Tyre care and maintenance

You should replace your tyres when the tread is worn, they show signs of damage, or they have reached the end of their recommended lifespan. In Australia, tyres must be replaced when the tread depth reaches 1.6mm or less, which occurs when the tread wears level with the tread-wear indicators (TWI) in the main grooves.

Many drivers choose to replace tyres before this point, as tyres with around 3mm of tread remaining may provide reduced wet weather grip. Tyres older than 5 years should be inspected regularly for signs of ageing, and tyres older than 10 years should be replaced regardless of tread condition.

You can extend the life of your tyres by maintaining the correct tyre pressure, keeping your wheels aligned and having your tyres rotated when required. Regular tyre inspections can also help identify uneven wear, damage or other issues before they reduce tyre lifespan. Avoiding harsh acceleration, heavy braking and excessive loads can also help minimise unnecessary tyre wear.

Following your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations for tyre maintenance can improve safety, maximise tyre performance and help your tyres last longer.

Most tyres typically last around 5 years, although the lifespan of a tyre depends on factors such as driving habits, road conditions, climate, tyre maintenance and how often the vehicle is used.

Regularly checking tyre pressure, maintaining wheel alignment and rotating tyres when required can help maximise tyre life. Tyres should be replaced when the tread depth reaches the legal minimum of 1.6mm, when they show signs of damage, or when they become unsafe due to age.

Tyres older than 5 years should be inspected regularly for signs of ageing, and tyres older than 10 years should be replaced regardless of tread condition.

The treadwear, traction and temperature ratings on a tyre are part of the Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG) system, which provides information about a tyre’s performance in controlled testing conditions. These ratings can help compare tyres, but they should be considered alongside factors such as driving conditions, vehicle type and driving habits.

Treadwear rating

The treadwear rating indicates how a tyre’s wear rate compares with a reference tyre tested under controlled conditions. A higher treadwear number generally indicates a tyre is expected to last longer than one with a lower rating.

Traction rating

The traction rating indicates a tyre’s ability to stop on wet surfaces during controlled testing. Ratings are shown as AA, A, B or C, with AA representing the highest traction performance.

Temperature rating

The temperature rating measures a tyre’s ability to resist heat build-up under controlled testing conditions. Ratings are shown as A, B or C, with A representing the highest level of heat resistance.

While UTQG ratings are useful for comparing tyres, real-world performance can vary depending on road conditions, climate, vehicle type, tyre maintenance and driving style.

Before buying a used car, inspect the tyres to understand their condition, safety and whether they may need replacing soon. Tyres can be an unexpected expense after purchase, so checking them beforehand can help you estimate future maintenance costs.

Check for:

Tread depth – Ensure the tyres have sufficient tread remaining and have not worn down to the tread wear indicators.

Uneven wear patterns – Look for uneven wear across the tyre, which may indicate incorrect tyre pressure, wheel alignment issues or suspension problems.

Tyre age and condition – Check the tyre manufacturing date and look for signs of ageing, such as cracks or deterioration.

Damage – Inspect the tread and sidewalls for cuts, punctures, bulges or visible repairs.

Correct tyre size and specifications – Ensure the tyres match the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended size and specifications.

A professional tyre inspection can help identify potential issues before purchasing a used vehicle..