MotorBabuWhen to replace tyres: car, bike and scooter
Tyres are the only part of your vehicle that touches the road. Here's how long they usually last, how to check them in two minutes, and when they're due even if the tread looks fine.
By Avdhesh Solanki · Updated 18 Oct 2026
Tyre life at a glance
| Vehicle | Check or replace around (whichever comes first) |
|---|---|
| Petrol, diesel, CNG or hybrid car | 40,000 km or 5 years |
| Electric car | 35,000 km or 5 years |
| Motorcycle or scooter | 20,000 km or 4 years |
| Electric scooter or bike | 15,000 km or 4 years |
These are the intervals the MotorBabu app uses for a reminder to check the tyres. The tread and the tyre's condition decide whether they actually need replacing — a gently driven set can go further, a hard-driven one less.
The two-minute tyre check
- Tread: find the wear indicator bars in the grooves (some tyres mark them with a small triangle or "TWI" on the sidewall). Tread level with the bars = replace.
- Even wear: worn edges mean under-inflation; a worn centre means over-inflation; one edge worn means the alignment needs checking.
- Damage: look for cuts, bulges, cracks and nails. A bulge on the sidewall means replace it now.
- Age: read the four-digit date code on the sidewall. From about 5 years old, have them looked at.
- Pressure: check it cold, once every two weeks, against the figure on the door pillar or in your manual.
Make tyres last longer
- Keep the pressure right — under-inflated tyres wear faster, heat up and cost you mileage
- Rotate car tyres about every 10,000 km, and get wheel alignment and balancing done when the steering pulls or vibrates
- Slow down for potholes and speed breakers; avoid scraping kerbs
- Don't overload the vehicle
Remember it without trying
In MotorBabu, tick "Tyres" when you replace them — the app asks which ones (front, rear or all) and tracks the km and years for each, then reminds you when it's time for a check.
Questions people ask
How many km do car tyres last?
Typically around 40,000 km for petrol, diesel and CNG cars, and a little less for electric cars, which are heavier and deliver torque instantly. Driving style, road quality and correct pressure make a big difference either way.
How long do bike and scooter tyres last?
Around 20,000 km, often less for the rear tyre and for electric scooters. Check the tread at every service.
How do I know if my tyre tread is too low?
Look for the tread wear indicators — small raised bars inside the main grooves, about 1.6 mm high. When the tread is level with them, the tyre is worn out. Many people replace earlier, at around 2–3 mm, for better grip in the monsoon.
How old can a tyre be?
Rubber ages even when a tyre isn't used much. Have tyres checked from about 5 years old, and replace them if there are cracks in the sidewall or tread. The four-digit date code on the sidewall shows when it was made — 2423 means week 24 of 2023.
How often should car tyres be rotated?
About every 10,000 km — often done at the regular service. It evens out wear between front and rear and makes a set last longer. Follow your manual if it gives a pattern.