How Long Should Tyres Last?

Car tyres have improved dramatically over the years. They last longer, they’re stronger and we’re discovering new ways to make them work around our favourite terrains instead of the other way around… however, even now, they don’t come with an exact expiry date, nor do they last forever. It’s down to how much we’re paying attention to their wear levels.

Your tyres will wear differently than your next door neighbour driving around on the same rubber. Why? Well, things like driving habits, seasonal changes, the design of the tyres, and road conditions all play a part. Like most things, the better you maintain and look after your tyres, the longer they will last. But, even if you look after them, how do you know when you should get them replaced?

When to change tyres?

Here are a few fast guidelines to stick by when it comes to knowing when to change your tyres:

• Has the tread worn down?
• Are you slipping around in wet weather or finding your grip on the road a little less sure?
• Can you see any damage to your tyres?
• Are you always pumping them up?

Take a closer look at tyre tread

Tyre tread is a great indicator of when tyres need to be replaced. If the tread is worn below the minimum legal depth of 1.55mm, they are not roadworthy and will need to be replaced. Damaged tyres, with either punctures or damage to the sidewall and tyre bead should also be replaced.

How old are your tyres?

It is also best to keep an eye on the age of your tyres. Any tyre older than five years should be checked once a year for signs of deterioration. Tyres older than ten years should be replaced immediately. Ageing tyres pose a risk as rubber can deteriorate and crack over time.

What pressure should car tyres be?

Maintaining your car tyre pressure is a great way to extend their longevity. The regular car tyre pressure will sit between 32 – 35 PSI. However, this can vary depending on the style of tyre. You can find the recommended pressure for your specific tyres inside the owner’s manual or on the placard located on the driver’s side door.

Tyre pressure may also need to be altered depending on driving conditions. Tyre pressure should be adjusted when carrying or towing a load, or while driving in different environments and road conditions.

What to look for in highway tyres?

Highway tyres are a great option for drivers with long commutes on highways. They improve speed durability and road handling on highways while also creating a quieter, smoother and more comfortable trip. You should look for a highway tyre with a thinner sidewall and tighter tread on the tyre to get that great highway driving experience.

mycar stocks a range of highway tyres, with brands including Goodyear, Viking and Continental to ensure that you find your perfect highway tyre.

The best performance tyres for your car

You don’t need to be a professional driver to experience the benefits of performance tyres. Performance tyres can enhance the driving experience, allowing your car to react to situations faster, stop quicker while improving your overall experience on the road. Inspired by the racetrack, performance tyres have been fine-tuned for the streets to improve precision, responsiveness and traction of your car. Some features include larger tread blocks for better gripping ability and a lower shorter sidewall to enhance cornering ability.

If you’re interested in making the switch, mycar has a range of performance tyres to choose from including DiamondBack, Pirelli and Kumho tyres.

Should you invest in all terrain tyres?

If you commute during the week, and then like to take your car off-road on the weekends, all terrain tyres may be a great choice for you.

All terrain tyres offer the best of both worlds. They are perfectly capable of doing the office commute or the school runs during the week. Then, on the weekend they handle rougher driving conditions like rocks and uneven terrain. Served by a thicker construction and features like a more open tread pattern, all terrain tyres will help you get up and over whatever life throws at you.

Whatever your needs, mycar has you covered. With a range of all terrain tyres including Kumho all terrain tyres, Pirelli all terrain tyres and Bridgestone, we’re here to help you find the perfect fit.

With over 260 convenient locations around Australia, mycar makes buying and maintaining your tyres easy. We’re here to help you maintain your tyres so that they last. For more assistance, drop into your local store or contact one of our tyre experts on 13 13 28.