Signs that tyres should be replaced:

- The legal tread limit in SA is 1mm, but overseas it is 1.6mm. Some tyres have tread wear indicators set at 1.6mm and the law also states that if these are showing then the tyre must be replaced.
- If there are any serous cracks or cuts in the sidewall. This could lead to a blow out which is extremely dangerous.
- If there are any bulges or blisters on the tyre. This could also lead to a blow out.
- Excessive vibration which cannot be resolved through wheel balancing. This could indicate that the tyre is "out of round", which means it is not perfectly round anymore.

Tyre rotation

Tyres should be rotated regularly to optimise tyre life. Most manufacturers recommend rotation at 10,000km intervals, but if you are running mud terrain tyres this has to be done at 5000km intervals to prevent heel and toe wear. Also always have your tyres rotated when you are doing wheel alignment or balancing.

There are 3 basic methods of tyre rotation:

This is a requirement if the tyres on your vehicle are "directional" tyres. These are tyres designed to only operate with the forward rotation in one specific direction. These tyres should not be cross rotated.
Tyres are just moved front to back, back to front on the same sides. There is still significant benefit in doing this as front and rear tyres wear completely differently.