How to Tell If Your Tyres Need Replacing – 5 Key Warning Signs
How to Tell If Your Tyres Need Replacing – 5 Key Warning Signs
Your tyres are the only point of contact between your car and the road, making them essential for safety, performance, and fuel efficiency. Worn or damaged tyres increase stopping distances, reduce grip, and can even cause MOT failure.
At Andrews Car Centre in Lincoln, we offer professional tyre checks, replacements, and puncture repairs to keep your car roadworthy. In this guide, we’ll explain the five key signs that your tyres need replacing—and why it’s important not to ignore them.
1. Low Tyre Tread Depth – The 20p Coin Test
🚨 Why it matters:
The legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm across the central 75% of the tyre. Anything below this is illegal and dangerous, leading to:
✔️ Reduced grip in wet weather – Increasing the risk of aquaplaning.
✔️ Longer braking distances – Especially in rain or icy conditions.
✔️ MOT failure – Tyres below 1.6mm will result in an automatic fail.
🛠 How to check:
💰 The 20p coin test – Insert a 20p coin into the tyre tread.
- If you can see the outer edge of the coin, your tyres are below 1.6mm and need replacing.
- If the tread covers the edge, your tyres are still legal but may need checking soon.
📅 When to replace tyres: Most experts recommend changing tyres at 3mm tread depth to maintain grip and safety—well before they reach the legal limit.
2. Cracks, Bulges, or Cuts on the Tyre Sidewall
🚨 Why it matters:
Your tyres are constantly exposed to heat, pressure, and road debris. Over time, cracks, bulges, or cuts can appear on the sidewall, weakening the tyre structure.
🔎 What to look for:
✔️ Small cracks or splits – Usually caused by ageing rubber or exposure to sunlight.
✔️ Bulges or bubbles – Often caused by hitting potholes or kerbs, weakening the tyre internally.
✔️ Deep cuts – Any gash exposing the inner fabric layers of the tyre means it’s unsafe to drive on.
💡 Tip: If you notice any of these signs, replace the tyre immediately. Sidewall damage cannot be repaired, as it compromises the tyre’s structural integrity.
3. Uneven Tyre Wear – A Sign of Bigger Problems
🚨 Why it matters:
If your tyres are wearing unevenly, it’s often a symptom of poor wheel alignment, incorrect tyre pressure, or suspension issues.
🔎 Types of uneven wear:
✔️ Wear on the edges: Underinflated tyres cause excessive wear on the outer edges.
✔️ Wear in the centre: Overinflated tyres wear out the middle tread more quickly.
✔️ One-sided wear: Often caused by wheel misalignment or suspension issues.
🛠 What to do:
- Check your tyre pressure regularly to ensure even wear.
- Book a wheel alignment check at Andrews Car Centre if you notice uneven wear.
📅 When to replace tyres: If the wear pattern is severe, replacing the tyres and fixing the underlying issue is essential.
4. Slow Punctures or Frequent Loss of Tyre Pressure
🚨 Why it matters:
A slow puncture can go unnoticed but will eventually lead to a flat tyre, reduced fuel efficiency, and poor handling.
🔎 Common causes of slow leaks:
✔️ Small punctures – Often caused by nails or debris, sometimes repairable.
✔️ Leaking valve stems – If air leaks from the valve, it may need replacing.
✔️ Bead/rim leaks – Rust or dirt on the wheel rim can cause air to escape.
🛠 What to do:
- Check your tyre pressure weekly – A tyre losing more than 2 PSI per week may have a slow puncture.
- Visit Andrews Car Centre for a puncture repair or replacement – Small punctures in the tread area can often be fixed; sidewall damage cannot.
5. Vibrations or Strange Noises While Driving
🚨 Why it matters:
If you feel unusual vibrations in the steering wheel or hear strange noises while driving, it could indicate a tyre problem.
🔎 What it could mean:
✔️ Tyres out of balance – Causing vibrations, especially at high speeds.
✔️ Tyre tread separation – If a tyre develops internal damage, it may cause a thudding or wobbling sensation.
✔️ Flat spots – Hard braking can cause areas of the tyre to wear unevenly, leading to road noise.
🛠 What to do:
- Get your wheels balanced if you experience vibration at certain speeds.
- Inspect the tyres for damage – A bulge or lump could mean internal tyre separation.
- Replace any tyres making unusual noises before they fail completely.
When Should You Replace All Four Tyres?
Some cars only need one or two tyres replaced at a time, but in certain cases, replacing all four is recommended:
✔️ If all tyres are worn evenly below 3mm – To maintain consistent grip and handling.
✔️ If you drive a 4WD or AWD vehicle – Uneven tyre wear can strain the differential.
✔️ If switching between summer and winter tyres – Ensuring optimal seasonal performance.
💡 Tip: If replacing just two tyres, always put the newest tyres on the rear axle for better stability and grip.
Why Choose Andrews Car Centre for Tyres in Lincoln?
At Andrews Car Centre, we offer a full range of tyres, from budget to premium brands, with expert fitting and wheel balancing.
✔️ New Tyres for All Budgets – From affordable budget tyres to premium brands like Michelin, Goodyear, Pirelli, Continental, and Dunlop.
✔️ Puncture Repairs – Quick, cost-effective repairs if your tyre is fixable.
✔️ Tyre Fitting & Balancing – Ensuring even wear and a smooth drive.
✔️ Wheel Alignment Services – Preventing uneven tyre wear.
✔️ MOT & Servicing Packages – Get your tyres checked as part of your car’s annual maintenance.
🚨 Driving with worn tyres is dangerous—don’t wait until it’s too late!
Book Your Tyre Check or Replacement Today!
📞 Call Andrews Car Centre today or book online for professional tyre fitting, repairs, and safety checks.
🚗🔧 Andrews Car Centre – Lincoln’s Trusted Tyre Experts.