Just like any other parts of your vehicle, tires are replaceable after a period. Even when you regularly take care of it through a preventive maintenance routine, there will come a time that your tires need to retire.
When will you know if you need a new set of tires? This article tackles all about tire replacement and how often should you change tires on your car.
Why do tires need to be replaced?
As mentioned, tires are replaceable auto parts. If your tires are already calling for retirement and you just neglect them, you’ll likely experience risks while on the road.
Decreased traction
Slick tires result in decreased traction. While driving with slick tires, you can lose control of your car when you encounter snow, ice, and rain. You always need properly treaded tires to redirect these foreign substances away, allowing the rubber to contact the ground.
Poor braking and steering
You will know the efficiency of new tires when they are new—they will roll smoothly with stability without much effort. That is why you will feel the need for a new set when you suddenly experience a rough ride.
When a tire wears out, you’ll begin getting trouble in steering and braking, giving you a tough time when you tackle corners at a certain speed.
Decreased traction
Your tire’s tread protects it from foreign materials that it gets contact with. If your tire is already slick, it is more prone to punctures caused by nails and debris on the road.
What Factors Can Cause Damage to the Tires?
Damage to tires can be a result of avoidable errors. You need to know the different factors why your tires quickly wear out so you can address them before they completely give up.
- Inflation pressure.Ensure that your tire’s pressure is set to the recommended specification by the manufacturer.
- Heat build-up.Heat build-up makes the tires prone to early wear and cuts.
- Vehicle maintenance.Failure to have your vehicle checked by a skilled mechanic makes the car inefficient and can affect your tire’s performance.
- Right type of tire.Selecting the correct tread pattern increases performance in traction and prolongs your tire’s lifespan.
How often should car tires be replaced?
Do you know how often should car tires be replaced? Tires should be changed after a few years since they were first used. But there are other factors for consideration beyond the date.
Replacement of tires depends on how long it has been and how far it has traveled.
Duration
Have you asked yourself, how often do I need new tires? The first factor you need to know is the duration. A tire typically lasts 3-5 years, depending on how you maintain it, its condition, and your driving style.
Mileage
How many miles on tires before changing? The recommended tire replacement mileage is every 25 000 to 80 000 miles.
Other types of tires, such as performance tires, need faster replacement as they are designed softer for better grip during high-speed driving. On the other hand, touring-style tires can last longer for their robust tread.
Doing the Tread Test
The tread test is a fundamental and straightforward way to know if your tire is up for replacement.
This test can be a quick solution to know how often do you need new tires.
To do this, just use a penny inserted into your tire’s tread. Lincoln’s head should be facing you and must turn upside down. If the head shows up entirely, then it’s time to replace your tires.
Steering Wheel Feels Off When Driving
When your tire pressure is extremely low, or you already have damaged treads, you begin to feel a shaky experience on your steering wheel.
Signs That Your Tires Need to Be Replaced
You must know when to replace your tires in vehicle maintenance.
You must remember two simple steps to see if they are up for replacement.
First is the age of your tire. If your tire is already over five years old, you should replace it with a new one.
Second is your tire’s tread depth. If your tread already wears down below 2/32 inches, you should already go to your car care center and get a new pair.
Tread Wear
You must check your tire’s tread if you have difficulty driving while it is raining. Your tread should not measure below 2/32 inches. Try the tread test and use a penny to determine if your tread needs to be changed immediately.
Bubbles and Bulges
Road debris is unavoidable. If you hit these objects, your tire’s sidewall may bulge, which can cause damage to your tire’s internal structure.
Be careful when you find a bulge on your sidewall, as this may result in an explosion. If you can, replace the tire with your spare tire and go to your mechanic to have your tire checked.
Vibration
Vibrations are usually a result of suspension alignment or a problem with tire balance. When your tire wears out, it is more prone to vibrations, especially if you frequently travel a bumpy road.
Sidewall Cuts or Cracks
Sidewalls do not have composite cords, unlike treads, which makes them prone to leak and blow out if debris, such as a nail, strikes their surface.
Embedded nails or stones
Nails, stones, and broken glass can pierce your tire, decreasing air pressure if the cuts go too deep.
Nevertheless, if you observe embedded nails and small rocks in your tires, go to your auto shop for further inspection.
