How Long Should Tyres Last?
In New Zealand conditions, most car tyres last between 40,000 and 80,000 km, or roughly 3-6 years — whichever comes first. But this varies hugely depending on driving style, road conditions, tyre quality, and maintenance.
What Affects Tyre Lifespan?
- Driving style — Aggressive acceleration and hard braking wear tyres faster
- Road conditions — Rural Franklin roads with gravel edges and potholes cause faster wear than smooth motorways
- Tyre quality — Premium tyres (Michelin, Bridgestone) typically last longer than budget options
- Tyre pressure — Under-inflation causes rapid edge wear; over-inflation wears the centre
- Wheel alignment — Misalignment is the #1 cause of premature, uneven tyre wear
- Vehicle weight — Heavier vehicles (SUVs, loaded utes) wear tyres faster
How to Check If Your Tyres Need Replacing
- Tread depth — NZ legal minimum is 1.5mm. We recommend replacing at 3mm for wet weather safety. Here's how to check
- Age — Replace tyres older than 6 years regardless of tread depth. Check the date code on the sidewall
- Visible damage — Cracking, bulging, or cuts in the sidewall mean immediate replacement
How to Make Tyres Last Longer
- Check pressures monthly
- Get a wheel alignment every 10,000 km
- Rotate your tyres every 10,000 km
- Drive smoothly — avoid hard acceleration and sharp braking
Read our full guide on 5 ways to extend tyre life.
Ready for New Tyres?
Browse our range of over 2,000 tyres or call (09) 238 8379 for expert advice. Afterpay available for interest-free payments.