Many people wonder how long tires typically last. However, the truth is that there’s no way to tell exactly how long your tires will last. The useful life of your tires will depend on several factors: the road conditions, tire design, the driver’s habits, the care that’s put into the tires and the road conditions. With that said, you’re probably wondering when should tires be replaced on a car?
When Should Tires Be Replaced on a Car
In this post, we’ll discuss the factors that determine when you need to change the tires on your car. These are simple tips to bear in mind when estimating when your tires need to be replaced.
Five Years
Once you’ve used your tires for five years or more, have them inspected thoroughly at least once a year by a professional.
Ten Years is Pushing It
If you haven’t replaced your tires 10 years after their date of manufacture, experts recommend having them replaced as a precaution - even if they haven’t worn down to the tread wear indicator and appear to be usable. This also applies to spare tires. The manufacturing date will usually be indicated on the DOT number on your sidewall.
Proper Care
One of the best ways to increase your tire’s longevity is to maintain the correct air pressure and perform regular vehicle maintenance and tire rotations.
Are My Tires Worn Out?
It’s highly advisable to replace your tire if the tread is worn out beyond the recommended tread depth levels. When replacing your tires, our team here at Element Wheels will ensure you have the best tires for your vehicle.
Make sure to inspect your tires regularly and check for:
- Damaged Valve Caps
- Uneven Tread Wear
- Damaged Areas
- Nails, Rocks, etc., Which can be Troublemakers
- Shallow Tread
Pay Attention to How Your Tires Feel as You Drive
A rough ride likely indicates excessive wear or tire damage. If you notice disturbances or other vibrations while driving, reduce speed immediately, and drive with caution until you’re able to pull off the road and stop to inspect your tires. If you have a damaged tire, deflate it before replacing it with a spare. If you can’t identify the source of the vibration and the tire damage is not visible, take the vehicle to a tire dealer for a thorough inspection.
See a Professional
If you see something that you’re not sure about during the inspection, point it out to a professional so they can examine it thoroughly.
Inspecting Your Tire
- Check your air pressure at least once a month. It’s a quick check that can go a long way in preventing problems.
- Check the tread wear with one of the three methods below:
- With Tread Wear Indicators
- With a Tread Depth Gauge
- With a Quarter Test
- Inspect your tires for damage problems and wear once every month or before going on a long trip.
Bottom Line
With those tips, you can now answer the question of when should tires be replaced on a car. There are many types of tires available, which means the answer can vary for when to replace your tires. Keep in mind that only a tire professional can tell if your tires need to be changed or can be repaired. Any visible deformation, cut or perforation must also be checked by a tire professional.