How long does the car tire last and how do I know when to change the tires?
There is no single answer to how long a tire can last and when exactly you should replace it. The lifespan of your car tires depends on multiple factors including road surface, its design, the driving pattern, and the climate. It will be better to say that there are a few things you should keep in mind to estimate the life of your tires.
Five years old tires need to be inspected
After five years or more, you need to keep a vigilant eye on your car tires. It is necessary to get them checked by a tire professional at least once a year.
Ten years is an alarming number
If your car tires have been running or replaced 10 years after they were manufactured, it is alarming for you. Your car tires can fail anywhere on the way and you have to replace them before something unpleasant happens. At times, these tires do not look worn down and run efficiently on the roads with no indicator of tread wear but it is highly recommended to replace them. This is also applicable to the spare tires.
Tire’s life can be increased with proper care
Proper and consistent care can expand the life span of your car tires. Maintaining the required air pressure, tire rotations at the right time, and overall vehicle maintenance lead to the longevity of tires.
These are the care tips you should consider to estimate the tire condition.
Physical factors:
Age of the tire (from the day of manufacturing to the day of travel)
Wear and damage due to road surfaces
Road conditions:
Rough tracks, Potholes, slippery areas, obstacles, muddy patches, curbs, snowclad roads, sharp objects, dry surfaces, and speed bumps
Climate
Harsh temperatures with high temperature
Rain, slush, snow, and ice
Strong sunlight and ozone
Driving patterns
If you have any of these driving behaviors, you need to be conscious about your car tires:
- Over speeding
- Braking in emergency and hasty starts
- Not to consult an expert in case of any change
- Rash drive on damaged roads
- Not to notice any change in vibration, handling, or noise
- Ignoring necessary care
- Neglecting air pressure
- Not taking care of wear or damage
- Ignoring the balancing of tires after installation
- Alignment and rotation
- Use of unapproved sealants
Improper usage
Using winter tires in summer and vice versa
Usage of a spare tire in different size and running the car above 50 mph
Using tires on worn-out wheels
Using rim sizes and wheels that are not aligned
Re-inflating a tire that is underinflated or flat
When you should change the tire
You should replace your car tires when:
- The tread is worn beyond what has been recommended as required tread depth levels
- The tread is not evenly worn
- Valve caps are damaged
- You have a ‘feel’ of your car tires that ‘sound’ different. Pay attention to that feel.
- You drive in the areas where roads and tracks are rough that lead to speedy tire damage or excessive wear.
- You notice any difference in the drive like vibrations or any other disturbances. Reduce your speed immediately to safely reach the roadside, stop by the nearby tire expert and, get your tires inspected.
- The tire is worn out, immediately deflate it and replace it as soon as possible.
- The reason for vibration is not known, take it seriously.
- The air pressure is not up to mark.
- The tread-wear is not working well. Check it with the tread wear indicators, a tread depth gauge, and the penny test.