How Long Do Tires Last?

What Happens to Aging Tires?

As mentioned, the generally accepted lifespan of tires (by most states and manufacturers) is six to 10 years. Dependent on how often your car's tires are used and the conditions those tires are exposed to, this timeline may be shorter since the tires will age faster.

Some of the main factors affecting tire health include:

• Age
• Oxygen
• Heat
• Rough road conditions

Age is an obvious factor, but you might be scratching your chin about oxygen.

Well, as tires wear out, oxygen particles seep through and compromise the structural integrity of the tire. The flexible litheness of the tire wears out, and it instead grows brittle and begins to come apart. This is called oxidation, and it occurs naturally as your car's tires age.

Studies have proven that when used in hotter climates, driven around hot roads, or being parked in the sun, car tires wear out faster.

Tires kept in storage are better preserved and age at a much slower rate.

Used Tires: How Long Will Your Tires Last?

Buying used tires is generally not recommended. There's just no way of knowing how the tires were maintained, what types of roads they were previously driven on, if they were previously repaired, or anything about their health history.

New tires offer better safety, traction, and potentially even better gas mileage-with quality tires, your car doesn't have to work as hard to get around.

Compared to used tires, new tires are more likely to last longer and keep you on the move, so keep that in mind when shopping for a tire replacement.

Tire Inspection 101

How can you check to see how old your tires are? The four digits of the tire's Department of Transportation (DOT) identification number will indicate both the week and the year the tire was manufactured. You'll find this number on the tire's sidewall.

As for checking how healthy the tire is? One of the most common tests to check tire quality is the penny method. You put a good old American penny in the tire's tread, face toward you.

If you can see the top of Honest Abe's head, your car's tire tread is shallower than 2/32nds of an inch and not deep enough. You should have the tire replaced as soon as possible.

Regularly inspect your tires to stay on top of their health. Keep an eye on:

• Tire pressure
• Balance
• Crack and tears
• Inflation
• And more!

Remember, punctures and other damage to the center tread can be repaired, but if the damage is someplace else, the tire will need to be replaced.