The question, "How long does a tire last?" tends to be followed by several others like, “What causes a tire to wear? When should tires be replaced? What can be done to make tires last longer?” Fortunately, we can help provide clarity around these questions.

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 (NHTSA) 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.

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 (remaining tread depth at or below 2/32”) 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 (potholes, broken pavement, poorly graded railroad crossings, unpaved roads, etc.) 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 (meaning greater safety) while delivering good treadwear.

Bridgestone offers different types of tires designed to keep you and your car safe during any weather or road condition. For example, Bridgestone's Blizzak tire series is built to perform in harsh winter weather conditions providing durable traction on snowy and icy roads, and the Dueler tire series is one of several that offer a secure grip on wet road conditions for areas that experience heavy rain.

Poor Driving Habits

Poor driving habits like hard cornering, quick acceleration, and sudden braking can increase the stress on tires tremendously, causing them to wear rapidly. Drivers can extend the life of their tires significantly by avoiding aggressive driving.

Neglected Maintenance

It is important to regularly have tires checked for damage, to maintain air pressure levels, and to keep tires aligned and rotated. Without proper maintenance, tire life can be reduced by as much as half - even more, in some cases.

KNOWING WHEN TO REPLACE TIRES

If the below signs are evident with your tires, it may be time to have them replaced. 

Low Tread Depth

Tread loss is a significant sign a tire needs to be replaced. Low tread is a sign driver can physically see happening on their tire. Depending on the part of the tire that is wearing, there may be other problems with the vehicle.

Pronounced inner or outer shoulder wear: tires are misaligned

Edge of the shoulder wear: tires are under-inflated, need to be rotated or both.

Center wear: tires may be overinflated or have been subjected to extremely hard acceleration.

Cupped wear: the vehicle is experiencing suspension problems

All tires have tread wear indicators built-in, but if the tread looks low take time to do the penny test on the tires.

Rough Drive

If you’re experiencing a vibration (particularly if it just started), or high (and increasing) levels of tire noise it may be a sign your tires are out of balance, not wearing properly or have a structural issue.  In some cases, this may affect safety, so have your tires checked by a qualified professional asap.

DOT Number

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number on the tire’s sidewall is another way to help keep track of when they need to be replaced. It’s easy to identify - look for the letters “DOT” followed by eleven or twelve letters and numbers.  On tires made after the year 2000 the final four digits signify the week and year of manufacture. So, a tire with “3618” would have been made in the 36th week or 2018. A tire that has a 3-digit week-and-year code means the tire was made before the year 2000 and should be replaced due to age.

Bridgestone recommends that its Bridgestone or Firestone brand tires be removed from service after ten years regardless of their remaining tread depth.  They also recommend periodic inspections by a qualified technician for damage such as punctures, impact damage, signs of improper inflation or overloading, or other conditions resulting from the use or misuse of the tire.

HOW LONG A TIRE LASTS: EXTENDING TREAD LIFE

Tires are both one of the largest maintenance expenses a vehicle owner is likely to face, and one of the most critical in terms of driving safety and performance.  For both reasons it’s important to care for them properly. Bottom line: good maintenance and driving habits help keep drivers safe, and it saves them money by extending tire life.

Easy Does It

Tire life can be reduced by as much as half when they’re subjected to a lot of hard braking and aggressive acceleration from a standstill.  Avoiding tailgating to reduce the need for frequent hard braking will increase tire life. Easing into the throttle when pulling away from a stop reduces strain on the tires and improves wear. Slowing before sharp corners also reduces stress on tires, as does avoiding potholes and broken pavement when possible. If you’re interested in spending less on tires, following these steps can help.

Regular Maintenance

Another way to extend tire life is to keep up with the proper maintenance of a vehicle and its tires. A couple of things you can do yourself are to check the air pressure and tread depth.  You should have a qualified technician periodically check their balance and alignment and be sure to have tires rotated at regular intervals. maintenance is essential for your tires to perform their best and last their longest.

Tires

How Long Should Tires Last? 6 Factors to Consider

If your tires are out of commission, so is your car. Think about it: your tires are your car’s only contact with the road. They need to be in tip-top shape to ensure your safety and the safety of other drivers on the road. 

So, how long should tires last? The straightforward answer is “it depends.” A normal set of tires should last for 60,000 to 75,000 miles, or about four to five years. But there are a few key factors that will affect your tires’ lifespan. Keep reading to learn more. 

How Long Should Tires Last? 6 Factors to Consider:

1. The Manufacturer

The average tire on the market is designed to last about 60,000 miles, says Dan Zielinski, spokesman for the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association, but every tire is different.

