Tyres
When should you replace your tyres?
Replace tyres if they are below the legal tread limit, damaged or deteriorated. Check the tread and ask a professional to assess them.
Replace a tyre when its tread reaches the legal limit, when it is damaged or when a professional finds deterioration that compromises safety. For cars, the general minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm; do not wait until the tyre looks smooth before having it checked.
Check the tread and look for damage
Look at the wear indicators built into the tread and, if you have a gauge, measure the depth at several points. ACI notes a general legal minimum of 1.6 millimetres for road vehicle tyres in Europe, but conditions, vehicle type and performance may call for replacement sooner.
Inspect the sidewalls and tread for cuts, bulges, cracks, foreign objects or distortion. Sidewall damage or a rapid loss of pressure needs a professional assessment: do not apply an improvised patch or keep driving to get home. If you notice vibration, noise or pulling to one side, have the wheels and suspension checked too.
Consider wear and handling as well
A tyre may be above the legal limit yet perform less well on wet roads if its tread is worn or uneven. Check pressure and wear regularly and compare all four tyres. If one axle is in much worse condition than the other, ask a tyre specialist whether a pair should be replaced and which setup is permitted.
The date of manufacture printed on a tyre is not, by itself, a universal expiry date, but age, sunlight, storage and use all affect the material. Ask a professional to assess cracks and hardening, particularly after a long period out of use. Do not decide by the year alone: checking the tyre’s actual condition is more informative.
Choose the correct replacement
Before buying, check the vehicle documents and handbook for the approved dimensions, load and speed ratings, and any permitted alternatives. Ask the tyre specialist to confirm compatibility and fitting, including the direction of rotation or the inside/outside marking on the sidewall.
After fitting, have the pressure set to the manufacturer’s specification and keep the paperwork. If the car has a TPMS, ask whether it needs to be initialised. Recheck pressure and wheel fasteners as instructed by the garage, and monitor wear: a new tyre will not, on its own, fix a wheel alignment or suspension problem.
With Quiz Patente Ufficiale you can revise road safety rules through chapters, practice tests and a review of your mistakes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum legal tread depth for a car tyre?
ACI’s guide gives 1.6 mm as the general legal minimum for car tyres. For better safety on wet roads, it may be sensible to replace them sooner; ask a tyre specialist to measure their condition.
Do I need to replace all four tyres at once?
Not always. It depends on wear, the vehicle specifications, the type of drive and the required pairing. Ask a professional to assess the axle and compatibility, and do not fit unapproved sizes or models.