How Often Should You Replace Your Tires? Signs It’s Time for an Upgrade

Most drivers hold out on tire replacement for as long as possible. However, this reluctance to upgrade from an old, worn-out set can create inconvenient and potentially dangerous situations out on the road.

Now for the big question: how often should you replace your tires? As much as we’d like to provide a hard and fast rule, knowing exactly when it’s time for an upgrade depends on a range of factors. This article will help you sort it out.

How Long Do Tires Typically Last?

While we can’t say exactly when you should plan to replace your tires, the average driver will get 3-5 years of safe performance from a new set. Still, there’s a wide variance based on driving habits, road conditions, maintenance, climate, etc.

From a mileage standpoint, most tires start wearing down after approximately 50,000 miles. Even if you haven’t hit this milestone, most tire manufacturers recommend evaluating your tires after five years, if not earlier.

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Tires

Unless you run something over, your tires won’t degrade overnight. Identifying the symptoms of worn tires takes some diligence, and drivers should be proactive in monitoring the signs of deterioration.

If DIY maintenance isn’t your thing, the expert and certified technicians at one of the over 40 Dobbs locations can give you an honest and transparent assessment of your current tires. If they need replacing, we’ll recommend the ideal set for your vehicle based on your needs and budget.

For those who don’t mind getting down on a knee and taking a closer look, here are the signs to look for:

Worn Tread

Tread depth is one of the most telling indicators of tire health. The legal minimum tread depth in most states is 2/32 of an inch, but many experts recommend replacing your tires when the tread reaches 4/32 of an inch for optimal safety.

One tried-and-true method to measure tread depth is the penny test.  Simply insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can see the top of his head, it’s time for new tires. That’s about as easy as car maintenance gets!

Visible Cracks or Bulges

Over time, the rubber in your tires can dry out and crack due to exposure to the elements – particularly direct sunlight. Cracks or bulges in the sidewalls can compromise the tire’s structural integrity, increasing the risk of a blowout.

If you spot either of these issues, it’s best to replace the tire as soon as possible. Waiting too long could put you and other drivers in a precarious situation on the road.

Uneven Wear

We always preach the importance of tire rotation and wheel alignment because it helps prevent uneven wear. If you’ve noticed that one or more tires seem more worn down than the others, you’re susceptible to unstable handling, reduced traction, lower fuel efficiency…the list goes on.

In most cases, we recommend replacing all four tires to regain the traction you need to drive safely. In addition, replacing the entire set will help make future tire maintenance easier, as all four will be on the same timeline. In rare cases, you may be able to replace one or two over-worn tires and rotate them as needed, but it’s best to consult a professional before choosing this route.

Frequent Air Pressure Loss

All drivers have had the annoying experience of getting into a vehicle and seeing the “tire pressure low” sign illuminated. It’s easy to put this task on the back burner, but you’re also risking uneven wear and all the problems that come with it (see above).

If one or more of your tires are losing air pressure faster than usual, it could indicate a slow leak or internal damage. Even if the tires look fine externally, consistent pressure loss is a red flag that they may need replacing.

Age of the Tires

Someday, engineers might build a tire that lasts for a decade or more. But for now, tires have a much shorter expiration date regardless of how many miles they’ve seen.

Even if your tires look fine and have adequate tread depth, the materials in tires degrade over time, reducing their reliability. If your tires are over six years old, it’s time to consider replacements, especially if you live in an area that experiences extreme heat or cold.

The Dobbs Price Match Guarantee

When it’s time to upgrade your tires, Dobbs is your go-to destination for quality, convenience, and value. Not only do we have an expansive inventory of top tire brands to fit every vehicle and budget, but we also have an unbeatable guarantee: Dobbs will beat any legitimate price from a local store or dealer stocking the same new tire. Even after your purchase, if you find a lower price within 30 days, including our own sale prices, we will refund 100% of the difference, plus one dollar*.

*Our low-price guarantee does not apply when the price includes bonus or free offers, installation or manufacturer’s rebates, competitors’ one-of-a-kind or limited quantity offers, internet offers, or club membership outlet offers.

Visit the Dobbs Tire and Auto Location Near You

 Most car care companies know something about tires. But we live them. Since opening our first store in 1976, we’ve expanded to over 40 locations throughout Missouri and Illinois. We provide a variety of car maintenance parts and services to our customers, but tires are still at the heart of what we do. If you’re ready to replace your current tires or have questions about your existing tires, visit a Dobbs location near you, and our expert and certified technicians will help you find what you need. Schedule your appointment online or stop into a store today.