Your car’s tyres are the only part of the vehicle that actually touches the road. And yet, they’re one of the most overlooked parts when it comes to basic car care. The good news? You don’t need to be a mechanic to check if your tyres are still roadworthy. A few minutes and a couple of simple tricks can save you from a blowout, a fine, or worse—an accident.
Whether you’re prepping your car for sale or just trying to stay safe, here’s how you can check your tyres for wear and tear right from your driveway.
1. Check the Tread Depth (The 20c Test)
This one’s super easy — all you need is a 20-cent coin.
Here’s how:
- Take the coin and insert it into the tread grooves of your tyre.
- If the outer band of the coin is still visible, your tread is worn down and it’s time to replace the tyre.
- If the tread covers part of the band, your tyre’s still got some life left.
In Australia, the legal tread depth is 1.5mm. Anything less than that? Not only is it unsafe, but you’re also risking fines if you’re pulled over.
2. Inspect for Uneven Wear
Stand in front of your tyre and look at how it’s wearing. If one side looks more worn than the other — or you notice bald spots or inner edge wear — that’s a red flag. It could mean:
- Your wheels are out of alignment
- Tyres are overinflated or underinflated
- Suspension components are worn
Uneven wear not only shortens your tyre’s life but could also affect how your car handles, especially in wet conditions.
3. Feel for Cracks, Bulges, or Cuts
Give your tyre a visual inspection. Look for:
- Cracks in the sidewalls (these can form from age or sitting too long without driving)
- Bulges or bubbles (usually from hitting potholes or kerbs)
- Deep cuts or embedded objects (like glass or nails)
These issues can lead to blowouts, especially at high speeds. If you spot any of them, don’t ignore it — it’s time to replace that tyre.
4. Don’t Forget the Spare
We’ve all been there — flat tyre, and the spare in the boot is as flat as the one you just pulled off. Always give your spare tyre a check every now and then. Make sure it’s properly inflated and hasn’t been sitting there with dry rot for 10 years.
5. Check the Tyre Pressure (Use a Simple Gauge)
Most service stations have free air pumps, but you can also grab a cheap tyre pressure gauge from an auto store. Check the recommended pressure on the label inside the driver’s door (or your owner’s manual). Then:
- Measure the pressure when tyres are cold
- Top them up if they’re below spec
- Avoid overinflating — it can cause centre tread wear and affect handling
Underinflated tyres are not only dangerous, but they also increase fuel consumption. That means more visits to the pump and less money in your pocket.
6. Watch the Age of Your Tyres
Even if your tyres have plenty of tread left, they can still be unsafe if they’re too old. Tyre rubber hardens and becomes brittle over time, especially in extreme heat or if a car is rarely driven.
To check the age:
- Look for the DOT code on the tyre sidewall.
- The last four digits indicate the week and year of manufacture. For example, 3019 means the tyre was made in the 30th week of 2019.
Tyres older than 6 years should generally be replaced, even if they look fine.
What Comes After the Checklist?
Knowing how to inspect your tyres at home is one of the easiest (and most underrated) ways to stay safe on the road. It can also help when you’re getting ready to sell or scrap your car. Tyres in good shape add value — tyres in poor shape? Not so much.
And if your tyres are worn and you’re thinking, “It’s not worth fixing anymore,”—you’re not alone. A lot of people end up selling their car to us because they’re facing a list of minor repairs that just aren’t worth the cost anymore.
We make the process simple, quick, and hassle-free — whether your car is roadworthy or not.
Let’s be honest — checking your tyres isn’t the most exciting thing on the weekend to-do list. But it’s a small step that can save you a big headache. And if you’re already dealing with worn tyres, it might just be time to ask yourself if that car’s worth keeping around.
When you’re ready to move on from it, we’re just a phone call or online quote away.
If you are in Kew, and looking for a cash for cars service, this is the best way to visit us.
Richmond Cash 4 Cars
(03) 7047 6388