ANSWERS: 1
  • Good, quality tires are necessary for any significant amount of driving. However, it is difficult to tell when tires need to be replaced. Whether you are unsure of how old the tires are or are simply questioning the continued reliability of the tread, consider a few things before you continue to put miles on your tires.

    Normal Tire Longevity

    All tires come with an expected lifespan, or longevity, for the number of miles the tire is expected to last. Some tires come with an estimated 70,000-mile expected lifespan; others come with 30,000 miles. However, several factors can contribute to the actual lifespan of the tire, including your elevation, driving patterns and air inflation. At low elevations, the tires tend to last longer. If you purchased a tire with a 70,000-mile expected lifespan, the tire could likely last for close to 70,000 miles. As the elevation rises and the terrain is more difficult, however, you may see a significant drop in tire longevity. Also, if you do the majority of your driving in town, starting and stopping often, you may find the tread lasts for much fewer miles than originally advertised. For these drivers, a 70,000 mile tire may only last for 35,000 miles. For those who do not drive very much, tires may wear out before the advertised mileage is reached due to age. Users should not expect a 30,000-mile tire to last for 10 years, even if a driver only drives 25,000 miles in that 10-year span.

    Determining Tire Safety

    While it is difficult to know when to replace tires without having the tires examined by professionals, a few simple suggestions could help you know how much tread you have remaining on your vehicle. Use several U.S. coins to help you determine the depth of tread. Place a penny inside of your tread with Lincoln's head upside down; if the tread covers any part of Lincoln's head, then you have more than 2/32 inch of tread left. According to many state laws, a tire worn to 2/32-inch tread is considered worn and should be replaced. Place a quarter upside down into the tire's tread; if part of Washington's head is covered, you have more than 4/32 inch of tire tread remaining. This is considered safe in many states, and you should be able to continue using the tire. To check for deeper tread, place a penny upside down with the back of the penny visible; when the tread covers the top of the Lincoln Memorial, the tread is over 6/32 inch. Certain weather conditions determine the safety of tire tread; while 4/32-inch tread might be safe in dry, mild climates, snowy conditions could prove hazardous for the driver. It is recommended that drivers have at least 6/32-inch tire tread when driving in snow and 4/32 inch of tire tread when driving through significant rain and water.

    Source:

    IntelliChoice.com; Tire Basics

    TireRack.com; Measuring Tire Tread Depth

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