Have you had the same winter tyres for your car for several years and wonder when they need replacing? In this blog, you will find the answer to the question: “How long will my winter tyres last?”. We will also give you some tips on how to extend the life of your winter tyres. So read on quickly!
Winter tyres – how long do they last?
The distance you can cover with your winter tyres ranges from 30,000 to 100,000 km. The average lifespan of car tyres therefore comes out at approximately 65,000 km with “normal” use. It is not possible to say exactly how many years winter tyres will last. Some people drive more than others, and therefore these numbers vary quite a bit. Moreover, there are other factors related to tyre wear, such as driving style and the quality of the tyres. Therefore, you should not replace a winter tyre after a certain period, but when you notice that the tyres are starting to wear out.
When are my winter tyres worn out?
Okay, so your winter tyres have reached the end of their lifespan when you see they are worn out. But when exactly are they worn out? Well, when the tread (the pattern) of the car tyres has worn down too much. A new tyre has a tread of about 8 to 10 millimetres. When tyres only have a tread depth of 1.6 millimetres, they are legally worn out. However, we recommend replacing winter tyres even earlier, at a tread depth of 4 mm. This is because at a tread depth below 4 mm, winter tyres lose their unique properties for safe winter driving.
Our cars Car hire in Sittard are checked annually for tyre wear. Have your car checked for this regularly too. Mechanics at a garage will check the tyres for cracks, dryness and tread depth.
Extending the lifespan of your winter tyres
Naturally, you'll want to keep your winter tyres in good condition for as long as possible, so you don't have to spend money on new ones. There are a number of things you can do to ensure your tyres last as long as possible, namely:
Drive more calmly
Your driving style is very important for the lifespan of your winter tyres. If you often drive fast, accelerate and brake hard, your tyres will wear out quicker. Therefore, don't drive too fast and don't brake too late. If you brake on time more often and occasionally let the car coast, you will notice that your tyres will last longer.
Check tyre pressure regularly
It is important that your winter tyres have the correct tyre pressure. Underinflated tyres can lead to damage and faster wear. Due to reduced road holding, the tyre has to work harder to maintain grip on the road surface and adapt to the driver's behaviour. This not only causes your tyres to wear out faster but also increases your fuel consumption. We therefore recommend checking your winter tyre pressure every month.
Wheel balancing for even tyre wear
To prevent your car from vibrating or shaking when driving at speed, it is important that the wheels are equally heavy around their entire circumference. Therefore, when fitting your winter tyres, ensure that the tyres are properly balanced. This will not only increase driving comfort but also ensure even tyre wear.
Putting on summer tyres in good time
Is summer on its way? Then it's time to swap your winter tyres for summer tyres! Winter tyres wear out 20 percent faster than summer tyres at temperatures above 15 degrees Celsius. So, change your tyres in good time. Then store them in a dark, dry, and cool place. This prevents the tyres from drying out and becoming damaged.
You will now know how to extend the life of your winter tyres and when the tyres really need replacing. Would you like to know more about the condition of certain car parts? Then also read our blog: ‘Recognising a worn or broken timing belt’.
