Driving with worn-out car tyres is prohibited as it can increase the risk of accidents and mishaps on the road. As per UAE law, your car tyres need to be changed every five years from the manufacturing date. However, there is no way to say exactly how long a tyre will last. The lifespan and mileage of a tyre depend on a combination of factors, for instance, driver habits, weather, road conditions and tyre care.
We have compiled a list of some of the important car tyre change FAQs that can help you in knowing when to change car tyres and how you can do that.
Let’s find out!
Frequently Asked Questions about Car Tyre Change
These car tyre change FAQs can assist you in knowing when your car tyres are no longer roadworthy and you need to replace them with a new set.
What is the maximum usage of car tyres?
Like any car parts, tyres also have an expiration date. Generally, the period of these products is five years. As per the Road and Transport Authority (RTA), the car tyres can be used for 5 years from their date of manufacturing. This rule is applicable irrespective of the condition. Hence, if you are planning to change car tyres, make sure the manufacturing date of a new tyre set is no more than 150 days.
What is the recommended tread depth of a tyre in UAE?
The recommended tread depth for a light vehicle in the UAE is above 1.6 mm. However, for mid-size vehicles, the legal tread depth is 2.4 mm. Moreover, the suggested tread depth for motorcycles in the UAE is 0.8 mm, whereas for trucks and heavy vehicles, it is 3.3 mm. You can also check tyre tread depth with the help of a coin.
What is the fine for using worn-out tyres in the UAE?
Motorists caught using damaged or worn-out tyres will face serious fines and penalties in the UAE. For instance, their vehicle will be charged with AED 500 fine and four black points. Moreover, their vehicle will also be impounded for one week.
When to change your car tyres?
Even though the legal tyre age in the UAE is not more than 5 years; however, you can check the following signs:
- If the tyres lose air, it is a sign that they are hiding a problem. You can check the air pressure at least once a month to keep an eye on their condition.
- Observe if there are lumps or irregular tyre wear.
- Check that the tyres have cracks.
- If your car tyres are losing grip, especially in the wet, then you might need to change them.
- Moreover, having a vibration in the steering wheel is not a good sign either.
When to check the wheel alignment of your car?
The experts recommend checking the wheel alignment of your car tyres every 10,000 km. However, you can also check the signs to know that it is time for a wheel alignment. For instance:
- Your steering wheel is off centre
- Shaking steering wheel
- Quick tyre wear
- Car pulls to the left or right side
How often should you rotate your tyres?
The recommended tyre rotation is about every 10,000 km to 12,000 km or 6 months. However, you can also check the owner’s manual for the suggested period. Also, you can start witnessing visible signs to rotate your car tyres such as:
- Tyres show uneven wear
- Vibration or shimmying when driving your car
- Loss of air pressure
Moreover, check out this guide if you want to know the difference between tyre rotation and wheel alignment.
How to read a tyre for safety and sustainability?
It is important to know how safe and sustainable a tyre is when buying a new one. You can check the tyre’s manufacturing date, expiry, speed and size to ensure if it is sustainable for the driving conditions or not. You can follow these tips to check a car tyre when buying a new one.
- Check the size and characteristics of a tyre
- Check the temperature symbol
- Find the manufacturing date of a car tyre
Look for the DOT identification number on the sidewall of the tyre to check the manufacturing date.
What is the recommended temperature symbol for car tyres in the UAE?
The temperature symbol on car tyres shows the heat resistance and suitability of tyres for the UAE’s weather. For instance, the recommended symbol on the tyre for the UAE is ‘A’ and ‘B’.
What damages car tyres?
There are several causes of tyre wear, for example:
- Tyre’s physical condition and the age
- Road conditions such as Potholes, obstacles, curbs, sharp objects, speed bumps
- Extreme weather conditions can also damage car tyres
- Driving habits such as speeding, frequent use of the emergency brake
- Not observing the signs such as noises or vibrations
- Use of incompatible-sized wheels and rims
Make sure you keep a check on your car tyres, especially during summer. The routine maintenance of summer tyres in the UAE reduces the chance of a sudden tyre blowout while driving.
With this, we conclude our list of important car tyre change FAQs. There are several pros and cons of buying used car tyres in the UAE. However, a proper inspection before sealing a deal can help you to avoid extra repair costs.
Changing a car tyre can be costly. However, if you are planning to buy a used car in the UAE, make sure they are well-maintained.
Stay in touch with the UAE’s leading car blog to get more information on car maintenance.
Related Posts
