When to change the tires on a car, trailer, or motorcycle

Who can deny that wheels are essential in any motor vehicle. One of the most important parts of a motorcycle, car, or trailer, as they are responsible for keeping the vehicle in contact with the asphalt. A failure in any of them could be fatal, increasing the risk of losing control of the vehicle while driving. That’s why it’s essential to know when to change tires and recognize when they’re not fit for a road trip.

The most important question then is: Do you know when it’s necessary to change the wheels of your trailer, car, or motorcycle? To avoid any issues, it’s crucial to replace the wheels before wear becomes too severe. Additionally, proper maintenance and inspection are necessary. To do so, it's useful to understand the factors and characteristics for determining when to replace your wheels.

How to keep your car or trailer wheels in good condition

As we’ve discussed, the importance of wheels is very high, as they keep the car in contact with the asphalt at all times. If they are in poor condition, traction will be much lower, increasing the chances of losing control, especially on curves or poorly maintained roads.

Likewise, in adverse weather conditions – such as rain or snow – problems will be much more serious. In the case of rain, the risk of aquaplaning increases significantly.

How to know when its time to change the wheels

Not all tires wear out in the same way, as it greatly depends on the type of driving, the speed, and the road type. For this reason, it’s recommended to inspect them every 10,000 km and replace them based on some of the conditions we’ll analyze below.

Worn Tire

Tire wear significantly impacts their effectiveness and can be very dangerous if it’s advanced. To know if it’s necessary to change your car, motorcycle, or trailer tires, check that the tread depth is correct. If it’s less than 1.6 mm, the vehicle's tires should be replaced as soon as possible.

Aquaplaning

Another sign that new tires are needed is if you notice that the vehicle experiences aquaplaning, meaning it loses grip on wet surfaces. Since this is a leading cause of accidents in rainy weather, we recommend visiting the nearest workshop to have them checked and replaced if necessary.

Tire Age

If your car, motorcycle, or trailer tires are over five years old, it’s advisable to replace them, even if they haven’t been used much. This is because tires undergo slight degradation over time, regardless of their use.

Punctures

Having a puncture doesn’t always mean the end of a tire, as in most cases, it can be fixed and continue being used. For this, it’s necessary to consult a professional to assess the depth of the damage.

How to slow down tire wear

To maximize your tire’s lifespan, it’s essential to choose a model suitable for your car or trailer that matches your driving style and the weather conditions in your area.

When selecting a tire model, it’s essential to review your vehicle’s technical specifications. Additionally, you can check the numbers and letters on the tires themselves, which indicate the measurements, so you only need to replace them with a compatible model.

Regarding climate, you might consider all-weather tires, which are recommended for Spain. However, if you’re in areas with extreme cold or heat, using winter or summer tires is better, as they offer superior performance.

We hope these tips are helpful for changing your trailer or motorcycle wheels, and remember, if you’re uncertain, consult a professional.