Visible damage.
Visible damage in your tires’ sidewall and bent wheel are signs that you need to have your tires checked, as these can slow down your tire’s performance and efficiency.
Damaged valve caps
Damaged valve caps can let debris and dirt into your tires, causing a tire’s air pressure reaction. If you have destroyed lids or are missing, go to your nearest tire shop for a replacement.
How to choose new tires
Now that you know when should you change your tire, it’s time to choose the appropriate ones for your vehicle.
Consider these pointers when you go to your tire shop.
Find the right size
Look into your driver’s side door frame and read on the sticker, which indicates the proper tire size of your vehicle. If unsure, you can always ask your mechanic about the right tire type to buy.
Determine the style you need
Determine the style of your tires depending on your vehicle, your driving habits, and other driving conditions. Remember, you need to know how your tire works to drive safely.
Figure out your tire budget
The cost of tires differs depending on your vehicle’s size, tire type, and application. Branded tires may cost more than others, but if your tire professional advises a particular kind, then it would be best to adhere to the expert’s suggestion.
You may think that the cost of your tires may be costlier compared to your other auto parts but consider it an investment for your safety while on the road.
What Happens When I Don't Replace My Tires?
The leading disadvantage of not replacing your tires when they already need to go is your safety.
Old tires develop braking intervals and decrease traction during critical situations. Another common worn tire problem you can encounter is flat or blowout tires which leaves you asking for help while on the road.
Do I need to replace my spare tire, too?
Spare tires must also be replaced, even if you have not used them for years. You need to consider its age as a determinant in replacing it with a new one. Additionally, even if it is just in your trunk, it is still prone to brittleness and cracks. For those with pickup, where spare tires are stored under the pickup bed, exposure to debris diminishes their quality over time.
Can I rotate my tires instead?
Yes, you can rotate your tires, but it is not an alternative option in tire replacement. Driving develops uneven wear patterns, and by tire rotation, you extend its life further. Tire rotation every 5 000 to 7 000 miles equalize the patterns for a less noisy and smoother ride.
If you are not familiar with tire rotation, it is best to leave the work to a mechanic who is more skilled in conducting a seamless process.
Is it OK to have different brand tires? Do they need to be replaced in pairs?
Your mechanic will not recommend changing tires to different brands. While it is more convenient to change all four tires, it does not have to be mandatory. Tire replacement in pairs can save you more money while making your car safer.
When you want tire replacement, these are the factors you need to consider:
- Tire size.All of your tires should be the same size.
- Speed rating.As with the size, the speed rating should also be the same as other tires for proper vehicle control.
- Tread type.Do not mix different treads. Your front tires should have the exact replacement tires. It goes the same with your rear tires.
Do I need to visit the tire shop?
Tire maintenance should be easy if you know how it performs.
If you are not well-versed in checking your car’s primary parts, including your tires, visit Status Automotive & Collision and let our experts look into your concern.
How Can You Get Your Vehicle's Tires to Last Longer?
Tires don’t last forever, but some simple best practices can help them reach their full potential. One thing is for sure—your tires will give up one way or another.
But with simple measures, you can maximize your tire lifespan and save more money for other car maintenance expenses.
Keep the correct tire pressure
You would want to use digital tire pressure to inspect your tires each month, specifically during the morning when the weather is cold. Cold tires provide a more detailed reading than warm tires. Inspecting your tires makes all the difference in maintaining the recommended PSI and making your tires work well.
Rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles
Lengthen your tire’s tread life by doing a rotation for every 5 000 to 7 000 miles or with every oil change. You can also rotate your full-size spare tire to prolong its life.
Keep the correct tire pressure
Preventable driving habits can be a factor in your tire’s lifespan. If you are used to making fast turns, your tires’ tread wears more quickly than those that slow down. You can also improve your parking skills to prolong your tires
Best tire shop in Houston
Only experts in the field of car care should handle tire replacement. It requires a skilled eye to be able to know the problems on your tires and the solution you need to address the difficulty.
If you need a tire specialist to look into your tires, go to Status Automotive & Collision for guaranteed quality service. Our mechanics are experts in tire replacement on top of being car maintenance specialists.
Book an appointment with Status Automotive & Collision today, and let us handle the tire replacement for you.
