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As with any product which has a shelf life, tyres too get old and tired after considerable use. Worn out tyres, if used can often prove catastrophic on the roads because they can cause cars to spiral out of control. Also tyres not performing optimally and which should have been retired from service also increase the chances of getting stranded in the middle of nowhere.
So here are few and reliable ways you can know it’s time to replace your tyres:
1.) Reduced tread depth
One of the foremost indicators that your tyre is now ready to be dumped is when it loses its tread depth. Frankly, many people do not even know what the tyre tread is, let alone understand what is tread depth measurement. If you belong to this group, read the next sentence extra carefully. Maintaining the recommended tread depth on your tyre is important because loss of tread depth reduces grip and traction on the roads, and eventually compromises safety while driving.
Keeping a tab on the tread wear indicator which is built into the tyre is a good way to measure the tread depth. Every tyre have it. These tread wear bars are generally invisible, but can be seen when the tyre has worn down beyond the recommended tread depth.
2.) Cracks on the sidewall
No matter how expensive your tyre is, the day you notice those damaging cracks on the sidewall, you should start contemplating about purchasing new tyres. Cracks on the sidewall occur because over time the oils and chemicals in the rubber compound, that so long kept the tyre intact, gradually evaporate or break down due to over exposure to UV rays of the sun. Also over time, the rubber loses its tightness and cracks begin to appear. Cracks on the sidewall indicate that the tread is now drying out and giving way.
3.) Blisters and Slits
A sure shot way to know that your tyre is now in the last phase of its life cycle is when you discover slits, bulges, blisters or even holes on the tyre surface. Fissures and slits are dangerous because let the air in the tyre escape, causing the tyre to deflate naturally. Even if you cannot detect the leaks yourself, but you feel that the tyre is losing air, it’s time you took the tyre for a professional check-up at the local service station.
4.) Vibration
When you notice too much vibration in your tyres while driving, it most likely indicates an alignment and/or balancing issue. Excessive tyre vibration is not only tiresome, but can also impair driver judgement significantly and cause accidents. If vibration is left unattended to over a long period, tyres sustain excessive and uneven wear resulting in premature removal. Though tyre vibration per se, does not indicate that the tyres need to be changed, it is best to investigate the matter and get it resolved.
5.) Weird noises
When tyres produce those weird noises, it suggests that they are crying out for help! As dramatic as this may sound, this is the truth about tyres. They too know when to make the right noises, which however unfortunately often go unchecked and even unnoticed!
A tyre which is whining, thumping and even getting squeaky, is actually shouting out for a change. These noises are also an indicator that the tyres are not aligned properly, or that its tread has been damaged. So, next time you hear those uncomfortable noises, check the wheel alignment and if needed, get those tyres replaced.
6.) Tyre age
Ideally the minimum replacement age recommended is six years regardless of use, with 10 years being the maximum service life for tyres. Check your owner’s manual for specific recommendations related to your car.
Always check the manufacturing date of tyres when you buy. This date is usually a four digit number mentioned on the sidewall. The first two numbers indicate the week when the tyre was manufactured, while the remaining two digits indicate the year of manufacture.
