How Long Do Tyres Last?

How long do tyres last

The lifespan of tyres depends on several factors, including driving habits, road conditions, tyre quality, and maintenance. However, here are some general guidelines:

1. Expected Tyre Lifespan

• Mileage-Based Lifespan: Most tyres last between 20,000 to 50,000 miles, but premium brands can last longer when driven with care.
• Time-Based Lifespan: Even if not worn out, tyres should generally be replaced every 5 to 10 years due to rubber degradation, UV light impacts the stability of the tyre.
• 5 years on the vehicle: Start checking regularly for wear and ageing.
• 10 years on the vehicle: Replace regardless of tread depth (as recommended by manufacturers like Michelin and Continental).

2. Factors That Affect Tyre Lifespan

🚗 Driving Style – Aggressive driving (hard braking, fast cornering) wears tyres faster.  Also living in an area where you drive around a high volume of roundabouts, for example, can affect the wear.
🛣️ Road Conditions – Rough, pothole-ridden roads wear tyres faster than smooth highways.
🌡️ Weather & Temperature – Extreme heat or cold can accelerate tyre ageing.
⚖️ Tyre Load & Pressure – Overloading or underinflation causes uneven wear and can be dangerous too.
🛠️ Maintenance – Regular rotation, alignment, and balancing help extend life.

3. Signs You Need to Replace Tyres

❌ Tread Depth Below 1.6mm (legal minimum in the UK; 3mm is recommended for safety).
❌ Cracks or Bulges – Visible cracks on sidewalls or bulges mean the rubber is ageing and the tyre could fail.
❌ Uneven Wear – Could indicate wheel alignment or suspension issues.
❌ Vibrations While Driving – Could mean internal tyre damage from hitting a kerb or pothole.

Tips on how to make your tyres last longer

Extending the life of your tyres saves money and improves safety. Here are some key tips to make your tyres last longer:

1. Maintain Proper Tyre Pressure

✅ Check tyre pressure monthly and always before long trips.
✅ Use the recommended PSI from your vehicles owners manual or the sticker inside the driver’s door.
✅ Underinflated tyres wear on the edges; overinflated tyres wear in the centre.

2. Rotate Your Tyres Regularly

✅ We recommend rotation of tyres every 5,000–8,000 miles (or as recommended by your vehicles manufacturer).
✅ Doing so, ensures even tread wear between front and rear tyres, helping a set of 4 tyres to last longer.

3. Get Wheel Alignment & Balancing

✅ Misaligned wheels cause uneven wear and poor handling.
✅ Get alignment checked if you notice pulling to one side or uneven wear.
✅ Balance tyres to prevent vibrations that can accelerate wear.

4. Drive Smoothly

✅ Avoid hard braking, sudden acceleration, and aggressive cornering.
✅ Drive at moderate speeds to reduce excessive heat buildup in tyres.

5. Avoid Overloading Your Car

✅ Check your car’s maximum load capacity in the manual and don’t go above it.
✅ Extra weight puts pressure on the tyres, leading to premature wear and if overloaded can risk a blow out.

6. Check for Damage & Tread Depth

✅ Inspect tyres monthly for cuts, bulges, or embedded objects.
✅ Replace tyres when tread depth reaches 3mm for better grip (1.6mm is the legal UK minimum).

7. Store Tyres Properly (If Not in Use)

✅ Keep spare or seasonal tyres in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
✅ Store upright or stacked, and cover them to prevent cracking.

Want more information?

Pop into your local centre and our team of tyre experts will be happy to help find the right tyre for your vehicle, driving conditions and budget.