How to check if your tyres are in good condition

The importance of tread depth

Tyre tread channels water away from the contact patch between the rubber and the road. Spanish law requires a minimum depth of 1.6 mm, but experts recommend replacing tyres from 3 mm to maintain safe wet-weather stopping distances. You can check this with a one-euro coin: if the gold outer band disappears when inserted into the tread groove, the tyre still has usable life.

Correct pressure: not too much, not too little

Incorrect pressure causes uneven wear and increases fuel consumption. An under-inflated tyre overheats at the sidewalls and can fail while driving. An over-inflated tyre reduces the contact area with the road, compromising grip. Check pressure when cold at least once a month and consult the recommended values on the sticker inside the door jamb.

Signs of uneven wear

Wear concentrated in the centre indicates over-inflation; wear at the edges points to under-inflation. Asymmetric or sawtooth wear patterns can indicate alignment, balancing or suspension issues. Identifying these patterns early allows the underlying problem to be corrected before premature tyre replacement becomes necessary.

Tyre inspection at Talleres Martin

At Talleres Martin in Pozuelo de Alarcon we carry out a full tyre inspection, inflate to the correct pressure for your vehicle and identify any irregularities in wear. If balancing or alignment is needed, we take care of it during the same visit so you drive away with complete confidence.