How Often To Replace Tires

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Do I Need To Visit The Tire Shop

Maybe you got a used car a few years ago or maybe you recently purchased a new car. No matter the situation, as a car-owner you may be wondering, how often should you replace your tires? When you should replace your tires differs slightly from vehicle to vehicle and driver to driver. However, there are a few standards that should help you determine when to change your tires next.

Better Traction On Slick Roads

Just like in a car, completely smooth, often called bald, tires dont get as much traction when the road is wet or if you riding on an unpaved path. The pattern in the tread is able to grab the road and cut through the water better than a bald tire can.

Replacing your tires will increase your traction over-all. There are other factors, like tire pressure, that also impact traction, but not having any tread can result in your tires sliding out from beneath you.

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How Long Is The Life Of A Car Tire

The average tire lasts about four to five years. This should average out to 60,000-75,000 miles. Some experts say that car tires should be replaced after six years, regardless of the wear and tear on them. Most tire manufacturers will have an estimated replacement time on their tires, so make sure to check that out. Also keep in mind that the maintenance you put into your tire contributes to your life. If you notice the wear is uneven, it may be time for a tire alignment or to rotate your tires.

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How Old Are Your Tires

The U.S. Department of Transportation requires that all tires must list the month and year the tires were produced on the sidewall. On tires made in 2000 or newer, this can be found in the last four digits of the Tire Identification Number. Of those four digits, the first two convey the month, and the last two convey the year. For example, a tire that reads DOT U2LL LMLR 3209 means it was made in the 32nd week of 2009. Before 2000, three digits were used, with the first two digits translating to the month and the last digit marking the year.

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Measuring Tire Tread Depth

The simplest way of measuring tread depth is by using a penny and a quarter, says Gene Petersen, tire program manager for Consumer Reports, a product review site.

Start by inserting the quarter into the tread in the center of the tire with George Washingtons head pointing toward the tire. If the top of his head is even with the tread, the tires are still safe to drive on, but its time to start shopping for new ones, he says. This will give you enough time to choose the best tires for your car and shop for a good price.

If you insert a penny, also head-down, into the center of your tires tread and its even with the top of Abraham Lincolns head, the tires are becoming unsafe. You should replace your tires right away.

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When Is It Time To Replace Your Tire Rims

Does your drive feel bumpy on the evenest roads? Or the bumpy roads seem even rougher than usual? Chances are if your tires are in top shape, the tire rims are causing the issue.

Many assume that a bent tire is a minor inconvenience and nothing to fret about. However, it can have a huge impact on your driving experience and if not looked at can make it difficult for you to control your car.

Sometimes bent tire rims are hard to spot and you will only discover the bent rims when you go to your mechanic for the wheel alignment. But how do you spot a bent rim and take the necessary precautions on the road?

Here are some obvious signs that are associated with bent tire rims.

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Consider The Type Of Tire You Need

Now that you have become aware of your tire size, it is time to consider some characteristics that may satisfy you the most. First, you should take into consideration the worst and the typical driving conditions that you encounter. Then, refer to the table below. We have listed out all the common types and their characteristics. You may come across the ideal tire type to select here.

Now that you know which tires can serve your driving habit the most, it all comes down to your budget and the available option. Make a wise investment so that these tires can bring you good value!

Factors That Influence How Long A Tire Lasts

Multiple factors play a role in how long a tire may remain in service. Miles driven, road conditions, driving style, maintenance and age all affect how long a tire lasts.

Worn vs. Aged

Tires naturally wear the more they are driven and worn out tires provide reduced traction compared to those with adequate tread, especially in adverse weather conditions. Most drivers understand worn out tires should be removed from service.

Many drivers are not aware that minimally used tires, like the ones on recreational vehicles, collectible cars, or even spare tires, tend to experience aging instead of wearing, due to a lack of driving. An aged tire has a substantial amount of tread however, the structural integrity of the tire is weaker because the tire needs to be driven for the chemicals in the rubber to remain effective.

Curbs, Potholes, and Other Hazards

Hitting curbs or driving on roads in poor condition can cause misalignment, and suspension damage that affects tire wear. If your daily drive includes these challenges, be sure to schedule annual suspension, alignment and tire checks.

Weather Conditions

Driving in poor weather conditions like ice, snow, and rain can cause tires to wear quicker because they must work harder to maintain traction. Purchasing tires that are specially engineered to perform in specific weather conditions can provide drivers with an extra measure of traction and control while delivering good treadwear.

Poor Driving Habits

Neglected Maintenance

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When Should Your Tires Retire

No matter how new your tire is, Bridgestone recommends checking inflation pressure every month and scheduling regular inspections with a pro. After five years, an inspection is essential to determine if a tire is still road-worthy.

We recommend tires that were manufactured 10 years prior be taken out of service and replaced with new tires. Same goes for the spare. If its 10 years old, it needs to be replaced, even if it appears new.

Its important to note that the age of a tire is not the only indicator of whether it needs to be replaced. Many tires will need to be replaced before 10 years of age due to routine tread wear and other conditions such as punctures, impact damage, improper inflation, overloading and more. If a tire is worn out or otherwise unserviceable from damage or conditions of use, it should be replaced regardless of when it was produced or purchased.

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When To Replace Winter Tires

The same rules for checking tread depth apply to winter tires as they do for all vehicle tires. However, you should replace winter tires when they are half worn, long before they wear to 2/32. Why? Winter tire treads are designed to get you safely through slush, snow and ice. Their deep grooves are engineered to push snow and slush away from your vehicle, so you dont slip and slide.

