When Do Your Tyres Need Replacing? A Simple Guide for Ashford Drivers

By Salek Tyre & Mechanic · Ashford, TW15

Your tyres are the only part of your car that actually touches the road, so worn tyres are one of the biggest safety risks you can drive on — and one of the easiest to check. Here's how to know when it's time for new ones, in plain English.

The legal limit: 1.6mm of tread

In the UK, the legal minimum tyre tread depth is 1.6mm, across the central three-quarters of the tyre, all the way around. Below that, the tyre is illegal and unsafe.

The penalty is serious: up to a £2,500 fine and 3 penalty points for each illegal tyre. On a car with four bald tyres, that's a potential £10,000 and 12 points — enough to lose your licence. It will also fail its MOT.

The 20p test (do this at home in 2 minutes)

You don't need any tools — just a 20p coin:

1. Pop a 20p coin into the main grooves of your tyre.
2. If the outer band of the coin is hidden by the tyre, your tread is likely above the legal limit. Good.
3. If you can see the outer band, your tyre may be illegal or close to it — get it checked.

Check in a few places across each tyre and on all four wheels. It only takes a couple of minutes, and it could save you a fine — or worse.

5 warning signs it's time for new tyres

• Low tread — the 20p test above is your quick guide.
• Age — rubber hardens and cracks over time, even on low-mileage cars. Have tyres checked once they're 5 years old, and most makers suggest replacing them by 10 years regardless of tread.
• Cracks, cuts or bulges in the sidewall — a bulge means internal damage and the tyre could fail suddenly. Replace it straight away.
• Vibration or pulling while driving — this can point to tyre damage, or to wheel balancing or alignment problems.
• Uneven wear — if one edge is wearing faster than the rest, something needs attention (see below).

What uneven wear is telling you

Tyres should wear evenly. If they don't, the tyre usually isn't the real problem — something else is wearing it out:

• Both edges worn, middle fine — under-inflation. Check your pressures.
• Middle worn, edges fine — over-inflation.
• One edge only — wheel alignment (tracking) is out, often after hitting a kerb or pothole.

Fixing the cause — correct pressures, balancing or a wheel alignment — means your new tyres will last much longer.

New or quality part-worn tyres?

New tyres are the best long-term value, but they're not the only option. At Salek we also fit carefully checked part-worn tyres that still have plenty of safe, legal tread — a budget-friendly choice if you need to get back on the road without spending a fortune. We'll always be honest with you about what's worth it and what isn't.