Pinchazos Vargas · Mechanics and tyre specialists in Villarrobledo (Albacete) since 1975

Tyres

When should you change your car tyres? The 1.6 mm minimum tread depth and other signs

8 September 2026

4 min read

By the Pinchazos Vargas team

In short

You should change your tyres when the tread depth is below 1.6 mm, the legal minimum, or earlier if there are cuts, bulges, cracks or uneven wear. The age of the tyre also matters, even if it still has tread.

Tread depth

The legal minimum is 1.6 mm in the main grooves. Tyres have tread wear indicators at the bottom of the grooves: when the tread reaches their height, it is time to change them.

With less tread, the tyre clears water less effectively and braking distances increase, especially in the rain.

Other signs it’s time to change them

Bulges or deformation on the sidewall.
Cracks or crazing in the rubber.
Deep cuts or damage from hitting kerbs.
More wear on one side than the other.
Vibrations while driving that you didn’t notice before.

Tyre age

Rubber hardens over time, even if the car isn’t driven much. On the sidewall you will find the DOT code; its last four digits show the week and year of manufacture. If in doubt, we can check your tyres at the workshop.

Your questions answered

Frequently asked
questions

Tyres

What is the legal minimum tread depth?

1.6 mm in the main tread grooves.

Tyres

What causes uneven wear?

It is usually caused by lack of maintenance, poor alignment, incorrect inflation pressure or worn suspension.

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