How Often Should I Replace the Tires on My Car?

Replacing your tires when needed will let you get an optimal experience as a driver. Vehicles run best when all four tires are kept in good condition, allowing the vehicle to get adequate traction even on wet roads and maximizing the efficiency of braking.

A general rule for how often you should replace your tires is to get a replacement every 50 to 60 thousand miles. This is a good rule to follow for how often your tires need to be replaced because it helps you stay ahead of potential problems. A mechanic experienced in determining when cars need to have new tires installed can give you a more specific answer to the question of how often you should replace the tires.

How Can I Tell If I Need a Tire Replacement?

Simple visual tests can be helpful in determining when it's time to replace your tires. Take a look at the tire tread of all four tires on your vehicle. The tread should be at a level where it isn't worn down to the tread wear indicator line located in the grooves of your tires. If you notice less than optimal tire tread depth, it might be time to replace your tires.

An easy tire wear test you can try to check your tire's tread is the penny test. Stick the penny into the tread with Lincoln's head facing out towards you. If the entire head of the coin is covered by the tread, it's likely time to consider getting new tires before putting any more mileage on the vehicle. This penny test is a great trick for any car owner to keep in mind.

Tire Maintenance FAQ

Wondering if your tires need to be replaced, or have other questions regarding the state of your tires and how they might impact your vehicle? Check out the FAQ we've provided below to learn about how your driving habits impact your tires, the benefits of keeping optimal levels of pressure and air in your tires, and so much more.

If you have any questions about tire care that aren't covered here, come see the tire experts in our service department. We'll be able to assess the level of tread on your tire, check the overall condition of the tire to determine whether or not it's time for a replacement, and provide any other tire service you may need to get optimal use of your vehicle.

What Warning Signs Could Indicate My Tires Need to Be Replaced?

Consistently noticing low tire pressure or air seeping out from the tire could be a sign the tire is worn down and should be replaced. Visible damage such as a puncture from sharp objects are other clear signs that it's time to consider replacing tires for your vehicle. Feeling excessive vibration from the wheels can also be a sign it's time for a replacement. Cracks in the tire caused by ozone exposure can also impact the performance you get in your drive.

Keep an eye on your tire tread as another way of monitoring your tire's condition. An acceptable tread depth is 2/32 of an inch. Drivers can use the penny test described above to determine whether the rubber of their tires has been worn down too much. Getting your tires replaced when you notice a tread depth of less than 2/32 of an inch will ensure you get adequate traction on the road.

What Are The Risks of Not Getting Regular Tire Service?

If you don't get your tires serviced on a regular basis, you won't know that you need to replace your tires until it's too late. This could lead to a dangerous situation like a blowout, which runs the risk of causing you to lose control of your car. If the tread gets worn down beyond a certain point, the tire might fail altogether, potentially causing you to lose control of the vehicle and leaving you stranded and immobile.

The rubber of your tires getting too worn down from a lack of service could also lead to your vehicle running in less-than-optimal condition. A tire needs adequate tread depth in order to keep a good grip on the road so that you can enjoy a smooth ride and stay in control of the vehicle. Failing to get new tires in a timely fashion when they start to wear down could cause you to lose control on wet or icy roads or in other inclement road conditions.

Why Does Tire Tread Matter?

The amount of tread your tire has will help it get a grip on the road. Smooth rubber doesn't generate enough friction to keep your vehicle under control. Conversely, rubber that has the added grip that tire tread provides will help you get a smooth, reliable ride that adheres to the road and keeps you in total control of your vehicle. Having at least 2/32 of an inch of tread will give you optimal results.

As you put more mileage on your vehicle, the wear and tear on the rubber of your vehicle will start to reduce the amount of tread. This wear and tear needs to be addressed to ensure you have adequate tread on your tires. Having adequate tread is particularly important when driving in the rain, during winter weather, on uneven roads, or when faced with any other difficult conditions.

What Are The Benefits of Winter Tires?

Winter tires help you get better traction when traveling on snowy, icy roads that your car will often be faced with when winter weather rolls around. Given this benefit, it's no surprise that many drivers choose to replace their tires with a winter set when the colder months begin. Replacing your tires with a set specifically designed for winter weather can make a big difference for your safety in potentially dangerous situations.

