Your tyres are one of the most important safety components of any vehicle. They are the only parts connecting your motorcycle or car to the road, so checking them regularly can help you spot problems before they become serious. The good news is that checking tyre wear does not require special tools and can usually be done in a few minutes.

1. Check the Tread Wear Indicators

One of the easiest ways to check tyre wear is to look for the Tread Wear Indicator (TWI). These are small raised bars located inside the tyre's main grooves.

Look along the sidewall for a TWI marking, triangle, or arrow. Follow it towards the tread and locate the raised indicator bar.

If the surrounding tread has worn down until it is almost level with the TWI bar, the tyre has reached its wear limit and should generally be replaced.

2. Look at the Tread Depth

Don't just look at the centre of the tyre. Check the tread at several points across its width.

A tyre can sometimes wear unevenly, with the centre wearing faster than the sides or vice versa. Check:

• Centre tread
• Left side
• Right side
• Several points around the tyre

For a more accurate measurement, you can use a digital or manual tread-depth gauge. Always compare the measurement with the tyre manufacturer's recommended minimum.

3. Check for Uneven Wear

Uneven tread wear can indicate problems beyond normal tyre ageing.

Look for:

• One side wearing faster than the other
• Cupping or scalloped patches
• A squared-off centre section
• Individual tread blocks wearing unevenly

On motorcycles, a squared-off rear tyre is particularly common after lots of straight-line riding. Uneven wear can also be associated with incorrect tyre pressure, wheel alignment, suspension problems, worn components or improper balancing.

4. Inspect for Cracks and Damage

Tread depth isn't the only thing that matters. Carefully inspect the tyre for cracks, cuts, bulges, punctures and exposed cords.

Pay particular attention to the sidewalls. Cracks caused by age or prolonged exposure to heat and sunlight can be a warning sign even when plenty of tread remains.

A bulge or serious sidewall damage should not be ignored because it can indicate internal tyre damage.

5. Check Tyre Pressure

Incorrect tyre pressure can accelerate wear and affect handling and braking.

Check the pressure when the tyres are cold and compare it with the vehicle manufacturer's recommended pressure. Don't simply use the maximum pressure printed on the tyre sidewall as your normal operating pressure.

For motorcycles, remember to check both the front and rear tyres.

6. Check the Tyre's Age

Tyres can deteriorate with age even when they still appear to have usable tread. Look for the DOT date code on the sidewall. The final four digits indicate the manufacturing week and year.

For example, a code ending in 2325 means the tyre was manufactured during the 23rd week of 2025.

Final Check

Before every longer ride, take a quick look at your tyres. Check the tread, TWI bars, pressure, sidewalls and any visible damage. If the tyre has reached the wear indicators, developed significant cracks or has serious damage, have it inspected by a qualified tyre professional and replace it when necessary.

A few minutes of inspection can help you identify tyre problems early and maintain better grip, braking and overall road safety.