Your vehicle’s tires are consumable parts. You will eventually need to replace them when they get worn past the safe threshold or get damaged beyond repair.
You are probably wondering, “How long does a car tire last?”. There is no single answer to this question, as your tires’ lifespan depends on various factors such as…
- Driving Habits
Accelerating harshly and braking harder than needed can prematurely wear out tires. Hard cornering and abrupt lane changing cut their lifespan down little by little, too. Dry steering (turning the wheel while the car is at a standstill) is also another culprit of premature tire wear. - Speed
Driving at high speeds causes heat to build up on your tires. Prolonged exposure to heat can soften the rubber and gradually weaken the tires. - Road Conditions
Frequently driving on roads with lots of potholes, bumps, and other irregularities can shorten your tires’ service life. To add, tires that are optimized for paved roads will not last as long on rough terrain. - Loading Conditions
The more weight your tires carry, the more stress, pressure, and friction they take. Those who often carry cargoes that are near or past their vehicles’ load limit may find that their tires wear out earlier than expected. - Weather
Tire pressure can increase during hot weather and decrease when temperatures get cold. Both overinflation and underinflation make tires more prone to damage. If your tires are left unchecked, the weather will take care of them (in a bad way). - Maintenance
Well-maintained tires can serve you for a reasonably long time. On the other hand, tires that are not regularly aligned, rotated, or inflated with the right amount of pressure will not last as long.
If all these factors mentioned above are given consideration, how long should we expect a car tire to last? Here are some figures for reference.
All-Season Tires Can Last for 50,000 to 85,000 Miles
A recent study (tread wear testing) by a consumer organization showed that most all-season tires can last anywhere from 50,000 to 85,000 miles. The average was 70,000 miles.
Winter Tires Can Last for 30,000 to 40,000 Miles
Depending on the conditions you drive in, winter tires can last at least 30,000 to 40,000 miles. This means you can use a set of winter tires for 4 to 6 seasons.
Tires Are Usable Until Six Years After the Production Date
Regardless of condition, most automobile and tire manufacturers recommend replacing a tire when it reaches 6 years after its production date. To know when a tire was made, check the last four digits of the DOT code written on its sidewall. For example, “1020” means the tire was made on the 10th week of 2020.
To help maximize your tires’ life, have them regularly inspected by a local car repair shop or tire company. If you need tire repair or maintenance services in Lincoln, NE, reach out to Graham Tire.
