How do I know when my tyres need replacing?
Replace tyres when the tread reaches the wear indicator bars moulded into the grooves (1.5 mm in Australia), or sooner if there are cuts, bulges, exposed cords or cracking. Uneven wear — on one edge or in patches — is a sign of an alignment, suspension or pressure problem that should be fixed so new tyres don't wear the same way.
Signs your tyres need attention
- Tread close to the wear indicator bars
- Wear on the inside or outside edge only
- Bulges, cuts or cracks in the sidewall
- Vibration at highway speeds
- The tyre pressure warning light is on
- The car pulls to one side
Why do tyres matter so much?
Tyres are the only part of the car touching the road. Tread depth, pressure and condition affect braking distance, steering response and grip in the wet. Under-inflation also increases fuel use and wear.
What does a tyre check include?
We check tread depth across each tyre, look for uneven wear patterns and damage, confirm the size, load and speed rating suit your vehicle, and set pressures to the vehicle placard. Where wear is uneven, we check steering and suspension to find the cause.
Preparing for a roadworthy
Tyres are a common reason vehicles fail a roadworthy inspection. If you’re selling a car, it’s worth checking tyre condition before booking the test.
Questions worth asking your mechanic
Whoever works on your car, these questions help you understand the job and the quote:
- How much tread is left on each tyre?
- What's causing the uneven wear?
- Does the tyre size and load rating match my car's placard?
- Should the tyres be rotated?
Frequently asked questions
What's the legal minimum tread depth?
In Australia, tyres must have at least 1.5 mm of tread across the tyre's tread pattern, which is when the tread reaches the wear indicator bars. Wet-road grip drops well before that point.
Are tyres checked in a roadworthy inspection?
Yes. Wheels and tyres are among the items Transport Victoria lists for a roadworthy inspection.
Why are my tyres wearing on the inside edge?
Inside-edge wear usually points to wheel alignment or worn suspension parts. We check the cause so your new tyres last.