How to check your tyres in five minutes

19 October 2026 · 3 min read · MYLES

Tyres are the only part of your vehicle that touches the road, so a quick monthly check is worth it.

Tread depth: the legal minimum in New Zealand is 1.5 mm across the main tread. Many drivers replace earlier, because grip in the wet drops well before that point.

Pressure: check when the tyres are cold, using the figures on the sticker inside the driver's door or in your owner's manual — not the maximum printed on the tyre.

Damage: look for cuts, bulges or objects stuck in the tread, and uneven wear, which can point to an alignment problem.

Not sure? A tyre professional can check them, repair a puncture when it's safe, or fit new tyres — at a workshop or at your place.

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