How Long Will My Car Tires Last?

The average American drives between 14,000 and 15,000 miles a year, according to data from the Federal Highway Administration. When you live in an area like Lynchburg, those miles can be rough with narrow, windy roads and poor weather conditions. These sorts of things can affect how long your car tires can last, let alone be safe.

Ultimately there is no way to tell exactly how long a Car tire lasts. There is a general rule of thumb that says that most tires should be inspected, if not replaced, at least every few years. The actual lifespan and mileage of a tire depends of a combination of factors: its design, the driver’s habits, the climate, the road conditions and the care that’s put into the tires. Here are a few things to look for:

When to Inspect Your Car Tires

Once you’ve put a couple of years on your tires, regardless of the mileage, it’s good to have them checked regularly. Have the team at Harris Tire inspect your tires at your convenience, or have it done while your vehicle is on for another regularly scheduled service such as rotations and/or oil changes.

Check your car tire tread

A tire is considered unsafe once the tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). You may have heard of the ‘Penny Test’; NHTSA recommends putting the penny in the tread with Abraham Lincoln’s head upside down and facing toward you. If you can see the top of Abe’s head, it’s time for new tires.

Ten years is a maximum

If the car tires haven’t been replaced 10 years after their date of manufacture, as a precaution, Michelin recommends replacing them with new tires. Even if they appear to be in usable condition and have not worn down to the tread wear indicator. This applies to spare tires as well.

Extend Car Tire Life through Maintenance

You can increase your tire’s longevity by maintaining the correct air pressure, performing regular tire rotations and vehicle maintenance. For original equipment: follow the vehicle manufacturer’s tire replacement recommendations.