How Long Should Your Tyres Last?

Average tyre lifespan

As a rough guide, a typical set of car tyres lasts around 20,000 to 40,000 miles, with front tyres often wearing faster than rears on front-wheel-drive cars. In terms of age, most manufacturers recommend replacing tyres that are more than 10 years old regardless of tread, because the rubber hardens and degrades over time.

Your actual mileage will vary depending on tyre quality, driving style, road conditions, and how well the car is maintained. Premium tyres often last longer and perform better than budget options, which can offset their higher upfront cost.

The UK legal tread depth limit

In the UK, the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around its entire circumference. Driving on tyres below this limit risks a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points per tyre, as well as a failed MOT.

For safety, many experts recommend replacing tyres at around 3mm rather than waiting for 1.6mm, as wet-weather grip and braking distances deteriorate significantly as tread wears down. A quick check: insert a 20p coin into the tread grooves, if you can see the outer band of the coin, your tread may be too low.

Signs your tyres need replacing

• Tread approaching or below 1.6mm (use the 20p test or a tread gauge).
• Cracks, cuts, or bulges in the sidewall.
• Uneven wear across the tyre, which can indicate alignment or pressure issues.
• Vibration or a pulling sensation while driving.
• The tyre is more than 10 years old (check the four-digit date code on the sidewall).

How to make your tyres last longer

• Keep tyres inflated to the correct pressure for your vehicle and load.
• Have your wheel alignment and balancing checked periodically.
• Rotate tyres if recommended for your vehicle.
• Drive smoothly, harsh acceleration, braking, and cornering accelerate wear.
• Avoid overloading the car beyond its recommended limits.