Do I Have To Replace All Four Tires At Once

Another common tire-buying question is if its necessary to replace all four tires at once. The simple answer is yes. It is recommended to replace all four at once because your tires are key to the performance and handling of your vehicle, its important for them to be as identical as possible. If your tires dont match, one end of your vehicle may not be able to respond as quickly as the other, making it difficult to control. Your tires are what keep your vehicle connected to the road, so having an even surface is vital.

If you are in a situation where you will be replacing fewer than four tires, select tires that are similar to what is currently installed on your vehicle. If you are replacing just two tires, those two tires should only be installed on the rear axle. You should only consider tires that are within the same category as your existing ones.

If you have a vehicle that came equipped with a staggered fitment then you should check your vehicle owners manual for replacement recommendations.

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How To Tell When Your Tires Need To Be Replaced

• Tread depth less than the minimum standards
• Feeling vibrations through the steering wheel
• A bulging sidewall
• Any slipping or hydroplaning when driving in the rain
• Visible damage like a cut in your sidewall, bent wheel, etc.
• If you have winter tires, you should always swap them out for summer tires when the season changes

Pro Tip If youâre unsure what size of tire fits your car, there are two places you can find this infoâon the sidewall or the sticker on your driverâs side door frame. It should read something like âP 255/55/17S 82.â

How Often Should You Change Your Tires

Although the timing of your tire replacement may vary depending on numerous factors such as tread depth, manufacture date, or mileage, experts advise replacing your tires after six years at least.

At that time, those tires had already survived through pretty much rough road surfaces or heavy breaking. Consequently, even though they appear undamaged, the rubber has become too dry or contained some invisible cracks. It may eventually lead to an undesirable flat tire or blowout. Thus, you should consider changing these when the time comes.

Nevertheless, aside from the time, there are several more indicators that can tell you when to invest in a replacement. So keep reading to figure out!

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How Often To Replace Tires Seasonal Or Terrain Changes

When we think about how often to change tires, we usually think about seasonal or terrain switches. And it doesnt matter that evolution of cars has come a long way it is still something highly recommended. As you know, there are different types of pneumatics you can use for different seasons, weather conditions, and terrain.

For example, you can use all-season pneumatics for a city drive in mild climates with warm summer and mild winters. But for mountains and extremely cold climates, snow tires and additional gear are a must. So if you plan to relocate to Alaska, the best option would be to take Alaska car transport at some USA auto transport company and buy all your winter gear and pneumatics once you relocate. Because you will probably have more winter gear options and more information on what to buy there, just bear in mind to book door-to-door auto transport and have your vehicle delivered to your home. This way, you will avoid driving your car upon arrival without any gear.

On the other hand, if you are relocating to a cold climate but have to drive your car as soon as you get there, the better option would be to shop for all the necessary equipment before putting your car on an open trailer auto transport.

What Factors Can Cause Damage To The Tires

Many people ask How long do tires last on average?

The problem is, theres not a set answer to that question due to the variety of factors that can lead to a necessary tire replacement. These factors include:

• Tire design from the manufacture
• A lack of attention to basic tire maintenance
• Not using the right tires for different seasons and terrains.
• Potholes, obstacles, curbs, sharp objects, and speed bumps
• Climate conditions
• Excessive braking or acceleration
• Driving for long periods at high speeds

Every driver faces different conditions and cares for their cars differently. The bottom line is that you need to be aware of your own driving habits, environment, and tires to ensure youre replacing your tires when necessary.

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Why Worry About Tread Wear

It’s all about your safety. With good treads, your car will drive better on the road. When tire treads are worn, your vehicle may be unable to handle weather conditions like rain and snow. Worn treads can also make other parts of your car wear down faster. And remember – having insufficient tread is considered illegal in many states, so please check your tire tread regularly!

How Long Do Tires Last

The length of each tires life will be different, depending on the design and numerous wear-and-tear factors, but manufacturers and service companies suggest general mileage limits to help prevent driving on unsafe rubber. Check your manufacturer warranties and guidelines for specifics.

Discount Tire, a large nationwide auto service company, suggests replacing tires, regardless of the tread depth, after six years of use. That time could come sooner, depending on the health of the tires. Every tire also has a suggested mileage limit.

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Convenient Service In Santa Monica

If you need tire service in the Los Angeles area, Santa Monica Audi is your one-stop destination. While our team of expert Audi technicians give your vehicle the attention it deserves, relax and unwind in our comfortable service lounge. Enjoy complimentary refreshments along with WiFi internet access.

Can I Rotate My Tires Instead

Tire rotation is an important component of extending the life of your tires and decreasing wear, but its not a substitute for replacement when the time comes. While driving, your tires will normally develop uneven wear patterns. By rotating the tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles, youll extend the life of your tire and save considerable amounts of money.

In most cars, front tires will bear the weight of the engine and the turning force. This causes the tires to wear more quickly than the rear. By moving the rear tires to the front, youll equalize the wear patterns and have a smoother and noise-free ride. Its also important to note that tire manufacturers will require tire rotations to keep the warranty valid.

However, without a floor jack, jack stands and balancing machineâplus the knowledge needed to work themâtire rotation is best left to a professional.

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How Long A Tire Lasts

There is no exact answer to how long a particular tire will last, but there are things a driver can do to get the most out of their tire investment and avoid driving on unsafe tires. On average, people drive between 12,000 to 15,000 miles a year, which means the average good quality all-season tire will last somewhere between three and five years, depending on maintenance, driving style and conditions, etc.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Association states a driver is three times more likely to be involved in a crash caused by poor tire condition. Safer is smarter when it comes to the health of tires, so if there is ever a question on tread wear or age, have the tires checked.

How To Tell If Your Tires Need Replacing

While we cant give you a super straightforward answer as to how often you should replace your tires, we can teach you the telltale signs to look for that will let you know its time.

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