How long do tyres last?

The average car tyre lifespan ranges between 3-10 years, provided that there are no unforeseen circumstances and you drive safely. As a rule of thumb, you can assume that your front tyres will last for a minimum of 20,000 miles, while the back tyres tend to last a minimum of 40,000 miles.

A tyre may need replacing because of a puncture or, more likely, it could be worn down due to natural tyre wear. The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm - you can check your tyre tread depth by using a 20p coin. Insert the 20p coin in at least three tread grooves and, if you can't see the outer band, this indicates that your tyres are illegal and need to be changed.

How to improve tyre life

Changing your tyres regularly can be expensive, so improving their longevity helps you keep costs down. Here are some suggestions for prolonging your tyres' life:

1. Make sure you've chosen the right tyres

There are a number of different tyre sizes for a reason. Different makes and models of cars require different tyres and getting the wrong tyres fitted can reduce fuel efficiency. Furthermore, when it comes to tyres, there are a variety of price options - top of the range tyres may cost a bit more but as they are optimised to reduce rolling resistance and improve fuel economy, they are likely to last much longer than lower cost alternatives.

Having trouble choosing your next set of tyres? Setyres' friendly staff will help you decide on the perfect fit for your budget and needs.

2. Regularly check your tyre pressure

If over inflated or under inflated, your tyres may see accelerated and uneven wear. While under inflated tyres cause a dip in the centre with the outer edges wearing rapidly, over inflated tyres can bulge and cause wear in the centre. You can check your recommended tyre pressure in your driver's manual - alternatively, some vehicles have a sticker on the inside of their car door which provides this information.

3. Driving on uneven ground or different terrains

Probably the factor most people overlook, driving habits can cause rapid tyre wear. When driving, it is vital that you avoid potholes and avoid bumping your car against the kerb. If you do have to mount the kerb, go slowly and carefully to reduce the impact on your tyres. It is also worth noting that driving on terrains other than tarmac could cause increased wear. Before driving on new terrains, make sure you do your research and ensure that your tyres can cope with the new environment.

4. Reducing car weight

The heavier the car, the more impact each movement puts on your tyres. Heavier cars, or those carrying large pieces of luggage experience a higher degree of wear on tyres. Another added benefit of removing any unwanted items from your car is increased fuel efficiency.

5. Correct wheel alignment

Ensuring your wheels are perfectly aligned is our final tip on maintaining the longevity of your tyres. When wheels are misaligned, this can cause uneven tyre wear - which will have a detrimental impact on the lifespan of your tyres. If your wheels are not aligned, look out for pulling to one side, vibration in the steering wheel and unfamiliar noises.

If you've noticed your tyres need replacing, contact our friendly team or visit your local Setyres Garage. Alternatively, buy your new tyres online now.