How long do tires last or need to be replaced by?

[Amy10223]

I have a used car that is 6 years old, and when I bought nit the tires were never replaced. They look ok to me, but being I don't know very much about tires unless the threads look beaten, I dont know when to replace them. It was from a car rental place, then had one owner. I appreciate any advice.

[Darkest-Knight]

Place a penny between the tread ribs on your tire. A “rib” refers to the raised portion of tread that spans the circumference of your tire. Tire tread is composed of several ribs.

Turn the penny so that Lincoln’s head points down into the tread.

See if the top of his head disappears between the ribs. If it does, your tread is still above 2/32” , If you can see his entire head, it may be time to replace the tire because your tread is no longer deep enough.

When performing the penny tire test, remember not only to check each tire, but to check various places around each tire. Pay special attention to areas that look the most worn. Even if parts of your tread are deeper than 2/32”, you should still replace the tire when any areas fail the penny test.

Consistent wear around the whole tire is normal, but uneven tread wear could be a sign of improper inflation, wheel misalignment, or a variety of other things. If you see uneven tread wear, you should have a technician inspect your vehicle.

[Anonymous]

It's not a function of time. It's about miles, and how much tread is left. Measure the depth between the treads. If it's more that 1/16", they are technically still fine. I usually replace mine after it drops below 1/8".

[Amy10223]

Thank you. It has over 43,000 miles. I'll have them check out.

[Opinion Owner]

Good idea.

[Opinion Owner]

Thanks for MHO.

[Paris13]

Tires generally last for 6 to 10 years, regardless of tread depth, but this can vary. Tires generally last for 6 to 10 years, regardless of tread depth, but this can vary significantly based on tire type, driving habits, road conditions, and maintenance.

[douride2]

My old truck was 10 years old when I got rid of it. The tires passed a safty check when it was sold. Mind you it only had a bout 100'000 km. on it.

[msc545]

Average lifespan:
6 to 10 years is the upper limit recommended by most manufacturers.
Mileage lifespan:
Typically 40,000–60,000 miles for most all-season tires.
Rule of thumb:
Even if the tread looks good, replace any tire older than 6 years from its manufacture date (check the DOT code on the sidewall).

Replace when tread depth is below 2/32 inch (1.6 mm).
Use the penny test: if you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, the tread is too low.
Cracks or Dry Rot:

Look for cracks on the sidewalls or between tread blocks — a sign of aging rubber.
Bulges or Blisters:

Indicates internal structural damage and requires immediate replacement.
Vibration or Noise:

Excessive vibration may mean uneven wear, alignment issues, or internal tire failure.
Uneven Wear:

May result from misalignment, poor inflation, or suspension problems.

[andreasderjuengere]

Hmmmm... my rear wheel never lasts longer than a year :D

[msc545]

@andreasderjuengere probably something wrong with the alignment. A tire shop can check that.

[Amy10223]

msc545, had I seen this answer before, I'd have given you best answer! Sorry I did not!

[msc545]

Thanks - glad you liked it!

[andreasderjuengere]

You want 'profile' to have a grip on the road especially when it's wet outside.

Depending on your driving style a TYRE can last longer, or will wear off quickly.

See to it that you have at least ca. 2mm profile depth left. Once you see spots of bare metal shining through, it's a little late already (on a dry day you still can slowly make it to a workshop, though).

Also: all my previous tyres that were made in China lasted less long.

Also: once you see crack lines at the side walls, the tyre is done - even with profile left (this does happen when i. e. granny used the car for years)

[loveslongnails]

You replace tires based on overall wear, tread depth, and age. "Wear" includes many factors, including how well your car is maintained and how much attention you pay to tire pressure. Poor alignment, low or high pressure and/or other issues will cause them to wear much faster. Road conditions in your area and how you drive are a factor also.

Find a local mechanic you can trust, not just a tire sales place, and have them checked out. If they're more than 10 years old, replace them no matter what. Here's a guide that's easy to understand. Hope it helps:

https://www.tires-easy.com/blog/tire-replacement/?srsltid=AfmBOopLdZEN3QPVu2I2POm-4l96o4g0_9XMHBhG0Yle34m2hu3jKZsW

[integrale77]

Depends on the country you live in if there are any special rules I live in the UK and there is no specific age limit though talks of implementing a 10 year limit.

Basically they are legal if there is no sign of them drying up and cracking, the read depth is more than 1.6mm over 80%of the tread. there is no wear or damage that goes throught to the cord and puncture repairs are not too close to the edge of the tread though major repairs are possible.

[darkcloud1945]

Also, do not forget to change the engine oil at least once a year if you drive under 10,000 miles per year. Oil additives that help keep the engine clean, etc, usually dissipate over time. Stop-and-go city mileage is harder on oil than highway mileage. Follow the manufacturer's suggestion in the owner's manual if you have it.

[DryGermanGuy]

Depending on your yearly mileage and your driving profile, you can use a tire for ten, maybe even 15 years.

[Massageman]

When the tread gets worn down to 1/16” or less. Lincoln cent is used to test this. I don’t drive that much- maybe 4k a year, so they might have to be replaced from ozone damage rather than wear after 5-6 years.

[Redstang88]

It’s not really about age, it’s about tread depth and overall wear. Basically if tread is adequate, sidewalls are good and they hold air you’re fine.

[Ironco]

If in doubt, replace them and then you know. And move on without thinking about it

[eagle1951]

depends on the tire and how much they are used

[FateofOphelia]

Depending on the millage and state of tires

[DrPepper12]

@ 40K I think depending on weather

[jamesgoldman]

I'd probably be switching them now