It's Not Just About Checking Your Tyre Pressure: Why Tyre Maintenance Matters

Your tyres are the only part of your car that actually touch the road, so it’s no surprise that they play a huge role in both safety and efficiency. Worn or under-inflated tyres affect how well your car grips, brakes, and corners. They also make your engine work harder - which means more fuel burned and more money wasted.

According to the AA, around one in five accidents in the UK involve under-inflated tyres. The simple truth? A few quick checks every month could prevent a crash, save fuel, and help your tyres last longer - all without spending a penny. And this way, whether it's as simple as a tyre repair, or even if you do need a tyre change, you can always keep yourself safe.

Check Your Tyre Pressure Regularly

Driving with the wrong tyre pressure shortens tyre life, reduces grip, and hurts your fuel economy.

You should check your pressure at least once a month and before any long trips. The correct PSI (or BAR) for your vehicle can usually be found on a sticker inside the driver’s door frame or under the fuel cap.

Use a digital pressure gauge for accuracy or stop by a petrol station air pump. Always check when the tyres are cold - ideally before your first drive of the day.

Keep an Eye on Tread Depth

Your tyre tread is what keeps you in control when braking or driving in wet conditions. The legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm, but many experts recommend replacing tyres once they reach 2–3mm for optimal safety.

Try the 20p test: insert a 20p coin into the tread grooves. If you can see the outer rim of the coin, your tyres are too worn.

When tread gets low, stopping distances increase dramatically - especially in rain, where aquaplaning risk goes up.

Watch for Uneven Wear

Uneven wear is one of the easiest ways to spot a deeper issue.

Centre wear often means overinflation.
Edge wear suggests underinflation.
One-sided wear can point to alignment or suspension problems.

If your steering wheel vibrates or the car drifts slightly to one side, it’s time for an alignment check. Fixing the problem early stops you from chewing through a new set of tyres prematurely.

Look Out for Cracks or Bulges

Cracks, cuts, and bulges are warning signs that your tyre’s internal structure is compromised - often caused by hitting potholes, overloading, or simply age.

A bulge on the sidewall is a serious safety risk, as it means the internal cords are damaged. If you spot one, don’t risk it - replace the tyre immediately.

If you’re unsure, ask a professional to inspect it. Even one weak tyre can cause major trouble at motorway speeds.

Small punctures can sometimes be fixed with a tyre repair instead of replacing the whole thing - saving money and waste.

Rotate and Replace When Needed

Front tyres usually wear faster than rear ones due to steering and braking forces, so rotating them every 6,000–8,000 miles, putting the rear tyres on the front helps them wear evenly.

Even if your tyres look fine, rubber hardens over time, reducing grip and braking performance. Most experts recommend replacing tyres every six years, regardless of mileage.

If you start feeling vibrations, hearing unusual noise, or noticing a change in handling, it could be time for a new set.

If you’re unsure about doing it yourself, most local garages offer affordable tyre fitting services to get you safely back on the road.

Check Your Wheel Alignment and Balancing

Wheel alignment and balancing are often confused, but both are crucial.

Alignment adjusts the angles of your wheels so they’re parallel and meet the road correctly. Poor alignment causes steering pull and uneven wear.
Balancing ensures weight is evenly distributed around the wheel, preventing vibration.

Have both checked once a year - or after hitting a curb or large pothole. It keeps your tyres, suspension, and steering in good condition.

Don’t Forget the Spare Tyre (or Repair Kit)

It’s easy to forget about your spare until you need it. Check its pressure and condition every few months, just like your main tyres.

If your car comes with a tyre puncture repair kit instead of a full-size spare, make sure it’s complete and in-date. There’s nothing worse than discovering it’s useless when you’re stuck at the roadside.

Tyre Lifespan — When to Replace Even If They Look Fine

Even tyres that appear in good shape can age out. Most last five to six years, depending on mileage, storage, and exposure to UV light.

Check the manufacturing date on the tyre’s sidewall - look for the DOT code. The last four digits show the week and year it was made (e.g. “2319” = week 23 of 2019).

If your tyres are older than six years, it’s worth swapping them for fresh rubber — even if the tread still looks decent.

Cold weather can speed up tyre wear and affect pressure levels, so it’s worth checking out our Winter Car Maintenance guide for extra tips on keeping your vehicle safe when the temperature drops.

How Tyre Maintenance Affects Fuel Efficiency

Underinflated tyres create more rolling resistance, meaning your engine works harder. That can reduce your fuel economy by up to 10%.

Keeping tyres at the correct pressure, choosing low-resistance types, and checking alignment all help your car glide more efficiently.

It’s one of the simplest ways to save fuel and cut emissions without changing your driving style.

A few small habits - checking your pressure, inspecting tread, and booking the occasional alignment - can save you hundreds in repairs and fuel, and keep you safe on every journey.

If your car needs more than a quick check-up, you can always sell it the easy way with Cash For Cars. Quick, simple, and hassle-free.

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