Replace Car Tyre by Mechanic

Three Reasons on When to Replace Car Tyres

August 16, 2022

Are you wondering when to replace your car tyres? Or finding a way to know about its replacement time before it causes any severe accident to you or the passengers? This blog can help you out. A Swift Battery Specialist has curated a list of points about when to know if you need to replace the car tyres. We know that car tyre replacement is crucial for the vehicle’s performance, safety, and efficiency.

How Can You Tell Whether You Need New Tyres

  1. Inspect your Tyre Thoroughly:

    • Check the tyre wear with a penny test: With a simple and easy penny test you can determine whether you need new tyres or not. Use a $1 coin, and place it in the tyre groove with the side that says “SINGAPORE” touching the tread. If you can make out the phrase “SINGAPORE”, the tread has worn out (below 1.6mm), and the tyres need to be replaced immediately.
    • Utilize a tyre depth indicator for accurate measurement: Put the indicator’s probe in the middle of a tyre groove at the edge of the tread. Take note of the tread depth after removing the gauge from the barrel, being careful not to touch the probe.
    • Check with your state or region tyre recommendations: In order to increase traction and prevent slipping on wet roads, the vital purpose of tyre tread is to redirect water from underneath the tyre. In Singapore, the measurement of tyre tread depth is done in millimetres (mm). The tread depths of new tyres range from 7 to 9 millimetres, and some truck and SUV tyres may have deeper tread depths than other models.Tyre replacement is mandated by law by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) once they reach 1.6mm or less.

  2. Notice any Damages on Tyres:

    3. Close up of Damaged Tyre

    • Any abnormal bulges or bubbles in the sidewall: A bulge means the tyre’s internal rigid frame has been harmed and fractured, allowing air pressure to enter the tyre’s flexible outer layers.
    • Regardless, any tyres with sidewall bulges should be replaced right away. This damage is caused by harsh driving like a large pothole, driving over the curb, or driving with low tyre pressure. Never drive your car if there is damage in the sidewall because there is an increased chance of sudden failure.
    • Feeling vibration in your wheels: You can experience a sensation in the steering wheel while driving if your tyres are worn unevenly. You probably need to balance your tyres if the oscillation begins at 40 to 50 mph or gets even worse as you go faster. If it does not, the tyre is probably ruined and needs to be completely replaced.
    • Check for dry rot: Suppose that the rubber in your car’s tyres is deteriorating because there are cracks all over them. Tyres with dry rot can fall apart and detach from the steel belt, which causes damage to the exterior part of the car. It is better to degrease your tyres to prevent dry rot, especially if your tyres are exposed to UV.
    • Irregular tyre wears: This could mean that the wheels are out of alignment, the tyres need to be rotated, the inflation pressure is incorrect, or all of the above. Whatever the reason is, uneven tread wear is the sign that you need to take a car for service.
    • Strange Noises from the car: When the car tyres begin to crack or puncture, there is sometimes a squeak or whine due to air compression changes. If you hear any such noises from the car, it is worth pulling the car and checking your tyres. If the tyres are okay, there might be another problem with the vehicle.

  3. Age of Tyres:

    4. Any car tyre would last roughly two to three years, or 30,000 to 40,000 kilometres, from the time it makes contact with the road. You can check the 4-digit number on the tyre wall which specifies the tyre’s age. Eventually, the rubber compound in the car tyres will come out which leaves it prone to cracks or blowouts. Wear and tear cannot guarantee a long lifespan, but if yours do, you may want to think about replacing them so that you have the finest grip possible.

Conclusion

Remember that underinflated or overinflated car tyres can escalate wear and affects the overall handling of the car. It is better to find the right tyre pressure for your car tyres from the owner’s manual for a better lifespan. Driving your vehicle with the tyre tread below the legal limit can put your life at risk as well as a lump sum fine. Therefore, it is essential to check your tyres regularly.

If you find any car tyre issues such as tread, punctures, wear and tear etc. Contact Swift Battery Specialist to perform car tyre replacement or other car-related services.