When to Replace Car Tyres in India — Tread Depth, Age, Warning Signs
6 min read
Last updated: Mon Jan 26 2026 05:30:00 GMT+0530 (India Standard Time)
Why tyre replacement matters
Tyres are your only contact with the road. Worn tyres dramatically increase stopping distance, reduce grip in rain, and make the car unstable at high speeds.
Stopping distance comparison (from 80 km/h):
- New tyres (8mm tread): 45 meters
- Legal limit tyres (1.6mm tread): 65 meters
- Extra distance: 20 meters — the length of 4 cars
That 20-meter difference can be the difference between stopping in time and hitting the car ahead.
The 1.6mm rule (legal minimum)
In India, the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm. Below this, tyres are considered unsafe and you can be fined.
But 1.6mm is dangerously low. Tyre grip degrades significantly below 3mm, especially in wet conditions.
Recommendation: Replace tyres when tread reaches 3mm, not 1.6mm.
How to check tread depth
Method 1: The coin test (quick and easy)
You need: A ₹2 coin
How to do it:
- Take a ₹2 coin (17mm diameter)
- Insert it into the tyre tread groove (the deepest channel)
- Check how much of the coin is visible
What it means:
- Coin fully hidden: Good tread (6mm+)
- Half the coin visible: Moderate tread (3-4mm) — start planning replacement
- Most of the coin visible: Worn tread (below 3mm) — replace immediately
Do this test on all four tyres in multiple spots (center, edges). Uneven wear indicates alignment or suspension issues.
Method 2: Tread wear indicators (built into tyres)
All modern tyres have tread wear indicators — small raised bars inside the tread grooves.
How to find them:
Look for a small triangle symbol (▲) on the tyre sidewall. This points to the tread wear indicator location.
What it means:
- If the tread is level with the indicator bar, the tyre is at 1.6mm (legal minimum) — replace immediately.
Method 3: Digital tread depth gauge (most accurate)
Buy a digital tread depth gauge (₹200-500 on Amazon). Insert the probe into the tread groove and read the depth.
Replace when:
- Front tyres: Below 3mm
- Rear tyres: Below 3mm
- Spare tyre: Check annually — even unused tyres degrade with age
The 5-year rule (age matters more than mileage)
Tyres degrade even if not used. Rubber compounds break down due to:
- UV exposure (sun)
- Heat (Indian climate accelerates aging)
- Ozone exposure
Replace tyres after 5 years, regardless of tread depth or mileage.
If you drive very little (5,000 km/year), your tyres might still have good tread after 5 years — but the rubber has aged and lost grip. Replace them anyway.
How to check tyre age
Every tyre has a DOT code on the sidewall that shows the manufacturing date.
Example DOT code: DOT XXXX XXXX 2418
The last 4 digits are the manufacturing date:
- 24 = Week 24 (June)
- 18 = Year 2018
This tyre was made in June 2018. By June 2023 (5 years), it should be replaced — even if it looks fine.
Where to find the DOT code:
Check both sides of the tyre. The full DOT code is only on one sidewall.
Visual signs that tyres need replacement
Even if tread depth is okay, replace tyres if you see:
1. Cracks on the sidewall
What it looks like: Small cracks or splits in the rubber on the side of the tyre.
Why it matters: This means the rubber is dry-rotting. The tyre can suddenly fail (blowout) at high speed.
Action: Replace immediately, even if tread is good.
2. Bulges or blisters
What it looks like: A bubble or swelling on the tyre sidewall or tread.
Why it matters: The internal structure (steel belts) has failed. The tyre can burst without warning.
Action: Replace immediately. Do not drive on this tyre — change to the spare and get it replaced ASAP.
3. Uneven wear
What it looks like:
- One edge of the tyre is more worn than the other
- Center is worn but edges are fine (or vice versa)
- Bald patches in specific spots
Why it matters:
- Outer edge wear: Underinflated tyres
- Center wear: Overinflated tyres
- One-sided wear: Bad wheel alignment
- Patchy wear: Suspension or balance issues
Action: Replace the tyres AND fix the underlying problem (alignment, inflation, suspension). Otherwise, new tyres will wear out quickly too.
