Everything You Need to Know About Car Tyres
By Anna Jones at Eversure,
1st October 2025, 10 min read
October is tyre safety month as organised by the road safety charity TyreSafe and so it's the perfect time to cover all things tyres, from tread depth to tyre pressure. This guide will run through the three main tyre checks and will provide additional useful information that will equip you with the confidence to make informed decisions about the maintenance of your tyres.
Why Is Tyre Maintenance Important?
Your tyres are the only part of your car that makes direct contact with the road meaning they are critical for your overall safety as well as the performance and efficiency of the vehicle. The condition they are in directly correlates to your traction, handling and braking performance. Even a simple tyre check can prevent accidents, improve fuel economy and extend the lifespan of the tyres.
Check One: Condition
The first check you should make is regarding the condition of the tyres. You should be looking for any visible signs of damage that could compromise safety. Pay attention to:
- Cuts or cracks as they can weaken the tyre leading to failure
- Bulges or blisters which are often caused by impact damage
- Foreign objects such as nails, stones or other debris that might be lodged in the tread
If you do notice any bulges, deep cuts or embedded objects you should get your tyres looked at by a professional. Often your tyres will need replacing.
Check Two: Pressure
Once you are satisfied that you have checked the condition of all four of your tyres, you can move on to checking the tyre pressure. Tyres naturally deflate and lose air over time making regular checks important.
Correctly inflated tyres are important for several reasons: they have optimal grip which leads to better handling; they also reduce rolling resistance therefore saving fuel, and correct inflation also promotes even wear meaning your tyres will last longer.
Underinflated tyres are dangerous as they can lead to increased stopping distances. Additionally, as the amount of rubber in contact with the road is higher in turn friction also increases leading to overheating. This accelerates general wear and tear and has the potential to cause a tyre blowout.
How to Measure Tyre Pressure
o ensure an accurate reading of tyre pressure, you should measure it when they’re cold. To find the correct tyre pressure for your car you will need to find your manual. Alternatively, it will be detailed on the sticker inside the driver’s door frame, labelled as the PSI and BAR. 1 BAR is 14.5 PSI.
Now you can remove the valve dust cap from the tyre valve. Take your tyre pressure gauge and place it onto the stem of the valve. Press the gauge evenly to get an accurate reading and decide whether you need to inflate your tyres. If you do need to inflate your tyres, use a suitable pump. If you do not own one, you will find one at a petrol station. To avoid overinflation, add small amounts of air at a time.
It’s important to note that overinflated tyres are just as bad – traction is reduced causing longer braking distances and an increased risk of skidding. Also, as they are stiffer and less flexible, they are more susceptible to damage from potholes, kerbs and other debris on the roads. If you have accidentally overinflated your tyres, you can rectify this by removing air. To do this, use a flat-head screwdriver to push on the metal pin of the valve stem.
It is recommended that you check your tyre pressure once a month.
Check Three: Tread
Your tyre tread is essential for both grip and traction particularly when the roads are wet. Adequate tread depths allow your tyres to channel water away from the road therefore reducing the risk of aquaplaning and giving you better control when steering or braking.
In the UK, the legal minimum tyre tread depth is 1.6mm and this must be met across the central three-quarters of the tyre’s circumference. For comparison, new tyres typically have a tread depth of 8mm and it’s recommended you consider getting them replaced once they reach 3mm so you maintain safe stopping distances.
How to Measure Tread Depth
As tyres don’t always wear evenly it’s important you measure the tread depth in several places on each tyre. There are two ways to measure tread depth: with a gauge or with a 20p.
If you have a tread depth gauge, place this into the grooves. If it shows 1.6mm or less the tyre must be replaced immediately. If it’s between 3mm and 1.6mm you should consider replacing it soon for your safety.
If you don’t have a gauge, you can use a 20p coin. Simply place the coin into the grooves. If the outer band of the coin is visible, your tread is below the level limit and the tyre needs replacing. If the band is hidden, your tyres are comfortably above the legal minimum tread depth.
How to Change a Tyre
If you have a spare tyre and the right tools, you might be able to change it yourself. To do this you’ll first need to make sure you are in a safe place away from traffic. You also need to make sure your handbrake is engaged.
- Loosen the wheel nuts by using a wheel wrench and turning anticlockwise. You don’t want to remove them, only turn them slightly.
- Place a jack under the correct jacking point and lift until the tyre is off the ground.
- Now unscrew the nuts fully and take the tyre off.
- Mount the spare tyre and screw the nuts on by hand.
- Slowly bring the car back down with the jack and tighten the wheel nuts fully in a cross or star pattern for even grip.
- Check the spare tyre is inflated properly.
Tyre repair kits or sealants can help you get back on the road if you don’t have a spare tyre.
Remember to have the tyre you removed repaired or replaced.
Tyre FAQs
How often should I check my tyres?
It’s recommended to check your tyres at least once a month and before any long journey.
How long do tyres usually last?
On average, tyres last between 20,000 and 30,000 miles, depending on driving style, road conditions, and maintenance. Even if your tyres still look fine, they should be replaced every six years to ensure safety.
Can I mix different types of tyres on my car?
It’s not recommended to mix tyre types (e.g., summer and winter tyres) on the same car, as this can negatively affect handling and braking. For best performance, all four tyres should match in type, size, and tread pattern.
Breakdown Cover
Not even the best tyre maintenance can prevent tyre problems from happening, whether you hit a pothole or run over a nail. This is where breakdown cover from Eversure steps in to give you peace of mind that you’ll never be left stranded.
Final Thoughts
Keeping on top of checking your tyres will reduce the risk of breakdowns, ensure you stay road legal and will make your drives smoother and safer.
If you’d like to learn more about tyres, read out guide to tyre label markings and what they mean.