Car tyres are among the most important safety features on the road. Therefore, knowing when to change tyres is essential for safe driving. In the UAE, tyres face high heat and long highway journeys, which speeds up ageing. In this article, we review the key indicators that help you decide.
Tyre Age and Manufacture Date
Most experts advise replacing tyres 5 to 6 years after their manufacture date, however they look. Even tyres that have not been used much deteriorate over time because of ultraviolet rays and temperature changes.
You can also find the tyre’s age from the DOT code printed on its side. The last four digits show the week and year of manufacture. For example, the number 2321 means the 23rd week of 2021.
Tread Depth: When to Change Tyres
The tread depth of a tyre is a key sign that it needs replacing. The legal minimum in most countries is 1.6 mm. For the best safety, however, we recommend changing tyres when the depth reaches 3 mm.
You can test the depth with a coin or a special gauge. In addition, driving in heavy rain needs more tread depth, because the grooves drain water and prevent skidding.
Distance Driven and Driving Style
Ordinary car tyres usually last between 40,000 and 80,000 km, depending on their quality and the driving conditions. On the other hand, tyres on sports and high-performance cars wear out faster. Driving on rough or sandy roads also shortens tyre life.
Therefore, do not rely on the kilometres alone when you think about changing your car’s tyres. A car that covers short distances may need new tyres because of age before the tread wears out. Likewise, the tyres of a car used daily on highways may wear out within a few years.
Signs You Should Change Your Tyres Immediately
- Bumps or bulges on the sides of the tyre.
- Cracks or deep cuts in the tyre.
- Uneven wear on the tread.
- Constant loss of pressure.
- Vibration while driving.
Do not delay replacement if one of these signs appears. A bulge, for example, can turn into a sudden blowout on the highway, especially in summer heat.
Tips to Make Your Tyres Last Longer
- Keep the correct air pressure, following the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Balance and rotate the tyres every 8,000 to 10,000 km.
- Make sure the wheel alignment is set correctly.
- Avoid aggressive driving, hard acceleration and sudden braking.
- Store spare tyres properly.
If you are buying a used car, do not forget to check the manufacture date and condition of the tyres. Uneven wear can reveal a suspension or alignment fault. Therefore, a used car inspection before purchase in Sharjah covers the tyres and the suspension together.
Finally, if you are not sure when to change your car’s tyres, bring the car to Jordan Car Inspection Center so a technician can assess their condition. Address: University Street, Industrial Area 13, Sharjah. Phone and WhatsApp: 055 572 2214 or message us on WhatsApp. The centre is open 24 hours.
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To learn about vehicle registration and renewal requirements in the UAE, visit the official website of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).