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How to Tell If You Need New Tyres
Knowing when to replace your tyres can help protect your vehicle, passengers and other road users. How to tell if you need new tyres often starts with checking tread depth and visible damage. Tyre age, uneven wear and changes in driving feel can also provide useful warning signs. Acting early can help prevent tyre failure and unexpected repair costs.
The 20-Cent Coin Test (Quick Tread Check)
The 20-cent coin test gives you a quick way to check tread depth at home. Insert an Australian 20-cent coin into a central tread groove with the platypus facing down. If the platypus bill is clearly visible, the tread is likely below 3mm and replacement should be considered. Victoria requires a minimum tread depth of 1.5mm in the principal grooves, excluding the tread wear indicators.
- Park your vehicle on a flat surface and switch off the engine.
- Insert a 20-cent coin into a central tread groove.
- Check whether the platypus bill is clearly visible.
- Repeat the check across several grooves on each tyre.
- Consider replacement when tread reaches around 3mm, particularly before frequent wet-weather driving.
- Arrange a tyre check if you notice uneven wear or visible damage.
7 Signs You Need New Tyres
Your Tyre Tread Is Too Low
Low tread is one of the clearest signs that tyre replacement is approaching. As the tread wears down, less rubber remains to channel water away from the road. Wet-weather grip can also reduce as the tread approaches around 3mm.
Check your tread using these simple methods:
- Tread wear indicators: Raised bars sit inside the main tread grooves. Replacement is needed when the surrounding tread reaches these bars.
- Tread depth gauge: A gauge provides a direct measurement in millimetres.
- Visual comparison: Check several areas across the tread for worn or inconsistent sections.
Victoria requires at least 1.5mm of tread depth in the principal grooves, except at the tread wear indicators. Reaching the legal limit is not the only reason to replace a tyre.
You Can See Cracks, Cuts or Bulges
Visible damage can affect a tyre’s structural strength and road safety. Tyre sidewall damage deserves particular attention because the sidewall flexes as the vehicle moves. Deep cuts, cracks, bulges or similar defects require prompt attention.
Look closely for:
- Cracks: These can indicate rubber deterioration or surface damage.
- Bulges: These can signal internal structural damage.
- Cuts: Deep cuts can damage the internal tyre structure.
- Blisters: Raised areas may indicate separation within the tyre.
- Exposed cords: Visible cords indicate serious damage and require replacement.
A small tread puncture may be repairable when the tyre remains structurally sound. Sidewall and shoulder damage generally means the tyre needs replacing.
Your Tyres Are Wearing Unevenly
Uneven tyre wear is often a sign that something needs attention before fitting replacement tyres. The wear pattern can point towards incorrect tyre pressure, wheel alignment, suspension or wheel balance issues. Fixing the underlying cause helps prevent the replacement tyre from wearing in the same way.
Common wear patterns include:
- Centre wear: The middle of the tread wears faster than the edges. Over-inflation can contribute to this pattern.
- Edge wear: Both outer edges wear faster than the centre. Under-inflation is a common cause.
- One-sided wear: One edge wears more heavily than the other. Wheel alignment or suspension geometry may be involved.
- Patchy or cupped wear: Irregular patches can indicate wheel balance or suspension problems.
Check the full tread rather than looking at one section alone. Uneven wear can also reveal a vehicle fault that needs attention alongside new tyres.
Your Tyres Are Old
Tyres can deteriorate with age even when the tread still looks acceptable. Tyre age matters because rubber compounds change after prolonged exposure to heat, sunlight and other environmental conditions. Surface or internal deterioration can develop without obvious tread wear.
Check the four-digit manufacturing date on the tyre sidewall. The first two digits show the manufacturing week, while the final two show the manufacturing year.
As a general guide:
- Under 5 years: Check the overall condition and tread regularly.
- 5 years or older: Arrange regular professional inspections for signs of ageing.
- 10 years or older: Bridgestone Australia recommends removing the tyre from service, regardless of appearance or remaining tread.
Tyres can also require replacement much earlier because of wear, punctures, impact damage or deterioration.
Your Car Vibrates or the Steering Feels Different
Changes in steering feel can provide an early warning about tyre problems. Excessive vibration may result from tyre damage, wheel imbalance or another mechanical fault. A change in steering response can also signal that the vehicle needs attention.
Watch for:
- Vibration through the steering wheel
- Vibration that becomes stronger as speed increases
- A steering wheel that feels less settled than usual
- A noticeable change in steering response
These symptoms do not automatically mean the tyres need replacing. A proper check can identify whether the issue is tyre-related or caused by another component.
