Tyres - Changing Tyres Abroad?

[Chrisjames]

Hi all

has anyone had their tyres changed abroad? we are going away on the 12th August, there's good life in the tyres about 4mm roughly and the tour is about 1600-1800 miles. I want to get the most out of the tyres before having to change them, my thoughts are I keep an eye on them while abroad and if I start getting concerned that they are getting close, to have them changed while I am out there, has anyone had any experiences of changing tyres in Europe.

We will be traveling through Belgium -Netherlands - Germany - Luxembourg and France

Many thanks for any advice

[Steve T]

Personlly I'd start any Euro trip with new tyres, keeping any part worn items for future use.

In Euro land, first you have to find a garage that'll do the change for you and then you'll likely have to wait for the tyre/tyres you need to be ordered and eventually get delivered. Unless it's a dedicated bike shop, few garages stock bike tyres . . . and even bike shops hold limited stock.

Just saying.

Steve T

[Upt North]

Change them Chris, why worry about tyres whilst away.
Plus can you speak the languages of these countries fluently.
But the choice is yours.
Upt'North.

[Chrisjames]

I am considering it, however the tread on the tyres and 1800 miles, I'm sure it should be fine till I get back surely?

[UK_Vstrom650]

Just check the rules around tyre depths in each country. I know in some EU countries minimum car tyre depths differ from the UK...

I'd probably just change if you're concerned, but 4mm is likely to be fine for rules and should be OK for the miles you're planning.

[Rixington43]

4mm ought to last you well beyond 1800miles, assuming they're tarmac biased tyres and you don't plan to do all 1800miles in a straight line on motorways ;)

[Monschwee]

I would head out with the 4mm, if you ever needed or want to change in one of the other countries then I do not think it will be too difficult for you to find somewhere to get you on the road again. Pretty sure the cost will be cheaper in the likes of Germany than it is here in the UK.

Have a great time sounds like a great trip you have planned.

[Zed 25]

 Only other things to consider how much are they are squared off ,are two up and what length
of time are spending on dual carriage way / motorway
but I would  go with the other your not going to be lighting up the rear on storm
 have wonderful safe trip  

[Chrisjames]

I'll have to double check the depths on them and let you know.

Ill be riding just me not 2 up, motorway to Dover then ferry and then trying to avoid motorways in Europe, maybe some small jaunts but nothing major

Thanks blokes

[Barbel Mick]

My view is change them. Yes, I'm sure they'll be good for that sort of mileage & more when you return but, for me, it's better safe than sorry. Worn tyres can be more prone to punctures & the last thing I want to be doing is repairing a puncture or worse still wasting a day or more trying to find a tyre shop & get a new one.
Have a great trip whatever you decide. 

[timangus]

I set off for New York in 2018 on my existing tyres and changed them on route. Did this a few times and never had issues with sizes, only brands so ended up using Michelin, Pirelli and Bridgestone.