Should Car Tires Be Replaced After a Certain Age?

Apr 6, 2016

Should I Replace My Tires?

When you think about it, tires are the most important part of your vehicle when it comes to safety. However, tires wear over time, causing unsafe driving conditions and poor handling. To alleviate this concern, it’s in your best interest to check your tire’s walls and treads regularly. So, how do you know when you should buy new tires? Follow this handy guide to figure out how.

Tire Life Span

One concern that drivers have is the life span of tires. This is often hard to gauge, especially because tires have different qualities and uses. Couple that with the driving habits of individuals and it’s almost impossible. Nevertheless, many tire manufacturers have a mileage limit for each one of their tires. Most new car tires should last roughly 50,000 miles, although off-roading and constant poor weather can shorten this time to 20,000 or 30,000 miles. With the average motorist traveling about 12,000 to 15,000 miles a year, you’ll get anywhere from two to four years on a new set.

Checking the Tread and Walls

Reputable auto service departments usually check your tires to ensure their integrity during an oil change or routine maintenance. Between these visits, it’s up to you. To do a test, grab a penny. Then, place it in the tread with Lincoln’s head facing down. If his head is almost engulfed by the tread, it means you’re in great shape. However, if his entire head or most of it is showing, it’s time that you get some new ones.

The Right Tire

Choosing the Right Tire

Tires aren’t cheap, but there are ways to avoid buying them more frequently than you have to. When you buy a new pair of tires or a new car, determine what type of tires they are, as this has a profound effect on their wear. All-season tires are a nice choice if the weather in your area changes frequently. Performance tires are a great choice for high-end vehicles and sports cars, while larger wheels are perfect for the off-roader. Many drivers also change their tires for both summer and winter driving as well. While this seems like a pain, putting seasonal tires on your vehicle actually saves you money in the long run, as each set of tires is being used for its correct purpose.

Go With Great Ratings

You’ve looked over these factors and checked your car and you’ve decided that you need new ones. When you go shopping, don’t automatically go for the cheapest or most expensive. Instead, check the tire ratings. Each tire gets one for tread wear, traction, and temperature resistance. The highest grade for tread wear and traction is AA, followed by A, B, and C. An A grade is typically the best choice for most cars unless you plan on taking turns at ludicrous speeds. Temperature ratings go from A to C, so choose accordingly.

Remember that your tires are the only part of your car that touch the road, making them an integral part of the driving experience. When in doubt about the life of your tires, you can always go to a reputable dealer and have them take a look. Don’t wait to do it. The sooner you go, the more safety you’ll have.