How to Tell If You Need New Tires
Is it time to invest in a new set? Here’s what to look out for.
Easy ways to check if your tires need to be replaced
Use a tire tread depth gauge
Tire tread is the grooved portion of a tire where rubber touches the road. Good tire tread provides traction and helps ensure your car is safe to drive on wet, icy and unpaved roads. Over time, tread will wear down and impact traction so it’s important to keep an eye on tread depth.
A tire tread depth gauge measures tread depth in 32nds of an inch. In most states, a tire tread depth of more than 2/32” is legally required. To use a tire tread gauge, simply place the measuring pin into the center of the main tread groove on your tire and push down until it makes contact with the tire on either side of the gauge. Repeat this at various spots around the tire to find the smallest measurement.
Use a tire tread depth gauge
Tire tread is the grooved portion of a tire where rubber touches the road. Good tire tread provides traction and helps ensure your car is safe to drive on wet, icy and unpaved roads. Over time, tread will wear down and impact traction so it’s important to keep an eye on tread depth.
A tire tread depth gauge measures tread depth in 32nds of an inch. In most states, a tire tread depth of more than 2/32” is legally required. To use a tire tread gauge, simply place the measuring pin into the center of the main tread groove on your tire and push down until it makes contact with the tire on either side of the gauge. Repeat this at various spots around the tire to find the smallest measurement.
Check the tread wear bars
Tread wear indicator bars are small, raised bars located within the grooves of your tires between the tread markings. They are specifically placed there to offer a visual indication of your tread wear. When your tread has worn down to the same level as the tread bars, it’s time for new tires. Since the tread depth bars indicate the legal tire tread depth limit, we recommend replacing your tires before they reach this point. In most states, a tire tread depth of more than 2/32” is legally required.
Determine manufacture date
Tires are only built to last so long and no matter how diligent you are, eventually, you’ll need to replace your set.
If your tires were produced in 2000 or later, the last 4 digits of the serial code will tell you the week and year of production. For example, 2420 would mean the tires were manufactured in the 24th week of 2020. You can find the serial code on the sidewall near the rim.
Determine manufacture date
Tires are only built to last so long and no matter how diligent you are, eventually, you’ll need to replace your set.
If your tires were produced in 2000 or later, the last 4 digits of the serial code will tell you the week and year of production. For example, 2420 would mean the tires were manufactured in the 24th week of 2020. You can find the serial code on the sidewall near the rim.
Perform penny tread depth gauge
If you don’t have a tire tread gauge, using a penny to measure can be another way to do a quick check. Stick a penny in the tire tread groove. If the tread is touching Abraham Lincoln’s upside-down head, the depth is at least 2/32”, the legal requirement. In most states, a tire tread depth of more than 2/32” is legally required. Repeat the test in various spots around the tire to make sure the tire tread isn’t wearing unevenly. Regular tire rotations can help ensure your tires wear evenly and last longer.
Friendly Reminder: Check tire pressure regularly
Tire pressure is linked to fuel economy, handling performance and tire longevity, so you want to make sure you’re driving with optimal pressure at all times.
First, determine the recommended pressure for your vehicle. You can find this on a sticker on the driver’s side door jamb, in the owner’s manual, or near the trunk lid, console or on the fuel door. The pressure will be expressed in PSI (pounds per square inch) so look for a number like 35 PSI.
To check your tire pressure, use a tire pressure gauge when the tires are “cold” — either first thing in the morning or after the car has been parked for a few hours. To use a tire pressure gauge, remove the valve cap on the tire, press the gauge onto the valve and wait for the pressure reading to come up on the screen. Repeat the process once or twice to ensure you got an accurate reading.
Friendly Reminder: Check tire pressure regularly
Tire pressure is linked to fuel economy, handling performance and tire longevity, so you want to make sure you’re driving with optimal pressure at all times.
First, determine the recommended pressure for your vehicle. You can find this on a sticker on the driver’s side door jamb, in the owner’s manual, or near the trunk lid, console or on the fuel door. The pressure will be expressed in PSI (pounds per square inch) so look for a number like 35 PSI.
To check your tire pressure, use a tire pressure gauge when the tires are “cold” — either first thing in the morning or after the car has been parked for a few hours. To use a tire pressure gauge, remove the valve cap on the tire, press the gauge onto the valve and wait for the pressure reading to come up on the screen. Repeat the process once or twice to ensure you got an accurate reading.
Visual signs it’s time to get new tires
UNEVEN WEAR
Pay attention to tread wear patterns. Inner or outer shoulder wear can indicate misalignment while center wear can be a sign of over-inflation.
CRACKED TIRE RUBBER
Exposure to UV light, oils, chemicals and other elements cause tire rubber to break down and lose flexibility over time.
BULGES OR BUBBLES
A tire bulge is an air leak in the inner liner of the tire possibly caused by impact damage. It can burst at any time, making it unsafe to drive with.
Noticing these things while driving? You need new tires
EXCESSIVE NOISE
Pay attention to how your tires sound while in motion. If road noise has changed or increased, it could be due to abnormal or extreme tire wear. Tire damage or flat spots can also cause more noise than usual. Proper alignment, regular tire rotation and correct tire pressure can reduce issues that may cause increased road noise.
VIBRATION
If you feel a vibrating sensation when you’re driving, it might be caused by tire issues. Imbalanced tires will cause vibration at certain speeds, uneven tire wear can lead to vibration, and improperly inflated tires can make your car drift and rattle. Keeping an eye on tire tread and tire pressure is always good practice but seek professional assistance to confirm the root cause of mechanical issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I replace my tires?
Generally, vehicle manufacturers recommend you replace your tires every six years. That being said, driving habits, the weather and road conditions in your area, and how well you maintain your tires should factor in. Most tire manufacturers recommend replacing your tires every 10 years, regardless of tread wear.
How many miles should tires last?
A set of tires should last anywhere between 50,000 and 60,000 miles on average. The type of tires as well as factors like driving habits, weather conditions, and maintenance routine will all have an impact on tire longevity.
How do I extend the lifespan of my tires?
If you want your tires to last beyond six years, make sure to do regular tire rotations and maintain proper alignment and tire pressure. Avoid bad driving habits like hard braking, aggressive accelerating from a standstill, and taking corners too fast. Stay away from uneven roads, potholes, and broken pavement whenever possible. Inspect your tires regularly to keep an eye out for uneven tire tread wear and any other damage.
DO I NEED AN ALIGNMENT AFTER GETTING NEW TIRES?
An alignment helps make sure that all four tires are properly lined up with each other and the road. This helps reduce uneven tire tread wear and other issues over time, so it’s not a bad idea to get an alignment to ensure your new tires stay in good shape for as long as possible. While alignment isn’t required, it is a good investment in the longevity of your tires and your vehicle.
Is it dangerous to drive with old tires?
Yes. Many car accidents are caused by old, damaged tires that should have been replaced. Even if you still have adequate tread depth, time and the elements will cause tire rubber to deteriorate and crack, making them unsafe to drive on. A visual inspection isn’t always enough to determine if tires are unsafe, so make sure you also know the age of your tires so you can do your due diligence.
How much do new tires cost?
The cost of new tires can vary anywhere from $100 to $1000 per tire depending on the tire. It can be easier to keep track if you replace all your tires at the same time as a unit.
Performance and mud tires are generally the most expensive. Winter tires can also be more expensive because they are engineered especially for extreme cold weather. If you’re looking for a ballpark, browse our selection of tires.