How many miles should I get from my tyres?
A common question in the world of tyres is: how many miles should I get from my tyres? Unfortunately finding the answer isn’t an exact science. It depends on various factors, including:
- the quality and construction of your tyres
- the compounds your tyres are made of
- the suitability of your tyres for your particular vehicle
- the age and condition of your tyres (even how they have been stored can make a difference)
- your geographic and atmospheric conditions (yes, really!)
And possibly the two most important aspects:
- how well you maintain your tyres
- your driving habits/style
For the first five points above, all you can do is buy quality tyres from a reputed manufacturer and supplier, and ensure your tyres are fitted by a professional. We advise against buying part-worn or second hand tyres, simply because you have no guarantee that they are safe for use, and they can often turn out to be a false economy. Well-fitted, premium tyres should last anywhere upwards of 20,000 miles, if properly maintained.
Which leads us to the last two points above. You have a lot of influence in the longevity of your tyres, and keeping them in good condition can prolong their life by thousands of miles, saving you hundreds of pounds.
Tyre Maintenance:
Give your tyres a check every few weeks to ensure they stay in good condition. It doesnt’ take long, and there are only a few key things to be aware of:
1) Tread depth. To be legal and safe, the tread depth of your tyres needs to be at least 1.6mm. This can easily be checked by inserting a 20p piece into the tread. If the outer rim on the face of the coin is visible, you need to get your tyres changed. Most manufacturers actually advise to change your tyres when tread depth gets below 3mm, however, as stopping distance increases significantly past this point. Worn down tyres provide much less grip, too, so are far more dangerous in skidding situations.
2) Inflation. Look at your vehicle’s user manual to find the ideal inflation for your front and rear tyres according to the load weight and the season. There’s no excuse for badly inflated tyres – air machines are available at nearly every petrol station and they’re very easy to use. Under or over-inflated tyres can lead to overheating and even blowouts. They will also reduce your fuel economy and handling precision.
3) General condition. Look for any tears, slashes, protrusions, nails or bulges. If your tyres need a bit of attention, take your car in to your local garage to get some advice. Sometimes tyres can be repaired, sometimes it’s better to replace them. With cheap online tyres available in all sizes, there’s no need to put it off.
Driving Habits:
The way you drive greatly affects the life of your tyres also, and following these tips can save you a lot of money in replacement tyres:
- Avoid hard acceleration and harsh braking
- Avoid fast cornering
- Take it slowly over speed bumps and try not to ‘curb’ your tyres
- Avoid parking on raised pavements
The benefits of looking after your tyres come down to saving money, improving your quality of drive and keeping you safe. Well fitted, properly inflated and legal tyres will give you a better fuel economy, better handling, shorter braking distances, and a smoother and quieter ride.
So how many miles should you get from your tyres? Well, if you following the advice above, you’ll certainly get more for your money!