“Some tire manufacturers offer a warranty as high as 80,000 miles or more, reflecting confidence in that particular product’s longevity based on its engineering, technology and design. Other tires may be built to provide 30,000 miles of service.”

The type of tires you purchase also affects role in how long they last. For example, some ultra-high performance tires lasted less than half the amount of miles that family-car tires did in a study conducted by Consumer Reports. Additionally, all-season tires and winter tires will have different treadwear ratings and, therefore, different lifespans. 

2. The Vehicle

Believe it or not, the vehicle on which your tires are mounted plays a role in how long they last.

SUVs and trucks put more weight on tires than sedans, so if your vehicle isn’t outfitted with the appropriate tires, the tires might wear out faster than expected.  

Other times, there isn’t a clear explanation as to why one car model’s tires last longer than another’s. According to autos.com, certain older models of the Honda CRV have experienced premature tire wear and damage, increasing the risk of blowouts or accidents on the road. 

3. Driving Style

Everyone knows someone who drives like they’re in a real-life version of Mario Kart. These individuals are at a higher risk for prematurely worn-out tires. If you regularly subject your vehicle to hard acceleration, heavy loads, and aggressive driving over speed bumps and potholes, your tires will take a hit. 

In addition to driving style, the amount you drive each year also contributes to your tire life. On average, the American driver clocks between 13,000 and 14,000 miles a year, according to the Federal Highway Administration. 

Did you know that 81% of commuters in Fairfax County drive a car to work? That’s the highest percentage in the D.C. area! So it’s especially important for those of us in Northern Virginia to take care of our tires. 

Read: Why Car Maintenance Is Crucial for NoVA Commuters 

4. Where You Live

Where you drive is another factor to consider when evaluating how long tires last.  

Tire wear differs based on the terrain you drive and the region in which you live. Lower temperatures mean lower pressure in your tires, which results in underinflation, flats, and, ultimately, unsafe driving conditions.  

On the other end of the spectrum, high temperatures warm up the pavement, resulting in more friction between your tires and the road. The increase in heat coming from your tires can be dangerous if your tires aren’t inflated properly or are cracked or damaged. Exposure to sunlight and warmer temperatures also shortens tire life, so tires in warmer, Southern climates tend to require replacement faster. 

Regardless of where you live, it’s best to avoid damaged roads, potholes and gravel roads as much as possible. Think about it this way: if it’s best for your safety, it’s most likely best for your tires, too. 

5. Maintenance Routine

If you want your tires to last, practice proper tire maintenance. Here’s how: 

• Check your tire pressure every month. Look for the recommended amount of air pressure in your owner’s manual or your door placard.

   

• Rotate your tires regularly. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual to know how often your vehicle needs its tires rotated. (The

  Tire Industry Association

  recommends getting a tire rotation every 5,000 to 7,000 miles.) 

   

• Check your wheels’ balance and alignment annually. If your wheels are unbalanced or out of alignment, it can cause irregular tread wear and shorten tire life.

   

• Inspect your treadwear. Worn-out or damaged treads are extremely dangerous, as they affect

  stopping distance

  and contribute to car accidents. Our technicians check your tire tread anytime you bring your car in for service. You can also check it yourself by performing a “quarter test.” Insert a quarter headfirst into the tire tread. If you can see all of George Washington’s head, your tire tread is at or below 4/32″ and needs to be replaced soon. At 2/32”, your vehicle will fail state inspection.

   

• Inspect your tires for damage and signs of aging (cracks, low tread depth,

  air bubbles

  , uneven wear, etc.).

   

 Read: Tire Maintenance 101: Taking Care of Your Tires 

6. Tire Age

No matter the tread depth, if a tire is more than six years old, you should start thinking about replacement. That’s because the rubber compounds in a tire deteriorate over time, resulting in dry rot. Dry rot makes your tires more susceptible to blowouts and tread separation.  

Vehicle and tire manufacturers usually recommend replacing your tires if they are 6-10 years old, regardless of tread depth. But for most drivers in Northern Virginia, their tire tread will wear out before the tires get that old. 

Not sure how old your tires are? All tires made in the U.S. have a unique Tire Identification Number (TIN) on the sidewall that starts with the letters “DOT.” The last four numbers of the TIN indicate the week and year the tire was manufactured. The first two represent the week (01 through 52 or 53), and the last two represent the year.  

And don’t forget about your spare! Depending on how old your car is, you could be driving around with a spare tire long past its prime. If the spare tire is more than 10 years old, replace it. 

Ready for New Tires?

Bring your vehicle to Virginia Tire & Auto and we can assess the condition of your tires. If it turns out that you need a full replacement, we’ll help you choose the right tires for your vehicle and get you back on the road. Find and compare tires using our online tool or talk to a tire expert in person at any of our 16 locations.