It’s dangerous not to know the condition of your tyres.

Neglecting them may mean they wear out sooner. Replacing them is a costly exercise.

Replacement of tyres

As a rule, always consult the placard or owner’s manual before replacing your car tyres with those of a different size or construction. Fixing different tyres on the same axle may seriously affect the handling and stability of your car.

When should they be replaced?

It’s not possible tp say precisely when a tyre is too bald to be used safely. Too many factors affect tyre-road grip besides tread depth.

But if your tyres have tread wear indicators, or TWI, these may serve as an early warning that you should consider replacing your tyres. A TWI is a bar, approximately 1.5mm high, found at the bottom of the tread groove. It is not normally visible on a new tyre. When it is, it is time to think about replacing the tyre.

A word of caution here. Even if your tyres have not actually reached the stage where they ought to be replaced, do not assume it is safe to drive at high speeds in wet weather.

If you’re still unsure whether you should replace your tyres, consult your tyre manufacturer or dealer.