When it comes to car maintenance, one of the most common questions is, “How often to change tires?” This is not just about keeping your ride looking sharp. It is crucial for your safety and the vehicle’s performance. Almost all tires deteriorate over time, regardless of how much they have been used.
Generally, it is wise to change your tires every 5 to 6 years. But several factors can alter this timeline.
Tires are often out of sight, out of mind until something goes wrong. However, waiting until a blowout or visible damage occurs is risky. The industry standard suggests that tires should be replaced every 5 to 6 years, regardless of mileage.
This is because the materials in tires degrade over time due to exposure to various environmental factors like heat, sunlight, and moisture. This accelerates the aging process. Checking the manufacture date on your tires, found in a four-digit code on the sidewall, can help you track their age.
How and Where You Drive Matters
Understanding how often to change tires also depends significantly on your driving habits and conditions. Frequent driving on rough, unpaved roads or in areas with extreme temperature fluctuations can expedite tire wear.
City driving, with its frequent stops and starts, can also wear tires out differently compared to long stretches on highways. Paying attention to these factors will help you gauge when it is time to inspect and possibly replace your tires.
Should You Replace All Four Tires at Once?
When contemplating how often to change tires, you might wonder if it is necessary to replace all four at once. The answer varies. For all-wheel-drive vehicles, replacing all four tires at the same time is often recommended to maintain even traction and handling.
However, if only one tire is damaged or excessively worn, it might be possible to replace just that tire. Especially, if the others are relatively new and show minimal wear. Always consult with a professional to ensure that the new tire’s size and tread depth match the others on your vehicle.
How Often to Change Tires Then?
Tread depth is a key indicator of when to replace your tires. The legal minimum tread depth is 2/32 of an inch, but many safety experts recommend replacing tires when they reach 4/32 of an inch of remaining tread. This is because tires with shallow treads are significantly less effective at dispersing water, which increases the risk of hydroplaning in wet conditions.
An easy way to measure tread depth is the penny test: Place a penny into a tread groove with Lincoln’s head upside down. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, it is time for new tires.
How to Check for Tire Wear and Damage
Regular inspections can catch signs of tire wear or damage early, before they become safety hazards. Look for:
- Uneven wear patterns: These can be caused by misalignment, improper inflation, or problems with suspension components.
- Cracks in the sidewall: These can indicate that the tire’s rubber is breaking down and may lead to leaks or blowouts.
- Bulges and blisters: These weak spots can cause sudden blowouts.
- Excessive vibration while driving: This might indicate an issue with the alignment or tire balance, which can accelerate tire wear.
These will help you maintain the good condition of your tires for long.