Tyres over five years old are lets face it…..getting on a bit! It’s wise to have them checked by a professional but even relatively new tyres need regular checks for sidewall damage, such as cuts or bulges, and treads need checking for nails or tears.
Although the minimum amount of tread required for a car to be roadworthy is 1.6mm, it is wise to replace tyres at 2mm, as wet-weather grip is diminished significantly as the tread depth diminishes.
Reading Tyre Wear
Wear Pattern: Excessive wear on shoulders or outer edges
Possible Causes: Lack of rotation; High Speed Cornering; Under-Inflation
Wear Pattern: Excessive wear on centre section
Possible Causes: Over-Inflation; Lack of Rotation
Wear Pattern: Feathered or saw-tooth tread
Possible Causes: Incorrect toe-in
Wear Pattern: Irregular spots or depressions
Possible Causes: Unbalanced tyre and wheel; Defective Tyre
Wear Pattern: Cupped or scalloped depressions
Possible Causes: Lack of rotation; Improper Alignment; Worn or Damaged Steering or Suspension Parts
Wear Pattern: Cracked Ribs
Possible Causes: Overloading; High Speed Driving; Alternate Over & Under Inflation
Wear Pattern: Excessive wear on one side of the tread
Possible Causes: Excessive Camber