There is no way to tell exactly how long a tyre lasts. The lifespan and mileage of a tyre depend on a combination of factors: design, the driver’s habits, the climate, the road conditions, and the care that’s put into.
It’s always a good idea to perform regular inspections of your tires whenever you get a chance. Here are the kinds of things you’ll be looking for when you do:
Check the depth of the treads
By law, to be considered roadworthy in Australia your tyre’s tread depth must be at least 1.6mm deep.
Tread bars
Thread wear lines are provided for new tyres, with the extra convenience when it comes to checking for the tread depth. The thing is that while the tires are in acceptable condition, those lines (also known as thread wear indicating bars) stay either invisible or barely noticeable. As the treads wear off, those bars become more and more prominent, indicating the need for the new tires.
Examine the general condition
Even if your tires aren’t bald, they may feature other damages that deteriorate their safety and may lead to early replacement. Crack due to the heavy loads, different weather conditions, Troublemakers (rocks, nails, etc.), Damaged valve caps, and many other driving factors.
Air pressure
Air pressure is an important factor. It affects a tire’s performance and longevity. For instance, if there’s too much air in a tire, it will exhibit more wear in the middle of the tread. If there’s not enough air, the tire will wear down more on the outside edges. Try to check your tires’ air pressure once a month.
Pay attention to the sounds
The way your car feels and sounds when you drive it tells a lot about its condition. The unusual vibration your vehicle produces ‘on the go’ might be a sign of internal tire problems or improper tire alignment, especially if you notice that vibration or moderate shaky sounds while driving on smooth, bump-free roads.
Keep five years in mind. After five years or more in use, your tyres should be thoroughly inspected. If you noticed one or more of the above warning signs above get your tires checked and ask the mechanic if it’s time to replace them.
