Safety First
Worn or damaged tyres are a leading cause of road accidents. According to the NHTSA, tyres with tread below 2/32" have up to 3x higher crash risk in wet conditions.
5 Signs You Need New Tyres
Low Tread Depth
New tyres have about 10/32" (8mm) of tread. The legal minimum in most states is 2/32" (1.6mm), but experts recommend replacing at 4/32" (3mm) for wet weather safety.
The Penny Test
Insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln's head pointing down. If you can see all of his head, your tread is below 2/32" and needs replacement immediately.
Tyre Age (6+ Years)
Rubber degrades over time even with minimal use. Most manufacturers recommend replacement after 6-10 years regardless of tread depth.
How to Check Tyre Age
Find the DOT code on the sidewall. The last 4 digits show the week and year of manufacture. "2419" means week 24 of 2019.
Visible Damage
Inspect tyres monthly for:
- Cracks or cuts in the sidewall
- Bulges or blisters (internal damage)
- Exposed cords or wires
- Punctures or embedded objects
Uneven Wear Patterns
Uneven wear indicates alignment, balance, or suspension issues:
Over-inflation
Under-inflation
Alignment issue
Suspension problem
Performance Changes
These symptoms may indicate tyre problems:
- Vibration at highway speeds
- Vehicle pulling to one side
- Increased road noise
- Longer braking distances
Tread Depth Safety Guide
Data source: Consumer Reports
Monthly Tyre Inspection Checklist
- Check tread depth with penny test or gauge
- Inspect sidewalls for cracks, bulges, or damage
- Look for embedded nails, screws, or debris
- Check tyre pressure (including spare)
- Look for uneven wear patterns
- Verify valve caps are in place
- Check DOT date code annually
Time for New Tyres?
Compare top tyre brands and find the best match for your vehicle and budget.