Tread Depth: The Number One Indicator

The most important indicator for when to change your tyres is tread depth. Once your tyres approach 3mm, it's time to book a replacement — don't wait until you hit the 1.6mm legal limit. Wet braking performance degrades significantly below 3mm, so replacing at this point is a safety decision, not just a legal one.

Check your tread depth every month using a 20p coin or tread depth gauge. If any tyre is at or below 3mm, contact Easy Mobile Tyres to arrange mobile tyre replacement at your convenience.

Seasonal Changes: Winter and Summer Tyres

If you run dedicated winter tyres, the traditional changeover times are around October/November (fitting winter tyres) and March/April (returning to summer tyres). A useful rule of thumb is to switch when temperatures consistently stay above or below 7°C.

Many UK drivers choose to have two sets of wheels — one with summer tyres, one with winter tyres — and swap them seasonally. This spreads tyre wear across two sets and can work out cost-effective over time, while maximising safety year-round.

Age of Tyres: Even Low-Mileage Tyres Degrade

Tyres have a service life beyond which they should be replaced regardless of tread depth. The rubber compound degrades with age — affected by UV exposure, temperature cycles, and ozone. Most manufacturers recommend replacing tyres after 5–6 years, even if tread looks fine, and generally consider 10 years the absolute maximum.

You can check a tyre's manufacturing date from the DOT code on the sidewall. The last four digits indicate the week and year of manufacture — for example, "2023" means the 20th week of 2023. If your tyres are approaching six years old, have them inspected by a professional.