How Long Do Car Tyres Last?

If you want to pass your next MOT, then you need to make sure that your tyres aren’t worn out, as this could see you fail the test.

Not only does this mean taking care of your tyres through routine maintenance, but being aware of what the lifespan of your tyres should be, and knowing what could be wearing them out faster.

Do you know how long your car tyres should last? If not, then this is the article for you. 

 

How Long Do Car Tyres Last?

With proper care and maintenance, your tyres can last for 20,000 miles or 10 years before they need to be changed.

Whilst it may be tempting to ignore your tyres until this duration is up, you should be aware that the legal tyre tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm. By law, your tyres must meet this standard, and it can be dangerous if the depth falls below this. Your tyres will struggle to grip the road properly otherwise, giving you less control over your vehicle. 

Your tyres are deemed to be new for the first 5 years after they were manufactured. After this point, you should start having them checked by a professional garage every year, to ensure there are no issues. Cracks in the tyre sidewall may begin to form after this length of time, which is why it is so important that you have this looked at by a skilled mechanic at the appropriate intervals. 

 

 

Where Can I Find My Tyre Expiry Date?

If you wish to locate your tyre expiry date and find out how old your current tyres are, you can do so by taking a look at the tyre sidewall.

Tyres sold in the UK will be embossed with a 4-digit number which can tell you when they were manufactured. You can find this number beside the letters DOT - this stands for Department of Transportation. 

Of these 4 digits, the first 2 numbers can tell you the week that your tyre was made, and the last 2 numbers can tell you the year that it was manufactured.

To give an example, 1410 would refer to the 14th week of 2010. If you can only see a 3-digit number then this means that the tyre was made prior to 2000, and that it needs to be replaced.

Be aware that this information must be legible, or this could be considered an offence. That’s why it’s so important that you check the condition of your tyres regularly.

Not only will this help you make sure that your tyre expiry date is still visible, but you can get a closer look at any tyre damage you may have otherwise missed. 

 

How Can I Take Care of My Tyres?

There are several steps you can take to prolong the lifespan of your tyres.  

If you bear in mind the impact that your driving style can have on your tyres, then you can prevent a great deal of unnecessary wear and tear.

Be conscious of the damage that hitting a kerb or going over a pothole can cause - even whilst driving at low speed!

You should also remember to check your tyre pressure regularly, as an under-inflated or over-inflated tyre can negatively impact your vehicle’s performance.

Even seemingly insignificant actions like cleaning your tyres from time to time can make a difference to your tyre health. 

 

When Should I Change My Tyres?

As a bare minimum, you should have your tyres changed once they have been in use for 10 years.

It is generally accepted that you should change your tyres when the tread depth is at 3mm. When in doubt, it is always best to have your tyres checked to make sure they are functioning properly. 

To keep your tyres in the best possible condition, we recommend replacing them regularly. If you need new tyres, buy them through BookMyGarage today to have them fitted by a skilled professional.