Tyres are the only part of your car that actually touches the road, yet many drivers are unsure how long they should last or when they really need replacing. Understanding tyre lifespan is essential for safety, performance, and avoiding MOT failures.
In reality, tyres wear out due to a combination of mileage, age, and condition, not just one single factor.
How many miles do tyres usually last?
For most cars, tyres typically last 20,000 to 30,000 miles. This can vary depending on:
- your driving style
- the type of roads you use
- the weight of the vehicle
- tyre quality and maintenance
Front tyres often wear faster than rear tyres on front-wheel-drive cars, which is why rotating tyres can help extend their lifespan.
If you do a lot of motorway driving, tyres may wear more evenly but still rack up mileage quickly. Short, stop-start urban journeys can also accelerate wear due to braking and steering forces.
Tyre age matters too
Even if a tyre has plenty of tread left, it may still need replacing due to age. Rubber hardens and degrades over time, reducing grip and increasing the risk of cracking or failure.
As a general guide, tyres over five years old should be checked regularly, and tyres over ten years old should be replaced, even if they look unused. You can check a tyre’s age by finding the DOT code on the sidewall. The final four digits show the week and year of manufacture.
UK legal tread depth
In the UK, the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, around the entire circumference. Driving below this limit is illegal and can result in:
- a failed MOT
- fines
- penalty points
However, many safety experts recommend replacing tyres at 3mm, as wet-weather grip and braking performance drop sharply below this point.
Signs your tyres need replacing
You should consider replacing tyres if you notice:
- tread close to the legal limit
- uneven wear patterns
- bulges, cracks, or cuts in the sidewall
- repeated loss of pressure
- increased road noise or reduced grip
As tempting as it might be to ignore tyre condition, old and damaged tyres can affect braking, handling, fuel efficiency, and overall safety.
If you know that you cover a lot of mileage, or that your tyres are over 5 years old, take your vehicle to a tyre supplier to get it checked out. By making sure that you keep on top of the condition of your tyres and replace them before it becomes critical, you’ll be able to prevent expensive, inconvenient, and potentially dangerous blowouts.
Want to know more? Follow Trust A Garage on Facebook or X for part two, where we’ll look at how to choose the right tyres, including the differences between budget, mid-range, and premium options.