How Often & When Should You Change Your Tires

Closeup of checking tire tread wear depth of old tire using a quarter coin.

Winter is in full swing and all across the country we are seeing more snowfall, ice, and cold weather than we have had in quite a few years. With all of this cold weather and even more on the horizon, you probably have been all too aware of your vehicle’s grip on the road. Not all tires are built the same, and choosing the right brand, style, and design for your are is extremely important. Not only that, but depending on your vehicle and your driving habits, your tires could last longer or shorter than average. There are a few ways that you can check your tires to see if you have enough tread and are properly equipped to handle the weather. If you would like to learn more about how you can keep your vehicle running smoothly all year long, come into one of your local Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers today. Here are a few signs that you need to change your tires soon.

Checking Your Tire Treads

One of the easiest signs that your tires are too old and need to be replaced is if your treads are beginning to wear down. Different types of rubber and styles of tread will wear down differently, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer for when your tires will lose their treads. An easy way to check your tires is by using a simple quarter. Take a quarter and insert it into your tire tread with Washington facing down. If you can see the top of Washington’s head, your tire treads have worn down to a dangerous level and you need to replace your tires as soon as possible. During the winter, this is especially important as balding tires can lead to accidents, sliding, and other avoidable issues.  

How Old Are Your Tires

All tires have a lifespan no matter how gentle or infrequently you drive your vehicle. On average, a normal set of tires will last anywhere from 4-5 years of 60,000-75,000 miles, whichever comes first. The rubber on older tires can become brittle or fragile and become much more prone to blowouts and flats. If your tires are older than that or have driven for more than 75,000 miles, unless they have been rated for longer periods, you need to change them out. If you have forgotten how old your tires are, the date your tires were made is usually listed on the side of each tire.

You can easily get your tires checked and your vehicle inspected in one quick trip right by visiting one of your local Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers today.