1. Tread Depth Below 3mm
As described in our tread depth guide, anything below 3mm means your stopping distances are lengthening fast. Below 1.6mm you are breaking the law and risk a fine, three penalty points and an MOT failure.
2. Visible Bulges or Bubbles
A bulge on the sidewall means the internal structure has been damaged — often by a sharp pothole impact. This is a tyre that could blow out at any moment. Do not drive on it; call our mobile tyre team in Newport immediately.
3. Cracking or Crazing on the Sidewall
Rubber degrades with age and UV exposure. Fine cracks running across the sidewall indicate the tyre is becoming brittle. Tyres more than six years old should be inspected by a professional even if the tread looks acceptable.
4. Persistent Vibration at Speed
Some vibration comes from wheel balance or suspension, but a tyre that has developed an internal fault can also cause steering-wheel shake. Have it checked before the problem worsens.
5. Uneven Wear Patterns
Heavy wear on the centre suggests over-inflation; wear on both outer edges suggests under-inflation; wear on one edge points to a wheel alignment problem. Any of these patterns shortens tyre life and compromises handling.
6. Frequent Loss of Pressure
If you find yourself topping up the same tyre repeatedly, it has a slow puncture. A slow leak can suddenly become rapid — especially at motorway speeds on the M4 near Newport.
7. Age Over Six Years
The date of manufacture is moulded into the tyre sidewall as a four-digit code. Regardless of appearance, tyres over six to ten years old should be replaced. Newport Mobile Tyres offers free tyre age checks with every call-out.
Related Topics