Assess tread depth, evenness of wear, pressure and any cuts, cracks or deformation. In Spain the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm, but you do not need to wait for that limit if a tyre is damaged or its performance has deteriorated.
Key points
- Tread must not fall below 1.6 mm in the main grooves.
- Check pressure when cold, using the vehicle's specified value.
- Cracks, cuts, bulges or air loss need assessment.
- Uneven wear can indicate another problem in addition to the need for replacement.
Check the tread depth
The DGT states that the minimum legal depth of the main grooves is 1.6 mm. Tyres have wear indicators that help show when the tread is approaching this limit.
Do not assess only one point. Check several areas and both sides: a tyre may retain tread in the centre but be worn on a shoulder, or the reverse.
Look for damage, deformation and ageing
Deep cuts, cracks, bulges, deformation or sidewall damage need checking. A bulge may indicate damage to the internal structure and cannot be corrected by adjusting the pressure.
The manufacture date provides context, but no single age describes every tyre's condition. Exposure, storage, use, pressure and maintenance all matter. If there are concerns about age or hardening, arrange a professional inspection.
Pressure and uneven wear
Pressure should be checked when cold and set to the manufacturer's specified value for the expected load. Repeated pressure loss can come from a puncture, valve, wheel rim or another leak that needs to be located.
Wear concentrated in one area may relate to incorrect pressure, alignment or suspension components. Replacing a tyre without investigating the cause can allow the problem to recur.
Choosing replacement tyres
The size, load index and speed rating must be compatible with the vehicle. Consider the usual type of driving and check how tyres should be matched on each axle.
ReBorn Tyres helps you select the correct specification and provides fitting, balancing and checks. If the wear pattern suggests another cause, we investigate it before recommending additional work.
Common questions
What is the minimum legal tread depth?
In Spain, the tread in the main grooves must not be less than 1.6 mm.
Should a tyre with a bulge be replaced?
It should no longer be used normally and must be assessed as soon as possible, because deformation can indicate structural damage.
Does the DOT date automatically mean a tyre must be replaced?
The date helps establish its age, but condition must be assessed alongside use, storage, wear and any damage.
Sources and technical references
Specific recommendations depend on the vehicle.
Would you like your tyres checked?
We check size, wear and condition to advise on replacement, fitting, balancing or alignment.