Top Warning Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Tyres
Brought to you by ONRoad Tyre – Australia’s Mobile Tyre Service Experts
Tyres are one of the most important safety components of your vehicle—but also one of the most overlooked. Worn, damaged, or aging tyres compromise your control, reduce grip, and increase stopping distance—putting you, your passengers, and others at risk.
So how do you know when it’s time to replace your tyres?Here are the top warning signs every Aussie driver should look out for—along with expert tips from ONRoad Tyre, Australia’s go-to mobile tyre replacement and tyre repair service.
1. Tread Depth is Too Low
Your tyres’ tread is what grips the road. Once it wears down too far, especially in wet weather, your risk of hydroplaning and losing control increases significantly.
The Legal Minimum in Australia:
- 1.5 mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre
- Anything less is illegal and unsafe
Quick Check:
Use a 20c coin — if the bill of the platypus is visible when inserted into the tread, your tyres are too worn and need replacing.
2. Visible Cracks, Cuts or Bulges
Tyres naturally degrade over time, especially in harsh Aussie climates. Exposure to UV rays, heat, and rough terrain can cause:
- Sidewall cracks
- Cuts from debris or potholes
- Bulges or blisters from internal damage
A bulge means the tyre’s internal structure is compromised — it’s at high risk of a blowout and should be replaced immediately.
3. Vibration While Driving
While some vibration is normal on rough roads, consistent shaking or pulling (especially at higher speeds) could signal:
- Tyre imbalance
- Misalignment
- Internal tyre damage
If vibrations continue after balancing or rotation, your tyre may have a structural defect and require replacement.
4. Tyres Are More Than 5–6 Years Old
Even if your tyres look fine, rubber degrades over time. After 5–6 years, the risk of failure increases—even if the tread is still legal.
You can find the manufacturing date on the tyre sidewall:
- Look for the DOT code (e.g. DOT XXXXXX 2219)
- The last four digits indicate the week and year made
- “2219” = 22nd week of 2019
ONRoad Tyre recommends replacing tyres older than 6 years, regardless of visible wear.
5. Poor Performance in Wet Weather
If you’ve noticed:
- Longer braking distances in rain
- Slipping or sliding around corners
- Less grip during acceleration
It's time to inspect your tyres. These are signs your tread is no longer effective at channeling water, which increases your risk of aquaplaning.
6. Uneven Tyre Wear
Tyres should wear evenly if your car is in good alignment and rotated regularly. If you notice wear:
- On just one edge – could mean misalignment
- In the centre – may be overinflated
- On both shoulders – possibly underinflated
Uneven wear shortens tyre life and can impact handling—get them checked ASAP.
7. Frequent Air Loss or Slow Leaks
Are you constantly topping up your tyre pressure? You may have:
- A slow puncture
- A damaged valve
- Bead/rim corrosion
Even small leaks can cause underinflation, which affects fuel efficiency and tyre safety. Replacing the tyre might be more cost-effective than repeated repairs.
Bonus: Your TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) Keeps Alerting You
Newer vehicles have a TPMS that monitors tyre pressure. If the light keeps coming on—even after topping up—there’s likely an issue with the tyre itself.
What to Do If You Notice These Signs
If you’ve spotted one or more of these red flags, don’t wait until it’s too late. Worn or damaged tyres can fail without warning—especially at highway speeds.
ONRoad Tyre Offers:
- 24/7 mobile tyre replacement
- Emergency mobile tyre repairs
- On-site tyre fitting, balancing, and rotation
We bring the tyre shop to you — at home, work, or on the roadside.
How Often Should You Replace Tyres?
While it depends on driving habits, tyre quality, and road conditions, general recommendations are:
- Every 40,000–60,000 km for daily drivers
- Every 5–6 years, regardless of tread
- Sooner for off-road, performance, or older vehicles
Don’t Risk It – Replace Tyres Early
Tyres don’t have to be bald or flat to be unsafe. If you’ve noticed any of the signs above, it’s time to get them inspected or replaced.
ONRoad Tyre offers fast, reliable, and expert mobile tyre services to keep your vehicle road-trip ready and city-safe—24/7.
Book Your Mobile Tyre Service Now
Visit: ONRoad Tyre Service
Services: Mobile Tyre Replacement | Tyre Repairs Near Me | Emergency Call-Outs | Tyre Fitting