5 Warning Signs You Need New Tyres
What To Look Out For
When it comes to staying safe on the road, few things are more important than your tyres. They are the only point of contact between your car and the road surface, so worn or damaged tyres can dramatically affect your vehicle’s handling, braking distance, and overall safety.
At Europit we’re proud to help drivers across Essex and Suffolk stay safe with expert tyre fitting, repairs, and free tyre checks. If you’re wondering whether it’s time to replace your tyres, here are five signs you shouldn’t ignore.
1. Tread Depth Is Too Low
The legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre around the full circumference. However, safety experts recommend replacing tyres when tread depth reaches 3mm, especially in wet weather, because stopping distances can increase dramatically.
Bald tyres are one of the most common reasons for an MOT fail, so it’s good practice to check your tyres on the regular basis. Shallow tread depth increases your risk of aquaplaning and dramatically reduces your braking efficiency.
How to check using a simple, quick and easy test:
You can easily check your tyre tread depth by using a 20p coin and inserting it into the tread grooves of the tyre. If you can see the outer rim of the coin your tread is too low and could be unsafe.
➡️ Need a new set of tyres? Visit our tyres page and book in with Europit here.
2. Cracks and Splits in the Tyre Sidewall
Tyres naturally deteriorate over time, even if you don't do a lot of mileage. Cracks in the sidewall or tread area can be caused by UV exposure, age or impact damage (such as hitting a pothole). These cracks can lead to slow leaks, blowouts or even sudden tyre failure. You can inspect the sidewalls of each tyres for small cracks or cuts. If you see anything unusual, it’s time to get them checked by a professional.
➡️ Find your nearest Europit Tyres branch here for a free tyre inspection.
3. Strange Vibrations While Driving
If you’re feeling vibrations through your steering wheel, floor or seats it might not just be your imagination, it can signal tyre issues such as:
- Uneven tyre wear
- Misalignment
- Internal tyre damage
- Wheel balancing issues
While not all vibrations are caused by tyre problems, it’s important to get them checked out early to avoid bigger (and more expensive) repairs further down the road.
➡️ Book a wheel balancing or alignment check with Europit today.
4. Bulges or Blisters on the Tyre Surface
If you notice a bulge or blister on your tyre, it can be a very serious problem. This typically means that the tyre’s internal structure has been compromised, which nowadays is often due to an impact such as hitting a kerb or pothole.
Why it’s urgent: A bulging tyre can blow out at any time, especially at high speeds. If you spot one, please don’t drive your vehicle and get your tyre replaced immediately. Click here to visit our Tyres page or book in with your local branch here.
5. Frequent Loss of Tyre Pressure
If you find you’re constantly topping up your tyre pressure, this could indicate an issue such as:
- A slow puncture
- Valve stem damage
- A poor bead seal
- Age-related tyre wear
Driving on under-inflated tyres not only compromises your safety but also reduces your fuel economy and damages the tyres themselves.
➡️ Visit your nearest Europit branch for a puncture repair or tyre replacement.
Did You Know We Offer Free Tyre Checks at Europit?
If you’ve noticed any of the signs above, or even if you just want peace of mind, simply come and visit your local Europit branch. We offer free tyre safety checks at all our locations across Essex and Suffolk and our friendly team will be happy to inspect your tyres and offer advice you can trust.
We stock a huge range of premium and budget tyres from trusted brands and with 8 convenient locations, we’re never far away.
➡️ Book your free tyre check or browse our tyre services here
