Advice from AH Mobile Tyres – 24/7 Mobile Tyre Replacement in Leeds West Yorkshire.
Most drivers only think about tyres when something goes wrong. A slow puncture, a blowout, or a tyre warning light usually forces the issue. But in reality, tyres give you plenty of warning signs before they become dangerous.
At AH Mobile Tyres, we provide 24/7 mobile tyre replacement across Leeds and West Yorkshire, and we regularly attend jobs that could have been avoided with a quick tyre check. If you’re unsure whether your tyres are still safe, here are the most common signs your tyres need replacing.
Your Tread Depth Is Getting Low
The legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, all the way around. However, in wet weather and winter conditions, tyres can become unsafe well before they reach the legal limit.
A good rule of thumb is:
3mm tread depth: recommended for better grip in wet conditions
2mm tread depth: start planning a replacement
1.6mm tread depth: illegal and dangerous
If you’re driving around Leeds in heavy rain or icy conditions, worn tyres can massively increase your stopping distance.
You Can See Cracks in the Rubber
Tyres can crack over time due to age, weather exposure, and general wear. Cracking on the sidewall is especially serious and can lead to a sudden failure.
Look for:
small cracks around the sidewall
cracking between tread blocks
dry, brittle-looking rubber
If you spot cracks, it’s safer to replace the tyre rather than risk a blowout.
There’s a Bulge or Bubble on the Sidewall
A bulge is often caused by hitting a pothole or kerb. This is common in winter across Leeds and West Yorkshire when potholes appear more frequently.
A bulge means the internal structure of the tyre is damaged and the tyre could fail at any time. If you notice a bubble or bulge, do not drive on it if you can avoid it.
Call a mobile tyre fitter and get it replaced safely.
Your Tyre Keeps Losing Pressure
If you’re topping up the same tyre every few days, that’s a strong sign you have:
a slow puncture
a damaged valve
a cracked alloy wheel
a leak around the bead seal
Slow punctures can become dangerous quickly, especially on faster roads like the M1 or M62. If your tyre keeps losing air, it needs checking as soon as possible.
AH Mobile Tyres can come to your home, workplace, or roadside and assess the issue on-site.
Vibrations While Driving
If your steering wheel shakes or you feel vibration through the car, it could be caused by:
tyre damage
wheel balance issues
a bulge in the tyre
alignment problems
If the vibration starts suddenly after hitting a pothole, stop and check the tyres as soon as possible.
Uneven Tyre Wear
Tyres should wear evenly across the tread. If they don’t, it usually points to a problem such as:
wheel alignment issues
incorrect tyre pressure
worn suspension components
Common uneven wear patterns include:
worn inner edge (often alignment related)
worn outer edge (often under-inflation or cornering) worn centre strip (often over-inflation)
Uneven wear reduces grip and increases the risk of punctures.
Your Tyres Are Over 5 Years Old
Even if the tread looks fine, tyres degrade with age. Rubber hardens over time which reduces grip, especially in wet conditions.
As a general guide:
5 years: start checking tyres more closely
7–10 years: consider replacement even if tread is good
You can check the age of your tyre using the DOT code on the sidewall (it shows the week and year of manufacture).
You’ve Had a Puncture in the Sidewall
Some punctures can be repaired, but sidewall damage usually cannot. If the puncture is in the sidewall or shoulder area, the tyre normally needs replacing.
Driving on a damaged sidewall is unsafe and can lead to a blowout.
When Should You Replace Your Tyres?
If you’ve noticed any of the signs above, it’s worth getting your tyres checked sooner rather than later. Tyres are the only part of your car that touches the road, and worn tyres affect:
braking
steering control
fuel efficiency
safety in wet and icy weather
24/7 Mobile Tyre Replacement in Leeds & West Yorkshire
If you need a tyre replacing urgently, AH Mobile Tyres is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We provide mobile tyre fitting across Leeds and surrounding areas including:
Leeds City Centre
Pudsey
Bramley
Horsforth
Morley
Bradford
Wakefield
Huddersfield
Halifax
and nearby routes including the M1 and M62