When should you replace tyres on a 5 year old car?

The tread on your vehicle's tyres will naturally wear down over time, and there are many performance and safety benefits to ensuring that your tyres are properly maintained and replaced at recommended intervals. As there are a number of different factors to consider when it comes to evaluating how often you should replace your tyres, we've put together this short guide, which includes everything you need to know to get the maximum value and performance from your tyres.

What is the average tyre lifespan in the UK?

Generally speaking, you can expect front tyres to cover 20,000 miles and rear tyres to cover 40,000 miles. However, there are several factors that may have an impact here, including the quality of the tyres you have purchased, how well you maintain them, and the types of roads you regularly drive on. If your current tyres have been on your vehicle for five years, it's really important to have them inspected by a tyre expert annually. This inspection will highlight any potential issues that may be impacting the overall safety or performance of your vehicle, ensuring that you, your passengers and other road users are kept safe.

How to tell when tyres need replacing

Over time, heat, general wear and tear, and exposure to UV rays can take a toll on tyres, making them harder, less flexible and more brittle. If you notice any cracking or weak points, your tyres are likely to need replacing as soon as possible. It's also worth noting that manufacturers generally advise that tyres are replaced approximately every five years at the latest. Always keep the manufacturer's guidance in mind when determining whether your vehicle would benefit from new tyres.

Car tyre maintenance tips

Regularly evaluating the integrity of your tyres is an important part of good vehicle maintenance and will help you to get the maximum value from your tyres.

Tread

We recommend checking the tread depth of your tyres at regular intervals and replacing them before it reaches 2mm. It is illegal to drive a vehicle with tyres that have a tread below 1.6mm, and if you're caught, you'll receive a £2,500 fine for each illegal tyre as well as three penalty points.

Pressure

Under-inflated tyres can increase their rolling resistance, which means that you'll use more fuel when driving. They are also at greater risk of experiencing a blowout, and you may notice a reduction in performance when accelerating or cornering, particularly if the roads are wet.

Balance

If you notice that your wheels seem to wobble or generally feel unbalanced when you're driving, this may be a sign that your tyres aren't wearing evenly or that rebalancing your wheels is required.

Premium vs budget tyres

If you're here after entering 'tyre replacement 5 years old car' into your search engine and you're curious as to whether you'll get more for your money if you invest in premium tyres, we're here to break down the details.

If you only drive short distances and at lower speeds, budget-friendly tyres may be well-suited to your needs. However, if you drive often and on a variety of different roads, including high-speed motorways, premium tyres from trusted brands such as Pirelli or Bridgestone can offer the extra performance capabilities and grip that will make for a more enjoyable driving experience.

Frequently Asked Questions