Replacing SUV Tyres

Know when and why it’s time for a new set.

Fast Facts

• 🔁 Replace tyres at least every 10 years, including the spare.

• 🛠️ Replace tyres if they are punctured, especially near the sidewall.

• ⚙️ Replace tyres when tread depth reaches 1.6 mm or less.

• ⚖️ Replace tyres showing uneven or abnormal wear.

• 🚙 For safety and stability, replace all four tyres at the same time.

Why Timely Tyre Replacement Matters

Tyres are the only point of contact between your SUV and the road. Even with the most advanced technology, they don’t last forever. Over time, rubber compounds harden, treads wear down, and performance diminishes.

Replacing your SUV tyres at the right time ensures:

• Safer handling and shorter braking distances

• Better fuel efficiency

• Reduced risk of punctures or blowouts

• A smoother, more comfortable ride

While there’s no single mileage limit that fits every driver, several clear warning signs indicate when it’s time for replacement.

1. Tyre Age: Replace After 10 Years

Even if your tyres look fine, they age from the inside out.
As a rule of thumb, replace all tyres (including spares) after 10 years, regardless of mileage.

Sun exposure, temperature changes, and road conditions gradually degrade rubber compounds — reducing elasticity and grip.

If your SUV frequently faces heavy loads, off-road terrain, or extreme weather, consider replacement sooner, around the five to six-year mark.

2. Punctures and Damage

If your SUV frequently goes off-road, through rocky trails, or over uneven terrain, the risk of punctures increases.

While minor punctures in the tread area can often be repaired, damage to or near the sidewall cannot — it compromises the tyre’s structure. In that case, immediate replacement is essential.

Preventive Options

If you often travel far from service stations or in remote areas, consider:

• Self-supporting Runflat tyres, which allow limited driving after a puncture.

• Continental’s ContiSeal™ technology, which seals punctures up to 5 mm in diameter automatically, keeping you mobile and safe.

3. Tread Depth: Replace at 1.6 mm

Tread depth is one of the most reliable indicators of tyre health.

By law, most countries require a minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm. However, for optimal safety — especially in wet or snowy conditions — you should replace tyres earlier, around 3 mm for summer tyres and 4 mm for winter tyres.

Why It Matters

• Shallow tread = less grip and longer braking distance

• Reduced ability to disperse water, increasing the risk of aquaplaning

• Poor traction on mud, gravel, or snow

Regularly check tread wear indicators (TWI) embedded in the grooves. If the tread is level with these markers, it’s time for a new set.

4. Uneven or Abnormal Wear

Uneven tread wear across your tyres usually signals an underlying issue — and ignoring it can cause further mechanical problems.

Common Causes

• Incorrect wheel alignment

• Imbalanced wheels or worn suspension

• Improper tyre pressure

What Wear Patterns Mean

• Both shoulders worn: Tyres are underinflated.

• Centre worn: Tyres are overinflated.

• One side worn: Likely an alignment issue.

If you notice these symptoms, have a professional inspect your tyres and vehicle. Maintaining the correct SUV tyre pressure (check every 2–4 weeks) will also prevent premature wear.

5. Replace All Four Tyres Together

While it may be tempting to replace just one or two tyres, this can lead to handling imbalances, especially in AWD or 4WD vehicles.

Different tread depths or patterns can cause:

• Uneven torque distribution

• Excessive wear on drivetrain components

• Reduced braking and cornering stability

If you must replace a single tyre:

• Choose one with the same tread pattern and load/speed rating.

• Fit it on the rear axle alongside the tyre with the deepest tread.

• Avoid mixing different tread patterns on the same axle.

Tip: When in doubt, consult your local tyre specialist for guidance on matching and balancing replacement tyres.

Extend the Life of Your Tyres

Good driving habits can make a huge difference in tyre longevity.
Here’s how to get the most out of your SUV tyres:

• Maintain correct air pressure at all times.

• Rotate tyres every 10,000–12,000 km.

• Avoid harsh acceleration, hard braking, and tight cornering.

• Keep wheels properly aligned and balanced.

• Store seasonal tyres in a cool, dry place when not in use.

Final Thought

Replacing your SUV tyres may not be something you look forward to, but it’s one of the most important steps for maintaining safety, comfort, and performance.

By watching for the warning signs — tread wear, age, or uneven wear — and investing in high-quality replacement tyres, you’ll ensure your SUV stays ready for any road, trail, or adventure ahead.