🛞 How to Tell If You Need New Tyres – 5 Clear Signs
🛞 How to Tell If You Need New Tyres – 5 Clear Signs
By Andrews Car Centre – Trusted Tyre Fitters in Lincoln
Your tyres are the only part of your vehicle that touch the road — so keeping them in good condition is essential for safety, fuel economy, and performance.
But how do you know when it’s time to replace them?
At Andrews Car Centre in Lincoln, we help drivers spot the signs before things get dangerous. Here are 5 clear ways to tell if you need new tyres.
1. ⚠️ Your Tread Depth Is Below the Legal Limit
In the UK, the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre.
👉 Try the 20p test:
Insert a 20p coin into your tyre tread. If you can see the outer band of the coin, your tread is too low and your tyres are illegal — and unsafe.
Low tread = reduced grip, especially in wet weather.
2. 🕳️ You See Cracks, Bulges, or Cuts
Visual signs of damage on the sidewalls or tread can indicate serious internal issues:
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Cracks or perishing = ageing rubber
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Bulges = internal structural failure
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Cuts = road damage or sharp objects
These can all lead to sudden tyre failure or blowouts, especially at speed.
3. 🚗 Your Car Doesn’t Handle the Same
If your tyres are wearing unevenly, you might feel:
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Vibration through the steering wheel
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The car pulling to one side
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Poor cornering or braking performance
These are all signs your tyres (or wheel alignment) need urgent attention.
4. ⛽ You’re Using More Fuel Than Usual
Worn or underinflated tyres increase rolling resistance, meaning your engine has to work harder to keep moving — and uses more fuel.
Correctly inflated, good-condition tyres help maintain your car’s efficiency and save money at the pump.
5. 📆 They’re Over 5 Years Old (Even If They Look Fine)
Tyres degrade over time, even if the tread looks OK.
If your tyres are 5+ years old (check the DOT date stamp on the sidewall), they may have hardened rubber or hidden wear that affects grip and safety — especially in wet or cold weather.
🛠️ Need New Tyres in Lincoln?
At Andrews Car Centre, we offer:
✅ Free tyre safety checks
✅ Same-day tyre fitting (subject to availability)
✅ Tyres for all makes & models – budget to premium brands
✅ Wheel balancing and alignment
✅ Expert advice – no pressure, no upselling
We’re here to keep you safe, legal, and confident on the road.
📍 Book Tyre Fitting in Lincoln Today
Think you might need new tyres? Don’t wait until it’s too late.
👉 Call us, book online, or visit Andrews Car Centre on Dixon Street, Lincoln.
✅ Local, trusted garage for 25+ years
✅ Fast, honest, affordable service
✅ Tyres fitted while you wait
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