How often should you replace your tires?
Tires don't have a predetermined lifespan. They need to be replaced based on wear, mileage, and age.
Written by Claire Beaney
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
Tires don’t have a set longevity—how often they need to be replaced will depend on how quickly they wear out, how many miles they’ve traveled, and their age.
You might not think about how often to change your car tires until you're left stranded on the side of the road thanks to a blowout. If you’re lucky enough to have roadside assistance, you might be able to get out of this sticky situation, but it’s best to stay ahead of any major tire issues before it’s too late.
The licensed broker and
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shopping app Jerry
has put together an essential guide to help you know when to replace your tires. Continue reading to learn more.Compare insurance quotes from 50+ carriers with Jerry in under 45 seconds (Title in payload)
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversHow often should I replace car tires?
There are a few different factors that influence how often your tires need to be replaced. These commonly include:
Mileage
The majority of modern tires need to be replaced every 25,000 to 80,000 miles.
In general, more performance-oriented tires will need to be replaced sooner than their firmer, touring-style counterparts.
Age
Tires deteriorate as a result of exposure to sunshine, pollution, and chemicals.
Even if you haven’t exceeded the mileage restriction, tire manufacturers recommend replacing your tires before they’re six years old.
Wear
Most tire manufacturers use tread-wear indicators called “wear bars.” Wear bars are rubber strips molded into the tread that appear when it is absolutely necessary to replace your tires.
If you notice three or more wear bars, it's probably time to replace your tires.
What happens if you don’t replace your tires on time?
Whatever the reason, your tires will eventually need to be replaced—and failing to do so may expose you to the following risks while driving:
- Reduced traction: When you have slippery tires, you’ll have a hard time controlling your vehicle in the rain, snow, or ice.
- Inadequate braking and steering: Tires lose their ability to stay cool as they age due to the loss of rubber. A hot and sticky tire can affect braking and steering, making it difficult to stop quickly or make tight turns.
- Vulnerability to punctures: As the tread wears away, you’ll have minimal rubber left between the road and the air inside the tire. A little nail or road debris might cause a puncture or blowout.
MORE: Nail in tire? How to remove and repair a puncture
How to tell when your tires need to be replaced
Whenever you take your car in to get serviced, that’s a good time to have your mechanic look over your tires. But you can also stay vigilant and keep an eye out for any signs that your tires require repair.
Tires should be changed when you see any of the following signs:
- Tread depth less than the minimum standards (about 2/32 inch)
- Feeling vibrations through the steering wheel
- A bulging sidewall
- Any slipping or hydroplaning when driving in the rain
- Visible damage like a cut in your sidewall, bent wheel, etc.
- If you have winter tires, you should always swap them out for summer tires when the season changes (and vice versa)
Pro Tip If you’re unsure what size of tire fits your car, there are two places you can find this info—on the sidewall or the sticker on your driver’s side door frame. It should read something like “P 255/55/17S 82.”
Are tire replacements covered by car insurance?
Tire replacements due to normal wear and tear are not covered by a standard car insurance policy.
There are a few additional insurance coverages that might be able to help you out if you have to replace a tire because of extenuating circumstances.
Collision coverage
, for example, protects you from damages incurred as a result of a collision with another vehicle or a fixed object—so if you hit a pothole and your tire is damaged, you might be able to have your costs covered.And
comprehensive coverage
can help you with replacement costs for damages that are not the result of a collision—like if your tire is slashed,
vandalized, or stolen.But it’s also important to keep in mind whether replacement costs will be more or less than your deductible.
Deductible levels are often in the $500 to $1,000 range. So, if you only need to replace a single flat tire, it may not be worthwhile to file a claim because the repair cost may be less than your deductible.
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Do all four tires need to be the same brand?
All four tires don’t have to be the same brand, but they should have the same size, speed rating, and tread type.
Although it is quicker to change all four tires at once, replacing your tires in pairs is still common. It saves money while also making the vehicle safer.
How can I make my new tires last longer?
Tires won’t last forever, but there are a few ways you can make them last as long as possible:
Keep the right tire pressure
Rotate your tires every 5,000-7,000 miles
Drive more carefully (avoid fast turns that wear down tire treads, practice parking so you don’t hit any curbs)
Estimate your repair costs for free with GarageGuard™
Simplify your car maintenance with Jerry.
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