When should I change my car tyres?
In our experience, old or degraded tyres are one of the biggest causes of accidents. Poorly maintained tyres past their prime can affect everything from braking and handling to fuel efficiency. Our tyre professionals recommend keeping the right pressure at all times and checking tyres for wear and damage often. Tyres are one of the most important elements of vehicle maintenance and one of the easiest to perform.
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Tyre Longevity
A lot of different factors determine how long your tyres will last. Obviously, the more you drive the more worn they become, but how you drive matters just as much. Heavy loads, sharp acceleration and braking, poor quality roads and weather exposure all have an effect. Most car tyres are good for 20,000 miles but other factors can halve or double that. After about 8 years you should seriously consider replacing them just because of their age regardless of use or wear.
To optimise some features of a car tyre, others often have to be sacrificed. Consequently, manufacturers make a range of tyres some of which last much better than others. Tyres from respected brands like Michelin and Bridgestone usually last longer, but gaining the benefits still depends on tyre maintenance and driving style. Years of experience tell us that purchasing quality tyres is usually better long-term economy. Fortunately, it is easy to compare tyres on our website.
Tyre Health
Never wait for your tyres to reach 20,000 miles before having them checked! You should be checking your pressure at least once per fortnight and looking out for wear and damage at the same time. You can also drive into any Protyre garage for a free check. The minimum legal tread depth is 1.6 mm but performance is impaired at 3mm so that is when most motoring organisations recommend a change. Our garages carry options from Pirelli, Bridgestone, Falken, Sumitomo and a host of other brands. You can buy car tyres online and have them fitted at whichever garage is most convenient.
If you hit a pothole or a kerb, or have to drive over rough roads, always check your tyre afterward. Look for damage to your tyres, and check for any pressure loss. Regular pressure loss suggests a slow puncture so use our online garage finder to book in for a free check up.
Age of your Tyres
Also stay aware of the age of your tyres. You can find the manufacture date printed on the tyre sidewall in the form of a four-digit number. The first two digits are the week the tyre was manufactured, and the second two are the year. These figures give you an idea if you've had them too long.
If your tyres are getting old, showing signs of wear or damage, or you feel that your vehicle isn't handling correctly, our highly trained mechanics are here to help. You can book a free tyre check via our website, give us a call to discuss your needs, or pop into one of our nationwide garages.
We Can Help You Choose The Right Tyre
Tyres are essential for keeping your car safe and performing at its best, but with so many options out there, it can be tough to know where to start. That's where our informative articles come in – we're here to help you navigate the world of tyres and make the best choice for your specific needs.
Whether you're considering upgrading to Premium car tyres for enhanced driving dynamics, run flat car tyres for added peace of mind, or trying to decide between summer car tyres and winter car tyres, Protyre can help. Our articles have got you covered with a wide range of tyre-related topics to help you make informed decisions.
The brand you choose matters too. We offer recommendations for trusted names such as BF Goodrich tyres, Bridgestone tyres, Continental tyres, Dunlop tyres, Falken tyres, General tyres, Goodyear tyres, GT Radial tyres , Hankook tyres, Michelin tyres, Pirelli tyres, Runway tyres, Sumitomo tyres, and Toyo tyres. But our articles don't just focus on choosing the right tyres – we also offer practical advice for maintaining them. From simple tips like checking your tread depth and keeping your tyres inflated to the proper pressure, to more advanced topics like extending tyre life through regular rotation and balancing - we've got you covered!
Dive in and discover everything you need to know to keep your car running smoothly and safely with Protyre.
Book with Protyre
If you are unsure about your load rating or which tyres to get, click the ‘Find My Protyre’ button below and speak with the team at your local Protyre centre. With their wealth of knowledge and years of experience, you can be certain you will receive high-quality advice from our friendly team. Or you can book a free tyre check at a time and date to suit you, where our tyre technicians will be able to carry out a range of safety checks on your tyres to help keep you safe on the road.
