How long do tires last?

When it comes to determining the average life of your tires, the answer depends on a few different factors. Like most things, the life of your tires depends on how well you treat them. Think of a houseplant. If you don't water it regularly and give it enough sun, it won’t last as long as you want. The same thing goes for tires. But you don't have to worry! This article will tell you how you can help maximize tire life.

Time in Service vs. Time in Years

It is impossible to predict when a tire should be replaced based on its calendar age alone. Although no widely accepted scientific research exists to show that chronological aging alone adversely affects a tire, and if so, how those effects occur, over what time period, etc., the longer a tire is in service, the more opportunities there are for it to be exposed to adverse environmental or service conditions. Therefore, the older a tire the greater the chance that it will need to be replaced due to service-related or storage conditions.

Tire Replacement – 6 Years in Service

While most tires will be replaced sooner, Goodyear recommends that any tire in service (meaning inflated and mounted on a rim of your vehicle, including your spare tire regardless of whether that tire is in contact with the roadway) 6 years or more be replaced even if such tire appears serviceable and even if it has not reached the legal treadwear limit. If you are unable to determine the date a tire was first placed in service, then you should rely on the DOT code stamped on the tire and ensure that any tire which was manufactured more than 6 years ago is removed from service (see below for how to read a tire’s DOT code). Tires that should otherwise be replaced based on wear, damage or any other factor should not be kept in service regardless of the date they were first placed in service or their date of manufacture. Also, consumers should never purchase or install used tires of any age on their vehicle as the service, maintenance and storage of used tires is largely unknown.

Automobile Manufacturers’ Recommendations

Various automobile manufacturers have published statements and instructions regarding tire service life, which include tire replacement recommendations based on chronological age. Goodyear advises that consumers refer to their owners’ manuals for guidance on the vehicle manufacturer’s replacement recommendations (but regardless of any such vehicle manufacturer’s advice, any tire’s replacement period should not exceed 6 years from the date the tire is placed in service or 6 years from the date included in the DOT code on the sidewall of the tire if you are unable to determine the date the tire was first placed in service).

The causes of tires wear

No matter what kind of driver you are or what type of vehicle you drive, your tires are going to have to be properly maintained. Driving with under or overinflated tires or with misaligned wheels can cause your tires to wear down faster. Here are a few other things that can harm your tires:

• Failure to rotate your tires.
• Harsh road surfaces.

Preventing premature tire wear

While normal wear is inevitable, you can help extend your tires' life by practicing a few good habits. Here are a few protective measures you can take:

• Maintain the tire inflation pressure recommended on the placard located on the drivers side door jamb.
• Rotate your tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles.
• Avoid hard braking.
• Avoid accelerating too quickly and squealing your tires.
• Schedule an appointment to have your wheel alignment checked.

By taking these precautionary measures and keeping your tires in optimal condition, it will help you to achieve a maximum lifespan for your tires.. It all comes down to how well you treat your tires and your vehicle.