Car tires get damaged, cut, or cracked due to daily use. Again, everyone wants to prevent accidents and maintain the optimal performance of the car. So, one should change car tires frequently. Hence you need to change the car tires after an interval.
But how often to change car tires?
This article will give you a general overview of when to change your car’s tires and what factors to consider.
How Long do Tires Last?
The lifespan of a tire depends on some factors. Normally, tires are expected to last for 5-10 years. It is recommended to check them by a professional mechanic before replacing them. There is no definite time on how often you should replace them.
The “DOT” code, a string of numbers and letters molded into the tire’s sidewall, can be used to establish the age of a tire. It shows the week and year when it is manufactured. You can know it by knowing the last four digits of the tire.
The lifespan of the tire depends on some factors –
- The type of vehicle and driving technique
- Conditions of the roads, such as potholes and uneven surfaces
- Conditions of the weather, such as temperature and rainfall
- Driving practices such as aggressive driving and vehicle overloading
- Frequent tire rotations
- Maintenance of the user
What are the Causes of Tire Failing?
There are factors for which if you do not keep that information in mind, then your tires can wear down more quickly. These are –
1. Incorrect tire pressure
A vehicle’s performance and safety depend on the correct tire pressure. Underinflated tires might overheat, which results in poor fuel efficiency. As a result, there will be an increased chance of blowouts. On the other hand, overinflated tires may wear unevenly, resulting in poor handling and a bumpy ride.
Therefore, you can check it with a tire gauge in the owner’s manual. Also, tire pressure can change with the temperature change. Try to change the tire pressure once a month or before going on a long ride.
2. Mileage of Car
The tires will wear out when you use your car for a long time. As a result, the tires of your car will not grip well.
Also, worn-out tires are easily damaged, which can cause serious accidents. You can extend the life of the tires by avoiding road hazards.
3. Tire Age
Everything has an expiration date, also for car tires. Regardless of how often you use it, your car tires will ultimately wear out. Normally, after 5-6 years, you should replace them. They will be obsolete after ten years. Also, you should have a mechanic inspect them before replacing them.
Furthermore, while purchasing an old car, inspect the tires as well. A code on the sidewall indicates when the tire was manufactured.
4. Poor Maintenance
Regular maintenance is the only way your car tires will last until the end of the warranty. You should rotate your tires every 5,000 miles or so. It will allow all four tires to wear evenly.
Additionally, there should be adequate pressure in the tires always.
How Often to Change Car Tires?
The frequency of changing car tires depends on several factors, such as the type of tire, driving habits, road conditions, and maintenance practices. In general, most tires need to be replaced every 25,000 to 50,000 miles or every 5 to 7 years, whichever comes first.
It’s important to regularly inspect your tires for signs of wear and damage, such as cracks, bulges, or punctures. If you notice uneven wear patterns or your tires are balding, it may be time to replace them. Additionally, if you frequently drive on rough roads, it may wear down your tires more quickly and require replacement sooner.
Ultimately, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and have your tires checked by a professional at least once a year to ensure they are safe and in good condition.
What are the Signs of a Tire Change?
Some factors are causing the tire to fail. Now you should watch out for the signs of a tire change such as:
1. Warning on Tire Pressure
Nowadays, there is a warning light indicator on the car dashboard, which shows the low pressure of the tire. If it happens, check the tire pressure. Once a month, check the tire pressure as well.
If you figure out one of the tires is low, it means it has a flat. As a result, take your car to a tire shop and have them inspected.
2. Bubbles on the Sidewalls
Do you see any bubbles in your tire’s sidewall? It indicates that the tire’s innermost layer has failed. Also, the air leaks into the tire’s outer layer.
This tire is about to blow out. Therefore, replace it as soon as possible.
3. Measuring Tire Tread
There are a lot of ways you can measure the tire tread. When you place a penny in the tread groove, it is time to replace your tires if you find the head side facing you.
Also, there is a small tool named Tread Depth Gauge. You can measure the depth of the tread by inserting it into the tread groove.
Moreover, you can use a ruler to measure the tread depth by placing it from top to bottom of the groove. It is unsafe if the tread is below 2/32 of an inch.
4. The Remaining Tires are Too Old
When one of your tires goes flat, and it is brand new, you should be able to replace simply that one tire. Driving on tires with varying tread depths can cause harm to AWD vehicles.
Also, try to change all 4 tires simultaneously, as they have different tread depths.
Conclusion
Car tires should be changed by various criteria depending on the above-mentioned factors. Every 6 to 10 years, one should change car tires. Also, you should change it when the tread depth reaches 2/32 inches or less.
One can extend tire life through tire rotations, regular maintenance checks, and inspections. As a result, you should change tires when required to avoid accidents.
FAQs
How long do tires last on average?
People normally drive between 12,000 to 15,000 miles a year. According to some experts, it is said that the lifespan of average good quality tires is somewhere between 3-5 years. It mainly depends on the maintenance and driving conditions.
Should you always replace 4 tires?
Changing all four tires at once is ideal to ensure better handling. It is because all four tires spin independently of one another, or they can have different tread depths. Also, the stability and traction of the vehicle can be affected by having mismatched tires.
Do tires need to be replaced every 5 years?
Everything has an expiration date. DOT determines the tire’s age, a series of numbers out of which the last four digits indicate the week and year of manufacture. At about 6 years, you can replace them. After 10 years, you should change it.
How long should 4 tires last?
The actual lifespan of a set of tires depends on driving habits, maintenance, weather, and road conditions. Normally, tires last up to 4 to 5 years. Before replacing them, it is recommended to inspect them by a professional mechanic.