How many miles do tyres last?

1^st March 2022

On average, car tyres are built to last a minimum of 20,000 miles. Under normal wear and tear of tyres, and in normal driving conditions, your tyre tread depth should remain above the legal minimum of 1.6mm. Front tyres will wear more quickly than rear tyres - front tyres should last 20,000 miles while back tyres should last a minimum of 40,000. On average, however, tyres last between 30,000 miles and 60,000 miles. Your tread depth will be checked at every MOT but you should check yours regularly yourself.

What wears down tyres?

Certain actions on the road or terrain have a big effect on the life of your tyres. Certain factors could reduce your tyre's life below 20,000 miles:

Vehicle weight - a heavier vehicle will push down your tyres and cause faster wearing
Driving style - aggressive driving can negatively affect your tyre tread
Speed - high speeds can wear your tyres
Wheel alignment - incorrect wheel alignment can cause uneven wear
Pressure - under or over inflated tyres will wear quickly
UV rays - if your tyres are frequently exposed to hot weather conditions, this can cause cracks in the rubber. To avoid this, try to park in shadier spots.

How will I know my tyres are worn?

Your tyres may show signs of ageing earlier, which may mean you have to replace them quicker than you expected. A few signs to look out for are:

Cracks in the rubber
Tyre tread is becoming invisible
Air pressure is constantly low
Wobbly wheels at higher speeds

The most common symptom of worn-out tyres is the vanishing tread-depth - the UK limit states that all drivers should have a minimum depth of 1.6mm and over. However, a tread depth of 3mm is reason alone to get your tyres replaced ? the shallower your tyre tread, the longer it takes your car to stop, which is highly dangerous and should be fixed immediately.

How to look after tyres

Although 20,000 miles might seem like a lot, it is always better to take care of your tyres and maximise their life span. Follow our useful tips to improve your tyre's longevity:

Change your driving style - if you are an aggressive driver, ease off the pedals a bit and take your driving back to basics, braking slowly and turning corners at lower speeds.
Slow down - speed can wear your tyres quicker, so it is best to drive well within the national speed limit to preserve your tyres.
Wheel alignment - if you feel your wheels dragging or your wheels are making strange noises, you may have an issue with your wheel alignment. You can have this fixed at any local garage.
Check your tyre pressure - tyres that aren't inflated correctly wear more so it is important you check your tyre pressure regularly.

Now you understand a little bit more on tyres and how long they last, it might be time to book your next service and find out whether your tyres need replacing. Get in contact with one of our expert team today or visit us at your local centre.

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