Tyres: How Long Do They Last & How to Make Them Last Longer

Ellie Dyer-Brown, 1 year ago

5 min read

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  • Tyres
  • Maintenance
tyres
A heap of car tyres.

FixMyCar discusses the lifespan of tyres.

Buying a new set of tyres can be pricey, especially if you choose a premium brand, so it’s in every driver’s interest to make them last as long as possible. But is there really anything you can do to extend their lifespan? And how long should tyres last, anyway? You can find answers to these questions and more in this guide.

Contents:

How long do tyres last?

Are expensive tyres worth it?

How to make your tyres last longer

Buy tyres


How long do tyres last?

Most manufacturers and safety groups recommend that drivers change their tyres every five to six years or whenever the tread depth falls below the legal limit of 1.6mm. 

If one of your tyres gets punctured, you will have to replace it early. In case this happens, it's a good idea to carry a spare tyre.

spare tyre
A space saver spare tyre in the boot of a car.

This guide discusses everything you need to know about tyre tread.

How many miles do tyres last?

The table below shows how many miles your tyres should last.

Front tyresRear tryes
20,000 miles40,000

Crucially, this distance can be impacted by:

  • The quality of your tyres - premium tyres are more durable and longer lasting than budget tyres.

  • Harsh braking and cornering.

  • Incorrect tyre pressure.

  • Regularly driving on rough road surfaces.

  • Misaligned wheels.

  • How well you maintain your tyres.

You can read about the pros and cons of premium tyres here. Check out our ultimate car tyre guide for more information about tyre maintenance and why it matters.

Another important factor in the longevity of your tyres is whether you use them at the correct time of year. You shouldn't use summer tyres in winter and vice versa, for reasons explained in the guides below.

all season tyres
iStock.com/FotografieLink

How long will 5mm tyre tread last?

Most new car tyres start with around 8-9mm of tread, so a tyre with 5mm still has a lot of life left in it and will probably cover about 20,000 miles.

How long will 2mm tyre tread last?

When your tyre has just 2mm of tread left, you will get a further 1,000-1,500 miles. It’s essential to check your tread regularly when it is this low to ensure you are driving within the legal limit.

Tyre Tread
Man's hand pointing at car tyre tread.

Are expensive tyres worth it?

More expensive tyres are made from higher quality materials that are more durable. As a result, they last considerably longer than budget tyres, so despite their high initial cost, you’ll have to replace them less often. You’re more likely to get 40,000 miles out of a set of premium tyres.

However, premium tyres and budget tyres aren’t the only options. You may also want to consider mid-range tyres, which offer a middle-ground. 

The following guides discuss the pros and cons of each type of tyre:

How to make your tyres last longer

There are many things you can do to extend the life of your tyres.

1. Keep an eye on your tyre pressure.

Incorrect tyre pressure can cause additional wear, strain your tyres and increase fuel consumption.

Tyre pressure gauge
iStock.com/4kodiak

This guide explains how to find out what your tyre pressure should be and how to top it up.

2. Think about your driving style

The more gently you corner and brake, the less wear it will cause to your tyres. Try to anticipate the actions of other drivers and prepare to change your speed well in advance, avoiding sudden braking.

3. Check your wheels are correctly aligned

When your wheels are not aligned, it can make your tyres wear out more quickly and unevenly, so you have to replace them more often. Common signs of wheel misalignment include:

  • Your car pulls to one side.

  • Your tyres are worn unevenly.

  • You can hear squealing noises at low speeds.

  • Your steering wheel vibrates.

4. Don’t overload your vehicle

Carrying extra weight puts more strain on your tyres. They’re already bearing the weight of the engine and chassis, so it’s a good idea to empty the boot of clutter if you can. Doing so will save you money not only because you’ll have to replace your tyres less frequently but also because you’ll have to buy fuel less often.

This guide contains more tips for improving your car’s fuel economy.

5. Avoid scrapes and bumps

Uneven roads, potholes and parking too close to the kerb can potentially damage your tyres. Be mindful of where you drive and avoid scrapes and bumps where possible.

Read our ultimate tyre guide for more information about tyre maintenance.

Buy your next set of tyres

premium tyre
A premium car tyre on a Jaguar.

When it’s time to buy your next set of tyres, FixMyCar is here to help with a huge selection of budget, mid-range and premium brands.

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Written by Ellie

Ellie Author Pic

Ellie is FixMyCar's Content Writer. She has over three years of experience writing about cars and regularly collaborates with automotive experts to provide trustworthy advice for drivers that is easy understand. Her work has been featured in Yahoo! Finance, iNews, The Daily Express and The Sun. She has a BA in English literature and an MA in creative writing from Durham University. Outside of work, Ellie follows F1 and eagerly awaits Ferrari's next era of dominance in the sport. She drives a Suzuki Swift.

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