan. Always try to evenly spread weight inside your car to maintain a good balance so every tyre ideally feels the same weight. Overloading compromises traction and braking performance so always make sure to check the vehicle manual for weight specifications.
We hope these tyre care and maintenance tips have been useful. Here at Eurorepar, we offer tyre repairs and replacements to put your mind at ease. Find your nearest Eurorepar centre and book online today.
