When to Change Your Car Tyres: The Complete Guide to Tyre Maintenance and Safety

Your tyres are the only contact between your car and the road. Worn or damaged tyres can lead to poor handling, longer braking distances, and dangerous blowouts – especially in Malaysia’s hot weather and heavy rain. 

This guide explains when to change your tyres and how to care for them properly to stay safe and save money. Knowing when to change your car tyre can save you from dangerous situations and unnecessary expenses. We aim to help you understand the key indicators that signal it’s time for a tyre replacement and how to properly maintain your tyres for optimal longevity.

How to Assess Tyre Tread Wear Effectively

The most reliable way to check your tyre tread wear is by looking for the built-in tread wear indicators. These “wear bars” are small rubber bridges located within the tread grooves around your tyre. When your tread is worn down to these indicators, the tyre has reached the legal minimum depth of 2/32″ (1.6mm) and must be replaced.

The 20 sen coin test (Malaysia’s version of the penny test)

What you need: 

20 sen coin (20.6mm in diameter)

How to do it:

Insert a 20-sen coin in the tyre groove. If the word “sen” isn’t visible, it is time to get new tyres. Keep in mind that a tyre must have a minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm as required by Malaysia’s Road Transport Department (JPJ).

Many modern tyres also feature special tread wear indicators that can easily help you identify if a replacement is due. Read more about important tyre symbols here.

How Often to Check Your Tyres

For optimal safety and performance, you should:

• Check tyre pressure monthly, ideally when the tyres are cold
  Do this when tyres are cold, preferably in the morning or after the car has been parked for a few hours. Malaysia’s heat can cause pressure changes throughout the day. Cold checks give more accurate readings.Underinflated tyres reduce fuel efficiency and cause uneven wear.
  Overinflated tyres reduce grip and increase the risk of a blowout.

• Inspect tread wear every 5,000 km or once a month, whichever comes first.
  Monthly visual checks are ideal; more frequent checks if you drive long distances often.Tread depth affects your grip, especially on wet roads — critical during Malaysia’s frequent rain.Worn-out treads increase braking distance and hydroplaning risk. Early detection of uneven wear helps identify alignment or suspension issues.

• Have a professional inspection at least twice a year
  Experts can detect internal tyre damage or issues you might miss.Wheel balancing and alignment checks help prevent premature wear.Essential if you frequently drive on uneven or pothole-filled roads, which are common in some areas of Malaysia.Try to pair this with your regular 6-month car service.

• Perform a visual inspection before long trips
  Always inspect for:Uneven wear
  Cracks or bulges
  Foreign objects stuck in the tread
  Low tread depth (use coin test)

When to Switch and Rebalance Tyres

Proper tyre rotation helps ensure even wear and extends tyre life. Generally, you should:

• Rotate your tyres every 8,000–10,000 km
  (Roughly every 6 months or with every oil change)
  Why: Promotes even tread wear across all tyres, especially important for front-wheel-drive vehicles where front tyres wear faster.

• Rebalance your tyres if you feel vibrations
  Why: Vibrations in the steering wheel or floorboard at certain speeds may indicate unbalanced tyres, which can lead to uneven wear and poor handling.

• Check alignment if tyres wear unevenly or if the car pulls to one side
  Why: Misalignment affects handling, increases wear, and reduces fuel efficiency.

When Tyres Should Be Replaced

Replace your tyres immediately if you notice:

• Tread wear is at or below 1.6mm (legal minimum in Malaysia)
  You can check this using a tread depth gauge or with a simple coin test (using the 20 sen coin test mentioned earlier).

• Visible damage
  Look out for cracks, bulges, cuts, or exposed cords. These weaken the tyre’s structure and increase the risk of a blowout.

• Age over 10 years
  Even if the tyre looks fine, manufacturers recommend replacing tyres 10 years from the date of manufacture, which is stamped on the sidewall

• Persistent air pressure loss
  If a tyre keeps losing pressure despite no visible punctures, the internal structure may have been compromised.

• Excessive vibrations while driving
  If rebalancing and alignment don’t fix the issue, the tyre may be damaged internally.

Even if tread depth appears adequate, tyre rubber compounds deteriorate with age, so replacement is recommended after 5-6 years of use, even if the tyre appears to be in good condition.

Tyre Safety Concerns

Keeping your tyres in good condition is crucial for safe driving, especially on Malaysia’s hot roads and during heavy rain. Here are essential tyre safety practices:

• Never drive on significantly underinflated tyres
  Low tyre pressure increases wear, reduces fuel efficiency, and makes blowouts more likely.

• Fix punctures properly – don’t rely on temporary patches
  Emergency sealants or plugs are only for short-term use. Get the tyre professionally repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

• Maintain the correct tyre pressure
  Always follow your car manufacturer’s recommended pressure, usually listed on a sticker inside the driver’s door or in the manual. Check tyre pressure monthly, ideally when the tyres are cold.

• Replace all four tyres at the same time when possible
  This ensures balanced handling, better grip, and even braking. If you must replace fewer than four, always install the new tyres on the rear axle to reduce the risk of fishtailing.

Carro Care Tyre Services

At Carro Care, we understand the importance of proper tyre maintenance for your safety and vehicle performance. Our comprehensive tyre services include:

• Premium tyre replacement with high-quality options tailored to your specific vehicle and driving needs
• Professional wheel alignment and balancing to ensure optimal handling and maximize tyre life
• Regular tyre rotation and thorough inspection services to prevent uneven wear and extend tyre longevity

Don’t wait until you experience a tyre puncture or other emergency. Visit your local Carro Care service centre today for a complete tyre health check. Our certified technicians will help you maintain optimal tyre pressure, identify potential issues before they become serious problems, and recommend the right tyre brand and size for your vehicle.

For more information about our tyre services or to schedule an appointment, visit the Carro Care webpage and fill up our form today.

Read more: All the services provided when you service your car with Carro Care.