When should I replace my tyres?
The legal minimum, the safer point to replace them, and the warning signs that matter more than age.
The short answerThe legal minimum tread depth in New Zealand is 1.5 mm across the main tread, all the way around. Grip in the wet drops well before that, so many shops suggest replacing at about 3 mm. Replace sooner if you see cracks, bulges or cords showing.
Check the tread in a minute
Look for the small raised bars inside the grooves. They are the wear markers. When the tread is level with them, it's time for new tyres. A cheap tread gauge from a parts store is more exact.
Signs that matter more than tread
- Bulges or lumps on the sidewall
- Cracking in the rubber, common on cars that sit outside a lot
- Wear on one edge only, which usually means the wheel alignment is out
- A tyre that keeps losing air
Make them last
Check pressures monthly, using the figure on the sticker inside the driver's door. Rotate front to back at each service, and get an alignment if the car pulls to one side.
What new tyres cost
Prices vary a lot by size and brand. See tyre prices by size for local averages, then get a written quote.
Questions drivers ask
Do I have to replace tyres in pairs?
It's best to replace both tyres on the same axle together so the car brakes and handles evenly.
Checked by Checked by a qualified tyre technician. Updated 20 September 2026.