Car tyres are an essential component of a vehicle, providing a vital link between the car and the road. However, their importance is often overlooked, and many drivers take their tyres for granted.
Why tyre life matters? Looking after your tyres is not just about getting the most kilometres out of them, it’s also about safety, saving money, and performance. Well-maintained tyres give you better grip on the road, shorter braking distances, improved fuel economy, and fewer chances of blowouts or punctures. In the long run, extending your tyre’s life means fewer replacements, saving you money and ensuring you and your passengers stay safe on every journey.
The lifespan of a tyre depends on several factors including driving conditions, driving style, road conditions and maintenance which play a significant role in determining the lifespan of a tyre. In this blog, we will discuss the factors that affect tyre lifespan and provide some tips to help you maximise the life of your tyres.
1. Check Your Tyre Pressure Regularly:
Proper air pressure is essential for tyre longevity. If a tyre is underinflated, this can cause premature wear and blowouts. If a tyre is overinflated, the sidewall and tread become harder, decreasing the traction and performance on the road.
Simple step: Check your tyre pressure at least once a month and before long trips. Always inflate to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended level (you’ll find this on the driver’s door jamb sticker or in your owner’s manual).
2. Rotate Your Tyres:
Rotating your tyres regularly can help to ensure even wear and extend their lifespan. Different wheel positions wear at different rates, so moving them around helps balance wear.
As a general rule of thumb: it’s recommended to rotate your tyres every 6 months or every 10,000 kilometres.
3. Avoid Overloading Your Vehicle:
Overloading your vehicle can put extra strain on your tyres, leading to premature tyre wear and tear.
What can you do: Always check your vehicle’s load rating and avoid carrying more than recommended. Overloaded tyres heat up faster and can fail suddenly.
4. Drive Carefully:
Aggressive driving, such as hard braking and accelerating, can significantly shorten the lifespan of a tyre. Therefore, it’s important to drive carefully and avoid aggressive driving habits.
Best practice: Drive smoothly, avoid potholes, and reduce speed on rough roads for maximum tyre grip and safety.
5. Avoid Driving on Rough Roads:
Rough roads can cause damage to your tyres, shortening their lifespan. Where it is not possible to avoid rough roads, consider your speed to reduce the risk of damaging your tyres.
Prevention: Slow down to minimise cuts, punctures, or sidewall damage.
6. Inspect & Balance Your Tyres:
Regular balancing keeps your ride smooth and extends tyre life, while inspections help you spot early signs of damage. This can save you money on repairs and keep your car safer on the road.
Get a professional: Wheel alignment is recommended after replacing your old tyres with new ones, and then regularly, about every 10,000 km or twice a year. Misaligned wheels can cause uneven tyre wear, pulling, and reduced handling, so keeping them aligned helps your tyres last longer.
7. Check Your Tyre Tread Depth:
Tyre tread wear can significantly affect the lifespan of a tyre. It’s essential to regularly check your tyre tread depth and replace them before it reaches the tread depth legal limit for safety driving, especially on wet roads.
What we recommend: In NZ, the law requires all vehicles to have a minimum tread depth of 1.5mm. Use the 20c coin test and keep it in mind that the more tread depth on your tyre, the better gripping you will get for maximum safety.
8. Choose The Right Tyres For Your Vehicle:
Different vehicles require different types of tyres, so make sure that you choose the right tyres for your vehicle. An important factor is to check the tyre size found on the sidewall of the tyre to ensure it matches the tyre size provided on the door jamb of your vehicle.
What to consider: Consider factors like driving conditions (wet roads, off-road, highways), climate, and whether you want all-season, highway, or mud terrain tyres.
Remember, tyres don’t last forever – even with the best care, they’ll eventually need replacing to keep you safe on the road. Check your owner’s manual for guidance or seek professional advice from your nearest service centre on when to replace your tyres, and don’t delay if they’re worn or damaged to ensure safety.
FAQs: Tyre Lifespan & Replacement
How often should tyres be replaced?
They should be replaced when there are signs of wear or damage, like worn tyres, bulges, cracks, or punctures. Even if they look fine, most tyre manufacturers recommend replacement after 6–10 years from the date of manufacture. Regular monthly inspections will help you spot issues early and prevent costly repairs or dangerous blowouts.
How does weather affect tyre lifespan?
Hot summers and UV exposure can dry out the rubber, causing cracks and faster wear. In colder climates, tyres harden and may lose flexibility, especially if not rated for winter.
Can hot roads or sun exposure damage tyres faster?
Yes, prolonged exposure to heat, direct sunlight, and hot road surfaces can cause tyres to degrade quicker. Parking in the shade helps.
How do road conditions affect tyre wear?
Rough gravel roads, potholes, and poorly maintained roads accelerate tyre damage and reduce lifespan. Smooth, sealed roads are much gentler on tyres.
Are premium tyres worth the extra cost for longevity?
In most cases, yes. Premium tyres often have better rubber compounds, improved tread life, and enhanced safety. They may cost more upfront but can save money in the long run.
How often should I get a professional wheel alignment?
It’s recommended to have your wheel alignment checked every 10,000 km, every 6 months and when you get new tyres put on. Misaligned wheels can cause uneven tyre wear, poor handling, and higher fuel use. If you hit a pothole, kerb, or notice your car pulling to one side, get it checked sooner by a professional.
Want to go the extra mile with advanced tyre care?
Try nitrogen inflation to help your tyres hold pressure longer, check the DOT/TIN code (year of manufacture) on the sidewall to make sure your tyres aren’t older than 6–10 years, and don’t forget your spare, it needs regular checks too.
Taking these extra steps not only extends the life of your tyres but also gives you peace of mind knowing you’re driving safer and smarter.
Happy Motoring!
