Why and when should you change your tyres? Deciding on the ideal time to replace your tyres can be complex. Wear, possible damage, age and reparability are all factors that need to be assessed to ensure optimum safety. Here's a guide to help you understand the criteria you need to take into account.
1. Factors affecting tyre longevity
Under ideal conditions, a quality tyre can cover up to 40,000 km. However, a number of factors can speed up or slow down this wear:
Driving conditions: aggressive driving and frequent braking wear down tyres more quickly.
Road conditions: damaged pavements or frequent obstacles (potholes, speed bumps) can damage your tyres prematurely.
Climate and temperature: changes in temperature or exposure to the sun affect the quality of the rubber.
Type of vehicle: heavier electric cars tend to wear tyres more quickly.
Tyre storage: unused tyres that are stored incorrectly (exposed to humidity or extreme temperatures) can lose their elasticity.
2. Signs to replace your tyres
There are several signs that it's time to replace your tyres:
Legal wear is reached: when the depth of the tread reaches 1.6 mm (wear indicator visible in the grooves), the tyre is considered to be worn. Driving on tyres that are too worn increases the risk of aquaplaning and lengthens the braking distance, which is dangerous. In France and most other European countries, you risk a fine if you drive on worn tyres that exceed this limit.
Tyres over 10 years old: even without visible wear, the rubber of a tyre ages and becomes rigid over time. A tyre over 10 years old is considered ‘out of date’ and can crack, compromising its grip. This rule also applies to spare wheels, which must be changed if they exceed this age. To find out the date of manufacture of your tyres, look at the sidewall and look for the DOT (Department of Transportation) code. This code is followed by several letters and numbers, but it's the last four digits that indicate the production date. For example, if you see ‘1216,’ that means the tyre was manufactured in the 12ᵉ week of 2016. The first two digits indicate the week, and the last two represent the year.
Sidewall or shoulder damage: if the sidewall or shoulder of a tyre shows punctures or deformations, the tyre is often beyond repair, as these areas are under constant pressure. In this case, the tyre must be replaced immediately.
Perforation of the tread greater than 6 mm: a perforation in the tread can be repaired if it does not exceed 6.4 mm in diameter. Beyond that, the tyre must be replaced to ensure your safety.
3. Repairable tyres: When can they be repaired?
Some punctures are repairable, provided they are small and located in the centre of the tread. In this case, a professional can use a patch or a drill to plug the hole. Please note that emergency puncture kits should only be used as a temporary solution and are not a substitute for professional repair.
4. Watch out for signs of ageing: Replace before danger signs appear
It's a good idea to check the condition of your tyres regularly, especially after five years' use and before long journeys. Look out for the following signs:
Cracks or fissures: these indicate that the rubber is drying out.
Frequent loss of pressure: this may indicate wear or damage that cannot be seen.
Deformations: if the tyre has bulges or irregularities, this can be dangerous and requires immediate replacement.
5. Partial or total tyre replacement: the rules to follow
It's not always necessary to change all your tyres at once. It is possible to replace just one tyre under certain conditions:
Same characteristics: the new tyre must be the same model and brand, with the same dimensions and the same load and speed ratings as the remaining tyre.
Small wear difference: the wear of the replaced tyre and the remaining tyre on the same axle must be similar (less than 5 mm difference). If these conditions are not met, we recommend replacing both tyres on the same axle.
6.Rotate your tyres to avoid uneven wear
Front and rear tyres wear differently. To prolong their life and ensure even wear, we recommend that you rotate your tyres every 10,000 km. The type of tyre rotation depends on whether your vehicle has front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.
Tyre rotation diagrams:
Front-wheel drive vehicle:The front tyres go to the rear without changing sides, while the rear tyres go to the front by crossing the sides.
Rear-wheel drive vehicle: The rear tyres go to the front without changing sides, and the front tyres go to the rear crossing the sides.
Four-wheel drive vehicle: Cross all four tyres (front right to rear left, front left to rear right).
Beware of directional tyres: If your tyres have directional tread, always follow the direction indicated on the sidewall when changing tyres.
Changing your tyres is essential for safe driving. Keep an eye on the condition of your tyres, plan ahead for their replacement, and call in a professional when in doubt.Tyres in good condition not only increase safety, but also save money by reducing fuel consumption and wear and tear on your vehicle.
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