Knowing when to replace your tyres is a bit of grey area. Many people don't know when their tyres need to be replaced and in many cases in the UK people are driving on illegal tyres but are completely unaware of the risks they are putting themselves and others in. Driving on illegal tyres can not...
Knowing when to replace your tyres is a bit of grey area. Many people don't know when their tyres need to be replaced and in many cases in the UK people are driving on illegal tyres but are completely unaware of the risks they are putting themselves and others in. Driving on illegal tyres can not only be fatal but can be very costly also. As a tyres tread wears down the performance and safety of that tyres decreases. Increasing the likelihood of incidents due to poor braking and limited traction on the road. In this article we highlight when is the best time to change your tyres and how to check if your tyres do need replacing. TREAD DEPTH Tyres main purpose on a vehicle is to maintain grip and traction on a road. Its important to use a tyre that performs we'll in all conditions. So when it's raining and the roads are wet the tyre and the tread have the capability to retain grip and keep you in a safe driving environment. In the UK the legal limit for tyre tread is 1.6mm, once your tyre tread gets close to the legal limit the performance from the tyre decreases and you are more likely to loose grip and control of your car. Its imperative that you don't let your tread wear below the 1.6mm because you are in fact breaking the law and if pulled over by the police will be liable to 3-6 points and a hefty fine. HOW TO KNOW WHEN YOUR TREAD IS 1.6MM OR BELOW If you look at the tyre tread on your vehicle you will notice little strips of rubber which go between the main grooves in the tread pattern. These are called "tread wear indicators". They basically tell you when the tread has reached the legal limit. If the tread has worn down so that the tread wear indicators are level with the tread on the tyre then it's time to change your tyres. By keeping a constant check on the tread wear indicators you will know as and whe n your tyres will need to be replaced. The diagram below shows the tyre tread indicator in between the tread groove. [caption id="attachment_508" align="alignnone" width="234"]
Tyre Tread Indicator[/caption] THE 20P TEST If you take a 20p piece the ouside lip of the coin is exactly 1.6mm. if you place the coin between the tread grooves on your tyre and can see the edge of the lip then your tyre tread is below 1.6mm and your tyres need to be replaced as soon as possible. If you can't see the edge of the lip then your tyre tread is over 1.6mm and are road legal. The diagram below shows you how to carry out the 20p test. 
KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR TREAD If you notice that your tyre tread is wearing in certain areas on your tyre it could be that your wheels are misaligned. This is easily sorted and can be done at any of the 2000 Tyres.Online fitting partners throughout the UK. To find a fitter close to you click here. If you tyres have high levels of wear in certain areas, it would be a good idea to get them checked out by a professional. Tyre wear can be caused by many issues with the car set-up, if in doubt always seek professional advice. REPLACE YOUR TYRES WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT It is advised that you change your tyres after 6 years of use regardless of tread depth or wear. After 6 years the rubber of the tyre is past it's best and the tyre won't performance or be as safe as it was in the past. If you think the tyres on your vehicle could be over 6 years old it would be good idea to replace them sooner rather than later. Tyres.Online has a full range of budget, mid-range and premium tyres available for your car. If you think your tyres need replacing Tyres.Online has over 2000 fitting partners throughout the UK making it easier than ever to change your tyre. To see a full stock list of tyres in your tyre size click here.