When to Replace Tyres – 5 Warning Signs

New National Tyrewise Regulations Effective 1st March – A Tyre Stewardship Fee Will Apply To Manage End-Of-Life Tyres Disposal. See Details.

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When to Replace Tyres – 5 Warning Signs Every Kiwi Driver Should Know

Get the Power to Drive Safe and Confident

Your tyres are the only part of your vehicle that touch the road — and they quietly do most of the work keeping you safe. Over time, wear, age, and road conditions take their toll. Knowing when to replace your tyres isn’t just about performance — it’s about protecting yourself, your passengers, and everyone sharing the road.

At Tyrepower NZ, our locally owned stores help Kiwis Get the Power of safe, confident driving by spotting the early warning signs before problems start.

1. Tread Depth Below 1.5mm

The legal minimum tread depth in New Zealand is 1.5 mm, but your stopping distance and wet-road grip start to decline long before that.

Check your tread using a tread-wear indicator (the small raised bar inside the grooves) or a 20-cent coin — if the inner band of the coin is visible, your tread is too low.
Driving with worn tyres increases the risk of hydroplaning and can void your insurance in an accident.

Tyrepower Tip: Ask your local Tyrepower for a free tyre safety check — we’ll measure your tread and recommend the best replacement options for your budget and driving style.

Tyrepower Tip:

Ask your local Tyrepower local Tyrepower for a free tyre safety check— we’ll measure your tread and recommend the best replacement options for your budget and driving style.

2. Cracks, Bulges or Cuts

Small cracks on the sidewalls or visible bulges are serious warning signs. These usually mean the internal structure is weakening — often from potholes, kerb impacts, or UV exposure.

Ignoring them can lead to a blowout, especially on the motorway or towing heavy loads.

Tyrepower Tip:

Regularly check your tyres for sidewall damage. If you see cracks, bubbles, or cords showing through, visit your nearest Tyrepower store immediately. .

3. Uneven Wear Patterns. Price

Uneven wear — such as one edge wearing faster — often points to wheel alignment or suspension issues.

It can also indicate incorrect tyre pressure, which affects fuel efficiency and braking.

Tyrepower Tip:

A simple wheel alignment and rotation every 10,000 km helps maximise tyre life and ensures even tread wear.

4. Vibration or Noise While Driving

Feeling unusual vibration through the steering wheel or hearing a low hum could mean your tyres are out of balance, damaged, or past their prime.

Vibration can also signal worn wheel bearings — something our trained Tyrepower technicians can diagnose quickly.

Tyrepower Tip:

Book a quick balance and alignment check if you notice any vibration, especially after hitting a pothole or speed bump.

5. Tyre Age 6 Years or Older

Even if your tread looks good, rubber degrades with age. Heat, UV, and moisture harden the compound, reducing grip.

Most tyres have a DOT date code stamped on the sidewall — the last four digits show the week and year of manufacture (for example, 2319 = week 23 of 2019).

Tyrepower Tip:

Replace tyres after six years, regardless of mileage, and always replace all four if possible for balanced performance and safety.

What to Do Next: Choose the Right Tyres for Your Car

If you’ve noticed one or more of these warning signs, the next step is choosing tyres that match your vehicle and how you drive.

What Tyres are Right for my Vehicle?

How to Choose the Right Tyres for Your Vehicle – Get the Power of the Perfect Fit

What Should I Consider When Buying New Tyres?

Four Key Factors to Consider When Buying Tyres – Get the Power of Smart Choices Buying tyres

Get the Power of Safety and Peace of Mind

When in doubt, visit your local Tyrepower NZ store. Our experts can assess your tyres and recommend replacements from trusted brands – all part of our commitment to helping Kiwis Drive Safe and Give Back, with donations from select tyre sales supporting Hospice New Zealand.

Or jump straight to our Rego Finder to see all the tyres that fit your vehicle.

Drive Safe. Get the Power.