What Can Car Owners Do to Protect Their Tires?

A number of factors can impact whether you need to replace tires earlier or later. Some of these factors include your driving style and driving habits and the road conditions where you're typically traveling. Issues such as wheel misalignment can also cause your tires to wear down more quickly, so taking proper care of all your vehicle's other components can be beneficial to the health of your tires.

Another good way to keep your tires in good condition is to keep the tire pressure at optimal levels. Ensuring there's enough air in each tire will give you a smooth ride and will also protect your tires from wear and tear caused by moving at high speeds over rough terrain. Pay attention to the speed rating of your tires for another useful bit of information that will help them last longer.

What Is a TPMS?

A TPMS, or tire pressure monitoring system, is an electronic feature included in many newer vehicles that helps you monitor the amount of pressure in each tire so that you can keep your car running smoothly. This will help you know when it's time to add air to keep the tires in proper condition.

What Is Speed Rating?

Every tire has a rating that determines what speed it is safe to travel on that particular tire. You can find this rating along with other pertinent information about the tire written along the tread of the tire. This particular information is shown as a letter between A and Z, with higher letters in the alphabet indicating higher ratings for the speed at which these tires can safely operate.

Why Should I Get My Tires Rotated?

Getting a tire rotation will increase the amount of time you have before your tires need to be replaced, giving you better value for your money. Rotating tires distributes tread wear evenly between those tires, helping each one last better over long distances. Failing to get your tires rotation in a timely manner will lead to uneven wear which could lead to a blowout or other potentially dangerous incidents.

Not only will tire rotation keep old tires running for longer, but it will also help you enjoy optimal performance on your drives. Tires that have been rotated and are all at even levels of tread wear will run more smoothly on the road with no excessive vibration. You'll feel the difference that makes from the instant you get behind the steering wheel and set out on your next drive.

Should I Get All Four Tires Replaced?

This depends on the condition of your tires at the time you come in for service. Particularly with front-wheel drive vehicles, you may only need two tires swapped out. If you pursue this option, it's best to make sure the other tires you get are the same brand as your current tires to ensure you get a consistent experience. A mechanic can assess your tire age and determine whether or not you need all four tires changed for new tires.

If some of your tires haven't experienced as much wear and tear as others, it may be best to simply get a rotation done instead of replacing the tires altogether. A whole tire swap may not be necessary, as simply switching out the front and back tires can get you the same quality results for longer without needing to incur the expense of a whole set of new tires.

How Long Can I Drive on My Vehicle's Spare Tires?

Keeping extra tires in your vehicle can be a lifesaver when the tires become worn and an issue like a blowout or a flat tire occurs. Knowing how to put a spare tire on a car is a skill that all drivers should have, as it could make the difference in a difficult situation.

However, the spare tires in your vehicle were not designed to be used for extended periods of time. They are not meant to replace tires permanently and should only be used as an emergency measure. You should drive for no more than 50 miles before getting new tires to replace your spare ones and should avoid traveling at high speeds as these tires do not have the same level of traction as normal tires.

How Long Does It Take to Replace Tires?

Getting new tires installed can be done fairly quickly, minimizing the downtime you face before you can get your car back out on the road. Typically, a whole set of four new tires can be installed in between 45 minutes to an hour. This will let you get back out on the road with a smooth ride with no excess vibration in no time at all.

Where Can I Get Tire Replacement Service?

Choosing where to get tire service does matter for the quality you get. Going into a trustworthy tire shop is the best way to get this crucial aspect of your vehicle maintenance routine taken care of. Check out reviews of any auto shop you're considering to make sure their work is of a high standard that you can trust.

Do some research prior to bringing your car in for tire service as well to ensure the new tires you're getting are quality products that will give you safe driving and the maximum amount of mileage before needing to be replaced. Taking time to research what tire option is best for you will give you the best results possible and will help you get the most out of the money you invest in tire service.

When you're at the steering wheel of your car, you want to feel confident that you're getting safe, efficient performance that you can rely on. Getting your service taken care of at our dealership, whether your tires need replacing or you need any other auto care, will give you the quality results that you desire. Schedule service with the professionals at Landmark DCJR today and we'll keep your vehicle running smoothly! Give us a call at 816-836-0100.


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