When Should You Replace Your Tyres? A Guide for Lismore Drivers

Have you noticed your tyres losing grip or looking more worn than usual? Tyres are the only part of your vehicle that touches the road, so knowing when they need replacing is essential for your safety.



Tyres wear gradually, often without obvious signs until they affect braking distance, fuel use, or steering. For drivers around Lismore, changing weather conditions and local road types can also influence how long tyres last.

In this blog, we’ll explore the key indicators that it might be time for a replacement, the common risks of old tyres, and why timely inspections matter.

Tread Depth Has Worn Below Safe Limits

Tread depth is a key indicator of tyre safety. In Australia, the legal minimum tread depth is 1.5mm—anything less may compromise grip, particularly on wet roads. Most tyres feature tread wear indicators (raised bars within the grooves) that signal when replacement is due.

Tyres with low tread can lead to:

• Reduced grip on wet or slippery roads.
• Increased risk of hydroplaning.
• Longer braking distances.

Regularly checking your tyre tread can help prevent unexpected skids and maintain road safety.

Uneven Tyre Wear Is Visible

Uneven wear often points to issues with alignment, suspension, or tyre pressure. If one side of your tyre is more worn than the other, it could be affecting your handling without you realising it.

Common patterns include:

• Feathering or scalloped edges.
• Centre wear from overinflation.
• Edge wear from underinflation or misalignment.

Catching these signs early allows for alignment adjustments or rotation—but if the tyre is too worn, replacement may be needed.

Tyres Are More Than 5 Years Old

Even if they appear fine, tyres degrade over time. Rubber naturally hardens and loses grip, which can reduce braking efficiency and handling.

Manufacturers recommend:

• Annual inspections after 5 years of use.
• Replacement after 10 years, regardless of tread condition.

Check the DOT code on the tyre sidewall to find the manufacture date. If your tyres are ageing, a professional check may reveal hidden issues.

Cracks, Bulges, or Cuts in the Sidewall

External damage to tyres may seem cosmetic, but can indicate deeper issues. Cracks or bulges on the sidewall suggest structural weakness, which can lead to blowouts.

You should look out for:

• Bulges or blisters are often caused by pothole impacts.
• Hairline cracks, signalling dry rot or sun damage.
• Visible cords or fabric, showing the inner structure.

If you notice any of these, it's best to have your tyres inspected immediately to avoid roadside emergencies.

Vibration or Thumping While Driving

Feeling a wobble or shake through the steering wheel or seat may be more than a wheel balance issue. While some vibrations stem from suspension faults or unbalanced tyres, others result from internal tyre damage.

Common causes include:

• Tyre separation, where layers begin to split internally.
• Flat spots, from long-term storage or emergency braking.
• Out-of-round tyres, which lose shape due to heat or age.

If vibration persists even after wheel balancing, a tyre replacement might be necessary.

Reduced Performance in Wet Conditions

Do your tyres feel less responsive in the rain? Reduced wet grip is one of the clearest indicators that tyre performance is dropping.

Worn treads struggle to disperse water, leading to:

• Aquaplaning on puddled surfaces.
• Slower response when steering or cornering.
• Longer stopping times when braking.

If your vehicle feels uncertain during wet weather, your tyres may no longer meet the performance demands of the road.

Air Pressure Drops More Frequently

Healthy tyres should hold pressure relatively well between checks. If you’re topping up air more often than usual, it could be a sign of an internal fault or slow leak.

Frequent deflation may indicate:

• Valve stem wear or corrosion.
• Small punctures that aren’t easily visible.
• Bead leaks around the rim edge.

Even if pressure loss seems minor, persistent issues could lead to sudden flat tyres or damage over time.

Your Fuel Economy Has Dropped

Old or underperforming tyres can affect your fuel efficiency. Tyres with uneven wear or incorrect pressure create drag, making your engine work harder.

Signs your tyres are reducing fuel economy include:

• You’re filling up more often despite similar routes.
• Your tyre pressure is consistently low.
• Tread patterns are irregular or mismatched.

Keeping tyres in good shape helps improve mileage and can lower long-term vehicle running costs.

There’s Visible Damage After a Road Incident

After hitting a kerb, pothole, or debris, it’s important to inspect your tyres—damage isn’t always visible straight away. Even a minor bump can shift the internal structure or lead to slow leaks.

Post-impact, check for:

• Sidewall bubbles or splits.
• Rim damage affecting the bead seal.
• Tread punctures that may worsen over time.

Professional tyre inspections can uncover problems early and prevent failures at high speeds or under braking.

Regular Tyre Inspections Are Overdue

Routine checks can help catch problems before they become costly or dangerous. Even if everything looks fine, having your tyres assessed by a professional every 10,000km or every 6 months is a practical rule.

Inspections typically involve:

• Tread depth and pattern assessment.
• Pressure and balance checks.
• Sidewall, bead, and valve evaluations.

By staying ahead of wear, Lismore drivers can extend tyre lifespan and reduce the risk of roadside breakdowns.

You've Changed Your Vehicle’s Load or Use

If you’re now towing, using roof storage more frequently, or transporting heavier loads, your current tyres may no longer support the added weight. Tyres have load ratings designed for particular use cases, and exceeding those can increase blowout risk or reduce tyre life.

Upgrading to a tyre with a higher load index may be a safer option when your driving needs change.

Book a Tyre Check in Lismore Today!

Your tyres play a central role in the safety, handling, and comfort of your drive. While wear is inevitable, recognising the signs early can help prevent accidents, poor fuel economy, or costly damage to other vehicle systems.

At South Lismore Automotive, we supply, inspect, and fit quality tyres in Lismore, helping drivers stay road-ready with peace of mind. Whether you’re due for a replacement or need a quick check after a long trip, our team is ready to help. Visit us today or book a tyre safety check to keep your journey on track.