How to tell tyres need replacing
How to Tell When Your Tyres Need Replacing: A Driver's Guide to Tread, Wear and Damage
Your tyres are the only part of your car or van in direct contact with the road, so knowing when they need replacing isn't just good practice — it's essential for your safety and everyone else's. Here's what to look out for, and why leaving it too late can cost you more than money.
Check Your Tread Depth
In the UK, the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, around its entire circumference. Driving below this limit can result in a fine of up to £2,500 per tyre and three penalty points, not to mention a much longer stopping distance in wet weather.
The easiest way to check at home is the 20p test. Insert a 20p coin into the main tread grooves — if the outer band of the coin is visible, your tread is likely below the legal limit and it's time to book a check.
Look for Uneven Wear
Tyres don't always wear evenly, and the pattern can tell you a lot:
- Wear on both edges often points to underinflation.
- Wear down the centre usually means the tyre has been overinflated.
- Wear on one side only can indicate a wheel alignment or suspension issue.
Uneven wear is a sign that something beyond the tyre itself may need attention, so it's worth having it looked at rather than just fitting a replacement and hoping the problem doesn't return.
Watch for Damage, Not Just Wear
Tread depth isn't the only thing that matters. Regularly inspect your tyres for:
- Bulges or blisters on the sidewall, which suggest internal damage and can lead to a sudden blowout.
- Cracks in the rubber, particularly on older tyres, caused by age and UV exposure.
- Cuts, punctures or embedded objects such as nails or screws.
Any of these issues mean a tyre should be inspected by a professional as soon as possible, even if the tread depth itself looks fine.
Why It Matters for Your MOT
Tyre condition is one of the most common reasons vehicles fail their MOT. Illegal tread depth, sidewall damage, or an unsuitable tyre for the vehicle can all result in a fail, leaving you without a valid MOT until it's fixed. Catching problems early means you can plan and budget for replacements, rather than facing an unexpected fail on test day.
Book a Free Tyre Check with JS Holmes
Whether you're driving a family car or relying on a Maxus van for work, worn or damaged tyres put you at risk and can be costly if left unchecked. Our award-winning aftersales team in Wisbech offers tyre checks as part of routine servicing, using the latest diagnostic tools to catch problems before they become serious.
Book a service with JS Holmes today and let our certified technicians make sure your tyres are road-ready.