07/10/2026
Wheel Wednesday ππ
You can have perfectly legal tyres that are no longer performing as well as they should. You can also have tyres with plenty of tread that have deteriorated because of age, sunlight or damage.
So, how long do tyres really last?
For many cars, a realistic guide is around 20,000 to 30,000 miles on the front axle. Rear tyres often last longer, although this depends on whether your vehicle is front-, rear- or four-wheel drive, how much weight you carry and how the car is driven. In time rather than mileage, tyres commonly reach an age limit after around five or six years, particularly if the vehicle covers low annual mileage.
That is only a guide. Regular checks are more useful than relying on the calendar or odometer alone.
Four signs your tyres may be done:
1οΈβ£ Tread worn to or near the legal minimum of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tread.
2οΈβ£ Cracks, cuts, splits or bulges in the sidewall.
3οΈβ£ Uneven wear or flat spots, which can point to alignment, suspension or pressure issues.
4οΈβ£ A tyre that keeps losing pressure, or any vibration or pulling while driving.
The honest bit? A tyre can look perfectly fine and still be unsafe. Tyres age regardless of tread, with the rubber hardening and cracking over time and with UV exposure.
We offer tyre sales and professional fitting, with a wide range for all budgets. You can also book now and pay when fitted. Give us a ring if your tyres need a proper once-over.
How old are the tyres on your car?
π 01842 860226
π 100 High Street, Lakenheath, IP27 9EW
π https://www.centralgarage-lakenheath.co.uk/