Your Car Pulls to One Side
A vehicle that pulls to one side can become harder to keep travelling in a straight line. Wheel alignment is a common cause, although tyre pressure and uneven tyre wear can also affect tracking. A consistent drift deserves attention, especially when it develops suddenly.
Notice whether the vehicle moves left or right when the steering wheel is held straight. Also check whether the steering wheel sits off-centre while the car travels forward. These changes can help identify a developing handling problem before further tyre wear occurs.
Braking Performance Changes or Road Noise Increases
A noticeable change in braking performance can indicate that your tyres are no longer providing the same level of road contact. Worn tread can affect wet-weather grip and water evacuation as the tyre approaches the end of its usable life. New or unusually loud road noise can also accompany changing tyre conditions.
Pay attention to:
- Longer-feeling stopping distances
- Reduced confidence during wet braking
- A sudden increase in tyre or road noise
- A change in how the vehicle responds under braking
These signs do not always mean new tyres are required. They do mean the vehicle deserves a closer check before the problem develops further.
Can a Tyre Be Repaired Instead of Replaced?
A damaged tyre does not automatically require replacement. Tyre repair may be suitable when the damage is within the repairable crown area, and the tyre remains structurally sound. The final decision depends on the location, extent and condition of the damage.
| Check | May be repairable | Usually needs replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Damage location | Central crown or tread area | Sidewall, shoulder or bead |
| Puncture condition | Suitable puncture within accepted repair limits | Large cut, slash or extensive damage |
| Tread depth | Adequate remaining tread | Below the legal minimum |
| Internal condition | No structural damage | Separation, exposed cords or internal damage |
| Tyre condition | Sound rubber without serious deterioration | Deep cracks, bulges or severe ageing |
| Previous repairs | Suitable previous repair with proper spacing | Overlapping or unsuitable repairs |
In Victoria, a permanent tyre repair must involve removing the tyre from the rim for internal inspection. External plug-only repairs are not considered a satisfactory permanent repair method.
Do You Need to Replace All Four Tyres at Once?
You do not always need to replace all four tyres together. The right approach depends on the remaining tread, tyre condition, drivetrain and the vehicle manufacturer’s requirements. Matching tyres correctly is important for predictable handling and road grip.
Replacing two tyres can be appropriate when the other pair remains suitable for continued use. When only two tyres are replaced, the new or deeper-tread pair is generally fitted to the rear axle for better wet-weather stability.
Keep these points in mind:
- Two-wheel drive: Two tyres may be replaced when the remaining pair is in good condition.
- Two new tyres: The new pair is generally fitted to the rear axle.
- Single tyre: Matching the remaining tyre on the same axle is important.
- AWD and 4WD: Some systems require closely matched tread depths across all four tyres.
- Staggered fitments: Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s specified front and rear sizes.
Always check the vehicle handbook before replacing fewer than four tyres.
How Long Do Car Tyres Usually Last?
Most passenger car tyres can last around 40,000 to 80,000 kilometres, depending on the tyre, vehicle and driving conditions. High-performance tyres may wear sooner, while careful driving and regular maintenance can help extend car tyre lifespan. This range is only a guide because tread condition remains more important than mileage alone.
Age is another factor to consider, even when the tyres have travelled relatively few kilometres. Tyres should receive annual professional checks from around five years old, while tyres reaching ten years should be replaced regardless of mileage or appearance.
When Should You Get Your Tyres Checked?
A tyre inspection is worthwhile whenever something changes in the way your vehicle looks or drives. You do not need to wait for a tyre to reach the legal minimum before seeking advice. A quick check can help clarify whether you need repair, replacement or further investigation.
Get your tyres checked when:
- Tread appears low or reaches the wear indicators
- Cracks, cuts or bulges are visible
- Wear appears uneven across the tread
- The vehicle starts vibrating or pulling to one side
- Braking performance or road noise changes
- A tyre repeatedly loses air
- The vehicle hits a major pothole or kerb
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but matching tyres across the same axle is generally preferred. Check the vehicle manufacturer’s requirements before mixing brands.
When replacing two tyres, the new pair is generally fitted to the rear axle. Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific model.
Yes, new tyres should normally be balanced during fitting. This helps promote smooth rotation and reduce vibration.
Second-hand tyres can be suitable when they have adequate tread and no significant damage or deterioration. Their age and condition should always be checked before purchase.
Some tyres have lower rolling resistance, which can support better fuel efficiency. Correct tyre pressure also has a significant effect on fuel consumption.
