Car tyre: How to know when they need replacement?

Is there a specific time to replace worn tyres? Overall performance of a car tyre is an important factor to vehicle’s safety, performance and efficiency. More or less 200 fatalities per annum are reported as a result of deteriorated tyres and immediate failure while driving. Most are designed to offer exceptional and identical performance throughout their lifespan.

Still, there comes a time when performance starts to fade especially with the traction and braking ability. If you’re unsure of when to replace a car tyre and the best time to take a decision before a critical accident, check out a few details below and stay on the safe side.

Understand the primary function of the tyre tread which is to divert water from underneath the wheels. It improves traction that is the grip and avoids hydroplaning while driving on a wet terrain. If the tread drops below 1/16^th of an inch that is 1.6mm, your tyre poses a certain threat and no longer safe.
Carefully examine the tread pattern that’s also known as the tread wear bars. These are small carvings or bridges formed right in between the treads. As you examine closely, the bars run all across the tyres and as they flush or flattens overtime, it indicates your car tyre must be replaced.
You can easily measure the tyre tread using a special tread depth indicator or a measuring instrument. In case you don’t have one, it’s quite cheap to purchase from a shop that deals in auto parts. There’re online tread depth measurement tools as well that you can download.
In many states around the world, replacing worn tyres is a legal requirement and non-compliance may raise certain legal issues. While the standard limit of tread wear is 1/16^th of an inch, you should check the laws in your own country.
Irregular tread wear indicates misaligned wheel, need for tyre rotation or maybe both. Jagged tread wear indicates your car is in need of professional service. If the situation is extreme or tyres wear faster than expected, check out a professional workshop immediately and have the wheels replaced. Inappropriate alignment or worn suspension parts reduces lifespan of tyres.
Abnormal bulge or bubble in the sidewall indicated damaged or cracked internal frame of the tyre that releases the air pressure to the exterior layers. This may be a result of driving over a large pothole, on a curb or inconsistent driving with low tyre pressure.

Ignorance may alleviate the issue to a dangerous level as it increases the likelihood of imminent tyre failure or blowout while driving that can be fatal. Replace the tyre immediately if you face any of such issue.

A typical car tyre must be replaced after every six years regardless of how it has been used or the number of fixes already performed. For maximum assurance, read the owner’s manual or specific recommendations to your vehicle. If you feel even the slightest issue while driving, don’t delay and have the vehicle, especially the tyre inspected immediately.

Conclusion

The above details clearly define when your car tyre needs replacement.