How Long Should Tires Last?

If your tire is broken, so will your car. Think about it: your tires are the only contact your car has with the road. They need to be in their best condition to ensure the safety of you and other drivers on the road.

So, how long should tires last? The most direct answer is "it depends." A set of ordinary tires can last from 60,000 to 75,000 miles or about 4 to 5 years. However, there are several key factors that affect the life of tires.

1. Vehicle

Believe it or not, the usage time of the tires depends on the vehicle in which the tires are installed.

The SUV and trucks are heavier than cars, so if your car is not equipped with the right tires, the tires may wear out faster than expected.

At other times, there is no clear explanation for why the tires of one model are more durable than the tires of another.

2. Driving style

Everyone knows someone who drives like in the real Mario Kart. These people have a higher risk of premature wear on their tires. If you often accelerate your car, withstand heavy loads, and drive aggressively at speed bumps and potholes, your tires will be hit.

In addition to driving style, the number of times you drive each year also contributes to your tire life.

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3. Where do you live

In addition to how you drive and how much you drive, where you drive is another factor when evaluating how long a tire has been used.

The difference in tire wear depends on the terrain you are driving and the area where you live. Lower temperature means lower tire pressure, which may cause under-inflation, leaks, and ultimately unsafe driving conditions. On the other hand, high temperatures will warm the road surface and create more friction between the tire and the road surface. If your tires are improperly inflated or are cracked or damaged, it is dangerous to increase the heat emitted from your tires.

Exposure to the sun and higher temperatures will also shorten tire life, so in warmer southern climates, tires often need to be replaced faster.

No matter where you live, it is best to avoid damaged roads, potholes, and gravel roads as much as possible. Think of it this way: if this is the best for your safety, then it is probably also the best for your tires.

4. Maintenance procedures

If you really want your tires to last longer, practice proper tire maintenance. Methods as below:

Check the tire pressure every month. Look up the recommended air pressure in your user manual or your house number.

Turn the tires regularly. Check your owner's manual to find out how long it takes your car to spin the tires. (The Tire Industry Association recommends that the tire rotates every 5,000 to 7,000 miles.)

Check the balance and positioning of the wheels every year. If your wheels are unbalanced or misaligned, it will cause irregular tread wear and shorten tire life.

Check your treadwear. Worn or damaged threads are extremely dangerous because they affect stopping distance and cause car accidents.

Check the tires for signs of damage and aging (cracks, low tread depth, air bubbles, uneven wear, etc.).

5. Tire age

Regardless of the tread depth, if a tire has been used for more than six years, you should start thinking about replacing it. This is because the rubber compound in the tire degrades over time, leading to dry rot. Dry rot makes the tire more likely to burst and separate from the tread.

Automobile and tire manufacturers generally recommend replacing tires that are 6-10 years old, regardless of tread depth.

Don't forget your spare tire! Depending on how old your car is, you may be driving with a spare tire that is out of its prime. If the tire has been used for more than 10 years, please replace it.