Your tyres are the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road, yet they're one of the most neglected parts of a car. Driving on worn or damaged tyres dramatically increases your stopping distance and risk of aquaplaning. Here are five clear signs you need new tyres fitted — ideally by a mobile tyre service that can come to you the same day.
1. Tread Depth Below 3mm
The legal minimum in the UK is 1.6mm, but safety experts recommend replacing tyres at 3mm. At that point, wet-weather braking performance deteriorates significantly. Use a 20p coin — if the outer band of the coin is visible when inserted into the tread groove, your tyre is below the safe limit.
2. Visible Bulges or Bubbles
A bulge in the sidewall indicates internal structural damage, usually caused by pothole impact. A bulging tyre can blow out without warning — do not drive on it. Call a mobile tyre fitter in Leeds immediately.
3. Cracks in the Sidewall
UV exposure and age cause rubber to dry out and crack. Even if tread depth is adequate, cracked sidewalls signal a tyre that's past its safe service life. Tyres over six years old should be inspected regardless of appearance.
4. Persistent Vibration While Driving
Vibration can point to a damaged tyre, wheel imbalance, or both. If balancing doesn't resolve it, the tyre itself may have internal damage requiring replacement.
5. Repeated Pressure Loss
If one tyre keeps losing pressure faster than the others, it may have a slow puncture from a nail, glass shard, or faulty valve. A mobile tyre repair service can diagnose and fix this at your door.
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