You’ve found the car and sorted the budget; now you’re ready to hit the road. But before you drive off into the sunset with your new wheels, here’s one thing a lot of people forget to check: the tyres.
Yes, those four black circles holding your car off the ground. Not the funnest thing to be thinking about, but they’re the only thing keeping you connected to the road. And when you’re buying a used car, they can quietly tell you a lot about how that car’s been treated.
So, what’s the story?
Tyres don’t lie. Uneven wear, bald patches, sidewall cracks. They’re like little black boxes that show how the car’s been driven, parked, and maintained. If one side’s more worn than the other, that could point to dodgy alignment, suspension issues, or past damage.
A quick visual check can save you from surprises down the track, like buying a car and realising you need four new tyres next week.
At easyauto123, all vehicles go through a thorough inspection before they hit the yard, including a tyre check, but it’s still worth knowing what to look for when you’re out in the wild. Whether you’re buying privately or through a dealership, having an eye on the details gives you confidence.
Tread carefully (literally)
Legally, tread depth in Australia must be at least 1.5mm. But in reality, anything under 3mm starts to lose grip, especially in the wet. If the tyres are looking tired, they’re not just a future expense; they’re a safety issue. Check with a tread gauge or look for the wear indicators built into the grooves.
You can find more on minimum legal tread depths from the Australian Tyre Industry Council or your local road authority.
Look for cracks, bulges, or unusual wear
Small cracks on the sidewalls could be a sign the tyres are old and drying out. Bulges are even worse. They mean the tyre structure is damaged. These aren’t things you can just shrug off until later. They’re red flags.
Tyres wearing more on the inside or outside edge? That can point to poor wheel alignment or worn-out suspension. Either way, it means there’s more going on than just bad tyres.
Tyre age matters too
Even if the tread looks fine, tyres degrade over time. Most manufacturers recommend replacing them every five to six years, regardless of use. You can find the tyre’s manufacture date printed on the sidewall in a four-digit code. For example: 2319 means the tyre was made in the 23rd week of 2019.
Take note that old tyres on a “low-kilometre” car can be just as much of an issue as high mileage.
The bonus check: Are they all the same?
Would you buy a pair of shoes with odd laces? Exactly. All four tyres should match in brand, size, and type. If they don’t, that’s not ideal. Mixing tyres can affect handling and braking, especially in the wet. It might also be a clue the previous owner only replaced one at a time, which can say something about how they looked after the car overall.
In summary
Tyres might not be the most exciting part of buying a car, but they’re one of the most important. A quick check could save you hundreds, perhaps thousands, or help you spot a car that’s not been cared for properly.
So before you pocket the keys or tap your card, don’t forget to squat down and have a look at the rubber. It could be the difference between a smooth ride and a rough start.
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Shop with confidence at easyauto123 and find your next used car here.
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