Hyper Tyres — The Mobile Tyre Company

When Should You Replace Your Tyres?

Know when to replace tyres in New Zealand: the 1.5 mm legal tread minimum, wear checks, damage warning signs, tyre age and how to choose replacements.

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The short answer

Replace tyres before their principal grooves fall below New Zealand’s 1.5 mm legal minimum, and have bulges, exposed cords or other damage assessed immediately. Do not rely on tread depth alone: wet-road performance, uneven wear and tyre age also matter, so inspect regularly and follow the vehicle and tyre manufacturers’ guidance. Plan replacement before the limit rather than waiting for a WoF failure.

Measure the principal grooves at several points around every tyre, including the inner side.
Arrange an immediate inspection for damage or new vibration, even when tread remains.
Check the manufacture date and follow the tyre and vehicle manufacturers’ age guidance.

Questions drivers often ask

Do tyre wear bars show exactly New Zealand’s legal minimum?

Not necessarily. Michelin describes its wear indicators as 1.6 mm, while NZTA states a 1.5 mm legal minimum in the principal grooves around the whole circumference. Treat tread that is level with the wear bars as a replacement signal and use a tread-depth gauge rather than assuming every bar is exactly 1.5 mm.

Should two new tyres go on the front or the rear?

NZTA says most tyre manufacturers recommend the tyres with the best grip on the rear, whether the vehicle is front- or rear-wheel drive. Replacing four, or at least pairs on the same axle, helps maintain consistent handling. For AWD or 4WD vehicles, have a tyre specialist check the vehicle manufacturer’s matching requirements before replacing only one or two.

What does a tyre date code such as 2523 mean?

The last four digits of the DOT code show the week and year of manufacture: 2523 means week 25 of 2023. This is not the fitting date. Record both dates if possible, because Michelin’s annual professional inspection guidance starts after five years of service, while its precautionary ten-year replacement recommendation runs from manufacture and includes spare tyres.

Sources and further reading

Updated 4 November 2026