Top 7 Signs You Need a New Tyre

Your vehicle's tyres are your only point of contact with the road, making them one of the most crucial components for road safety, comfort, and fuel efficiency. Yet, many drivers delay replacing worn tyres until it's too late. Recognising the early warning signs can help you avoid blowouts, failed MOTs, or dangerous driving conditions.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the top 7 signs you need a new tyre, helping you drive safer and smarter. Whether you're driving around Oxfordshire, Greater London, or beyond — keep an eye on these essential tyre wear signals.

1. Visible Tread Wear – Below 1.6mm

By UK law, the minimum legal tyre tread depth is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. If your tyre tread falls below this limit, it is not only illegal but also dangerous. Tread provides the grip your vehicle needs to handle wet roads, sharp corners, and sudden braking.

An easy way to check is the 20p coin test: Insert a 20p coin into the tread grooves. If you can see the outer rim of the coin, it’s time for new tyres.

2. Cracks or Bulges in the Sidewall

Your tyre’s sidewall should be smooth and intact. Cracks, bulges, or blisters along the side indicate structural damage. This could be caused by potholes, kerb impacts, or prolonged exposure to harsh weather.

Bulging sidewalls are often signs of internal air pressure escaping into the tyre’s outer layers — a ticking time bomb for a blowout.

If you notice any swelling or cuts in the tyre wall, stop driving immediately and arrange a 24-hour mobile tyre replacement service.

3. Vibration While Driving

While some road vibration is normal, excessive vibration, especially through the steering wheel, could signal a serious problem. Uneven tyre wear, misaligned wheels, or internal tyre damage may be the cause.

Sometimes the issue isn't the road — it’s the tyre itself separating internally, which makes it unsafe at any speed.

A trained mobile tyre technician can inspect your tyres, check for balance or suspension issues, and replace worn tyres on the spot.

4. Uneven Tread Wear Patterns

Check for uneven wear across your tyre's surface. For example:

• Inner or outer edge wear could mean poor wheel alignment.
• Centre tread wear is often caused by overinflation.
• Feathering or cupping might point to worn suspension parts.

Uneven tread not only shortens tyre lifespan but can also affect braking distances and handling. It’s a sign that new tyres and potentially a wheel alignment service are required.

5. Frequent Tyre Pressure Loss

Are you constantly topping up air in one or more tyres? Slow punctures, cracked rims, worn valve stems, or tyre bead leaks may be the culprits.

Driving on underinflated tyres reduces fuel efficiency and leads to faster wear. If the problem persists, replacing the tyre is often more cost-effective than repeated air refills or roadside fixes.

6. Old Age – Tyres Over 5 Years Old

Even if your tyres appear fine visually, age alone can compromise performance. Most manufacturers recommend replacing tyres after 5 to 7 years, regardless of tread depth.

You can check the age of a tyre by looking at the DOT code on the sidewall. The last four digits indicate the week and year of manufacture (e.g. 2319 = 23rd week of 2019).

Rubber deteriorates over time, losing elasticity and grip — especially important for vans, caravans, and vehicles used less frequently.

7. MOT Failure or Advisory Notice

A failed MOT due to tyre condition isn’t just a hassle — it's a red flag. Worn or damaged tyres are one of the most common MOT failure points in the UK.

Even if your vehicle passes but receives an advisory notice for tyres, consider replacing them soon. Addressing these early saves money and ensures continued roadworthiness.

Need help the same day? Book our mobile tyre fitting services and have new tyres installed at your location — hassle-free and compliant.