How Often Should You Replace Your Tires?

As a shop specializing in new tire sales in Riverside, CA, we often have customers who ask us how frequently they should expect to replace their tires. There is no single over-arching answer to this question—the answer depends on a variety of factors.

Here are just a few of the factors you should take into account when considering getting new tires for your vehicle:

Tread: You should always keep an eye on the tread level of your tires. The treads are the grooves and ridges on the surface of your tires that give them their traction. As the tread wears down over time, the tires have less friction while in contact with the road. The best test for whether your tread has worn down too far is the penny test. Stick a penny with Lincoln’s head facing down into the tread. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, the treads are too worn and the tires should be replaced.

• Construction
  The nature of the compound used to construct the tire will also be a factor to consider with regard to when you need to change your tires. Tires that are made with softer compounds will offer better braking performance and vehicle responsiveness, but will also wear down more quickly.
• Mileage
  Most tires are generally believed to have a life of between 25,000 and 50,000 miles. Of course, these are just average numbers—the owner’s manual for your vehicle will likely have more specific recommendations for how often you should change your tires. There is also the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which suggests a tire replacement every six years, regardless of the number of miles you’ve put on your existing set.
• Type of driving
  Your driving behaviors will influence how quickly your tires wear down. For example, if you take corners quickly, apply the brakes heavily or ride on rough surfaces regularly, this will result in faster wear and tear on your tires. Overloading the vehicle or poor vehicle maintenance can also be detrimental to your tires, as can regularly driving with improper tire pressure.
• Visible signs of damage
  You should regularly inspect your tires for visual signs of damage that could indicate it’s time to replace your tires. Be on the lookout for cuts, slashes, sidewall damage or visible wires. If you notice signs of irregular wear, this will decrease the lifespan of your tires, while also potentially indicating something else that’s wrong with your vehicle, such as a suspension problem or wheel alignment issue. You should have this issue addressed by a professional auto technician to determine the root problem.

All of these issues should be taken into account to determine whether or not you need to purchase new tires. If you have any questions about the condition of your tires and if it’s time for you to upgrade, feel free to contact Reliable Tire Center about new tire installation in Riverside, CA and we will be happy to help you.

Categorised in: Tire Replacement