How often you should budget for new tyres

By Adam White

There’s no doubt that even budget tyres can punch a hole in your wallet. However, with careful driving and regular maintenance, you can prolong the lifespan of your tyres.

Tyre on road

When do I need to change my tyres?

Our tyre professionals agree that tyres that are 10 years old should always be replaced. To check the age of your tyres, check the code on the sidewalls; this is usually the word DOT followed by a four digit number. For example, 1414 would mean that your tyres were manufactured in the 14th week of 2014.
 
If your car is coming up for its MOT, you will fail if your tyres have less than the minimum 1.6mm tread requirement. Bear in mind that this is the minimum tread that is legally permissible and that you should consider replacing your tyres when there is 3mm of tread left.
 
Your tyres will also need to be replaced if they show visible signs of damage, or if you’ve suffered a puncture.

Minimise wear and tear

There are several factors that affect the wear and tyre on your tyres. Driving fast or aggressively can wear out tyres more quickly, as will the number of miles you travel. Keeping your tyres inflated to the correct pressure will also protect the tread and help to prevent punctures.
 
Extreme weather and poor road conditions can also cause your tyres to wear faster. To minimise wear and tear, corner and brake more conservatively.
 
If you would like our tyre professionals to give your wheels the once over, you can book in for a free tyre check at Protyre to ensure that they’re in tip-top condition.

Free Tyre Check

Budget tyres vs Premium tyres

When it comes to replacing your tyres, cost can be a huge consideration and a high quality budget brand such as Sumitomo could meet your needs. However, if you can afford to pay for a premium brand, you’ll definitely get what you pay for.
 
High quality tyres from brands such as Pirelli and Bridgestone may cost a little more but they employ unique technology that can save you money in the long run. Premium tyres maximise safety, last significantly longer and can even save you money at the pump through improved fuel efficiency.

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Higher quality rubber compounds and better tread patterns mean that premium tyres will withstand wear in a different way to budget tyres. Treat them well, however, and you’ll get the best out of your tyres whatever you budget for.
 
Obviously high performance tyres come with a higher price tag but they can prove surprisingly cost-effective in the long run. If you’re not sure what make or size you need or whether you need to invest in winter and summer tyres, our qualified fitters will be happy to advise you.

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.

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About the author

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By Adam White
Adam looks to create engaging and informative content across the website that provides consumers with expert advice on MOTs, servicing, vehicle maintenance and tyre care. As a motorsport enthusiast, Adam enjoys documenting the Protyre Motorsport team’s involvement in major motorsport events across the UK.
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