5 Tyre Warning Signs
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5 Tyre Warning Signs
5 Tyre Warning Signs
5 Warning Signs Your Car Tyres Need Replacing
Tyres are one of the most important safety features on any vehicle, yet they are often overlooked by drivers until a problem occurs.
At Pellon Tyre and Autocentre in Halifax, we regularly see vehicles come into the garage with tyres that are badly worn or damaged. In many cases, the driver had not realised that their tyres were already approaching the point where they needed replacing.
Knowing what to look for can help prevent problems and keep your vehicle safe on the road.
Here are five common warning signs that your car tyres may need replacing.
1. Low Tread Depth
The most obvious sign that tyres need replacing is worn tread.
In the UK, the legal minimum tread depth for car tyres is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre.
However, many tyre safety experts recommend replacing tyres before they reach this limit, particularly if you drive frequently in wet weather.
The tread pattern is designed to channel water away from the tyre’s contact patch. When tread becomes too shallow, tyres lose their ability to grip the road effectively, increasing the risk of aquaplaning.
You can learn more about tyre safety here:
https://www.tyresafe.org/
2. Cracks or Damage in the Sidewall: 5 Tyre Warning Signs
Tyre sidewalls should always be inspected for visible damage.
Cracks, cuts or bulges in the rubber can indicate that the tyre structure has been weakened.
This type of damage may occur after hitting a pothole, mounting a kerb or simply through age-related deterioration.
A damaged sidewall cannot usually be repaired safely, and the tyre should be replaced as soon as possible.
3. Uneven Tyre Wear: 5 Tyre Warning Signs
Tyres should wear evenly across the tread surface.
If you notice that the tread is worn more heavily on one side of the tyre than the other, this may indicate a problem with wheel alignment or suspension components.
Uneven wear not only reduces tyre life but can also affect vehicle handling.
At Pellon Tyres, we often correct this type of issue using professional wheel alignment equipment before fitting new tyres.
You can find out more about our tyre services here:
https://www.pellontyres.co.uk/
4. Vibration While Driving
A certain level of vibration can sometimes occur when driving at higher speeds, but excessive vibration may be a sign that something is wrong with the tyres.
Possible causes include:
- internal tyre damage
- uneven wear
- wheel imbalance
If you notice unusual vibration through the steering wheel or seat while driving, it is always worth having your tyres inspected by a professional garage.
5. Tyres Are Getting Old: 5 Tyre Warning Signs
Even if tyres still have reasonable tread depth, they can deteriorate over time.
Rubber compounds gradually harden and lose flexibility as tyres age. This can reduce grip, particularly in wet or cold conditions.
Many tyre manufacturers recommend that tyres are inspected carefully once they reach around five years old.
Drivers who cover low annual mileage may still need to replace tyres simply because of their age.
Why Regular Tyre Checks Matter: 5 Tyre Warning Signs
Drivers should always check their tyres regularly for signs of wear or damage.
Simple checks include:
- monitoring tread depth
- checking tyre pressures
- looking for cuts or bulges
- inspecting for uneven wear
These checks only take a few minutes but can make a big difference to road safety.
Advice from a Local Halifax Garage
At Pellon Tyre and Autocentre, we have been helping motorists in Halifax and the surrounding West Yorkshire area stay safe on the road since 1989.
Over the years we have seen just how important tyre condition can be.
If you are unsure whether your tyres need replacing, our team is always happy to inspect them and provide honest advice.
After all, tyres are the only part of your vehicle that actually touches the road.
Keeping them in good condition is one of the simplest ways to keep yourself and your passengers safe.