How to Know How Long a Tire Lasts

There are a variety of factors to consider when determining the life expectancy of tires. The life of a tire can be anywhere from 5,000 to 70,000 miles and up to five years, depending on a variety of conditions. Follow general guidelines when determining the life of the tires on your vehicle, but always remember to trust the experts.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Purchase tires knowledgeably. The U.S. Department of Transportation requires that all manufacturers follow the same guidelines when rating their tires for tread life. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading or UTQG will give you an idea of the tread life at the time of purchase. (See link in Resources.)

2. Look at the design of the tires and select appropriate tires for your vehicle. Sports cars, four-wheel drive vehicles and sedans all require a different style of tire for optimum performance from the vehicle.

3. Observe the condition of the pavement that you drive. If you live in a part of the county that sees a lot of snow, you will need tires for those conditions. Purchasing tires for high speeds is unnecessary for city driving.

4. Drive in a manner to preserve the life of the tires. Frequent skidding to a stop or accelerating quickly from a stop will reduce the life of the tires.

5. Maintain the tires. Follow manufacturer guidelines for the specific tire in question when determining the pressure of the tire. Rotate and balance your tires regularly, according to the tire manufacturer's recommendations. When you rotate your tires, remember to include the spare in the rotation sequence, if it's a full sized tire. This proper maintenance will prolong the lifespan of your existing tires.

6. Ask the professionals. Whether you are purchasing new tires or evaluating your current tires, there are many experts who can help you.

Resources

• The Safer Car website