4. Visible steel cords
What it looks like: Shiny metal wires visible through the rubber.
Why it matters: The tyre has worn through all the rubber layers. It can fail catastrophically at any moment.
Action: Replace immediately. This is extremely dangerous.
When to replace all 4 tyres vs just 2
Replace all 4 tyres if:
- All 4 tyres are 5+ years old
- All 4 have similar wear
- You want consistent grip and handling
Replace 2 tyres (front or rear) if:
- Only 2 tyres are worn
- Budget is tight
Pro tip: If replacing only 2 tyres, put the new tyres on the rear axle, not the front. This prevents the rear from losing grip in rain (which causes dangerous spins). Move the old rear tyres to the front.
Tyre lifespan by driving conditions
| Condition | Expected lifespan |
|---|---|
| Highway-only driving | 50,000-60,000 km |
| City driving (good roads) | 40,000-50,000 km |
| City driving (bad roads, potholes) | 30,000-40,000 km |
| Aggressive driving (hard braking, fast cornering) | 25,000-35,000 km |
| Overloaded car (always carrying heavy loads) | 30,000-40,000 km |
In India: Expect 30,000-40,000 km on average due to heat, potholes, and dust.
How to extend tyre life
1. Maintain correct tyre pressure
Check pressure monthly (including spare). Use the pressure recommended in your car's manual (usually on a sticker inside the driver's door frame). Underinflation wears the edges, overinflation wears the center.
2. Rotate tyres every 10,000 km
Front tyres wear faster than rear tyres (steering and weight distribution). Rotate them every 10,000 km to even out wear.
3. Get wheel alignment checked annually
Misalignment wears tyres unevenly and makes the car pull to one side. Get alignment checked every year or after hitting a big pothole.
4. Avoid aggressive driving
Hard braking, fast cornering, and rapid acceleration wear tyres faster. Drive smoothly.
5. Avoid overloading the car
Excess weight increases tyre stress. If you regularly carry 5 people + luggage, increase tyre pressure by 2-3 PSI (check manual).
Cost of tyre replacement in India
| Tyre type | Price per tyre (2026) |
|---|---|
| Budget (Apollo, JK, Ceat) | ₹3,000-5,000 |
| Mid-range (Michelin, Bridgestone, MRF) | ₹5,000-8,000 |
| Premium (Michelin Primacy, Continental) | ₹8,000-12,000 |
| SUV tyres | ₹6,000-15,000 |
Total cost for 4 tyres + fitting + balancing + disposal: ₹15,000-50,000 depending on tyre choice.
The verdict
Replace tyres when:
- Tread depth falls below 3mm (don't wait for 1.6mm)
- Tyres are 5 years old (check DOT code)
- You see cracks, bulges, or uneven wear
Check tyres every 10,000 km:
- Tread depth (coin test or gauge)
- Tyre pressure
- Visual inspection for damage
Worn tyres are a false economy. Saving ₹10,000 on tyre replacement is not worth risking your life or paying ₹2 lakhs for accident repairs.
If in doubt, get a second opinion from a trusted mechanic or tyre shop. They can measure tread depth and check for internal damage you cannot see.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when to replace my car tyres?
Replace tyres when tread depth falls below 1.6mm, or after 5 years regardless of usage. Also replace if you see cracks, bulges, uneven wear, or visible steel cords. Worn tyres increase braking distance by 30-50%.
What is the tread depth limit for tyres in India?
The legal minimum tread depth in India is 1.6mm. However, tyre performance (grip, braking) degrades noticeably below 3mm. Replace tyres when they reach 3mm for safety.
How long do car tyres last in India?
Tyres last 30,000-50,000 km or 4-5 years, whichever comes first. Indian roads (heat, potholes, dust) wear tyres faster than Western roads. Check tread depth every 10,000 km.