It is important to know when to replace your vehicle’s tires. Wait too long to replace them and driving on them can become dangerous. But how do you know when it’s time to buy new tires? This post discusses some important warning signs to look out for.
How many miles should you drive without tires?
The average tire will usually last between 30,000 and 60,000 miles before it becomes too worn. Of course, this largely depends on your driving habits, the type of terrain you regularly drive on, and tire quality.
On a front-wheel drive vehicle, the minimum mileage for front tires is usually 20,000 miles, and rear tires are often at least 40,000 miles. If you regularly change your front and rear tires, you should expect to get at least 30,000 miles on each.
What do the manufacturers recommend?
Tire manufacturers recommend replacing your tires every 5 to 6 years—no matter how many miles you drive. This is because tires naturally wear down over time due to exposure to sunlight, heat, cold and rain. So a car that has only been driven a few times in 6 years can still suffer tire damage.
Some tires are designed to withstand weather conditions and can last longer. But generally speaking, few tires will last longer than 10 years. By researching your tire model online, you may be able to find more information about what the manufacturer recommends.
Do cheap tires wear out faster?
Some premium tires are made from higher quality rubber and can last longer than regular tires. However, all tires must meet certain standards – and a cheap tire cannot be much less durable than a mid-range tire.
When trying find cheaper tires that will last, shop online and look for specialty tires that fit your unique driving needs. It’s best to use new tires and avoid used tires, especially when purchasing tires online.
What are the signs that your tires need to be replaced?
The truth is, it’s hard to predict when you’ll need to replace your tires. This is because it only takes a small driving error, such as hitting a curb, to cause dangerous damage to your tire. The best thing you can do is learn to identify what types of damage require replacement and check your tires regularly.
Here are some signs that it’s time for you to replace your tires:
– Inadmissible tread depth: Tires need to be replaced as soon as the tread depth drops below 1/16 inch. At this point, the tires are likely to lose traction, which can increase the risk of skidding and getting into an accident. Some modern tires have lines on their tread that indicate excessive wear. If your tires do not have these indicators, you can use a tread depth gauge to measure the tread depth. You can also use a 20p coin (place the coin in the groove – if you can see the outer band of the coin, the tire needs to be replaced).
– Cracks on the sides: Cracks in tires must be repaired immediately. The crack in the tread can be repaired. However, cracks in the sidewalls almost always require immediate replacement. Continuing to drive on cracked tires can put you at serious risk of blowouts.
– Bumps and blisters: Bulges and blisters are also signs that the tire needs to be replaced immediately. When bulges appear, it is likely that the structural integrity of the tire is at risk. If the tire is not replaced, an explosion may occur in the near future.
– Strange sounds: Your tires should not rattle, hum, or squeal. Such noises are a sign of some kind of breakdown that must be repaired immediately. This may be easy to fix, but if the problem is the tire (rather than the wheel or brakes), you’ll likely need new tires.
– Vibrations. A tire that vibrates a lot could potentially be displaced. The tire can be adjusted, but if there is visible damage, it will likely need to be replaced.
Conclusion
Check your tires regularly for damage to ensure they are safe to drive. You can expect your tires to last between 30,000 and 60,000 miles if you take steps to drive safely and avoid rough terrain. Choosing the right type of tires will affect how long they last. Always replace your tires after 10 years, no matter how many miles they have been driven.
