As a vehicle owner, you’ve had your fair share of experience with aging tires. Seeing as tires aren’t supposed to last for eternity, it begs the question. How old can tires be and still be safe to drive?
When driving, your safety should be your number one priority. Anything that jeopardizes your safety should be checked immediately.
This article will cover all you need to know about tire maintenance, and amongst other issues, how old can tires be and still be safe to drive?
Without more talk, let’s get down to work.
So, How Old Can Tires Be And Still Be Safe To Drive?
How old can your car tires become and still be okay to use?
A year?
Two years?
Maybe six years. A tire that lasts a year or two isn’t much of a quality tire.
Tire specialists indicate that a tire has an average lifespan of six years, after which it should be replaced. However, tires come in varied quality.
Some tires offer a treadwear warranty up to 80, 000 miles. A longer treadwear warranty will increase the lifespan of your tire. Also, alternative tires can have a considerably lower treadwear warranty, meaning they’ll have a shorter lifespan.
It is believed that the average American drives an average of 14, 000 to 15, 000 miles yearly. Using this research, you may predict just how long you can drive safely by comparing it with your tire’s treadwear warranty.
Your tire is regarded safe for usage between one to six years, provided you drive in the proper conditions. Keep in mind that regardless of tread depth, outdated tires can be dangerous.
What Shortens The Life Of Your Tires?
Buying high grade tires are fantastic and would serve in the long run. However, obtaining these top quality tires isn’t a license to abuse them. Some variables can limit the lifespan of your tires, and we will be covering them below.
1. Driving at Top Speeds
I’m sure you’ve heard the expression speed kills. In this scenario, with tires, speed does kill. How? Your tires will overheat if you drive at high speeds for long periods of time. Your tires will wear out more quickly if your vehicle overheats.
2. Harsh Cornering and Braking
Films like Fast and Furious make hard braking and cornering seem cool. But in reality, if you take corners too quickly, the edges of your front tires will be damaged. As a result, you should approach turns cautiously to avoid putting unnecessary strain on your tires.
3. Carrying Heavy Loads
There is a weight rating on your tires, and going above that limit will cause them to deteriorate or fail. How? Tire pressure will rise if you have more weight on your car, which is bad for the tires.
4. Driving Recklessly on Uneven Surfaces
It’s not a good idea to push your limits on bad terrain. Reckless driving on unpaved or rocky roads can cause tire damage. If you want your tire to last, you should stop doing that.
5. Lack of Maintenance
The best approach to extend the life of your tires is to keep them well-maintained. Your tires will wear out more faster if you don’t take care of them.
6. Improper Tire Pressure
Your tires will have a poor road contact if you don’t follow the recommended tire pressure. Tire overheating is caused by increased friction caused by incorrect tire pressure.
Overheating is bad for your tires, as we explained previously. Checking your tire pressure on a regular basis could help you avoid this problem.
How To Tell When You Need New Tires?
When it’s time to replace your worn-out tires, it’s important to know when to do so. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it’s time to get a new tire.
1. Shallow or Worn-out Treads
Shallow or worn-out tread is an evident sign that you need new tires. At 2/32 of an inch, a tire’s tread is deemed worn and needs to be replaced. Driving on tires with insufficient tread is a criminal in several places because it puts you and others in danger.
Put Abe’s head in your tire tracks with a cent (the Lincoln-head penny). You need new tires if you can see Lincoln’s entire head through your current tread.
2. Sidewall Cracks/Cuts
If you see cracks in the sidewalls of your tires, it’s time to replace them since leakage or worse could result. If you’re paying attention, you should be able to see sidewall cracks on your tires.
3. Blisters on The Tire
You’ll notice that the tire’s outer surface weakens with time with an old tire. Your tire’s surface will become inflated or blistered as a result of this flaw. It could lead to a tire blowout if it isn’t taken care of right away. These blisters or bulges on your tire, like cracks, are easy to spot even if you don’t have a professional eye.
4. Excessive Vibrations
It’s natural to feel vibrations while driving. However, if you’ve been driving for some time, you’ll be able to determine whether the vibration level is odd.
Vibrations in your car can be caused by a number of things, one of which is a damaged tire. As soon as you notice strange vibrations while driving, it’s time to check your tires.
How to Maintain Your Tires to Make Them Last Longer?
As we mentioned previously, good tire care will extend the life of your tires. If you follow the suggestions below, you’ll be sure to get a long life out of your tires.
- Check your tire air pressure regularly (monthly preferably)
- Ensure that your wheels are balanced
- Check your alignment at least twice a year
- Rotate your tires after 5,000 miles to ensure they don’t wear unevenly
- Regularly inspect your tire treads
- Do not carry weights that exceed your tires weight limit
- Avoid reckless driving on bad terrain
Conclusion
The answer to your inquiry has been provided in this area. As a result of this article, you now know how old a tire can be before it is safe to use, and more.
Have a walk to your garage and use what you’ve learned to take a look at your tires. It’s said that knowledge is power. If you don’t know when to change your tires, you could lose your life.
This needs to be reiterated. When you’re behind the wheel, the only thing that matters is your own safety.
