How Long Should Tires Last?

In general, a new set of tires should last you between 3 and 5 years, depending on how much mileage you put on them in an average year. On average, most Americans drive between 10,000 and 15,000 miles each year, and the more you drive, the more wear you place on your tires. This is why, if you are looking for “affordable tires near me,” you should stop by our tire center at Thomas Nissan of Joliet. Our experts will help you find a new set of tires at a great price, so you can continue to drive safely on the roads.

There are a number of different factors that contribute to the life of your vehicle’s tires. Paying attention to them will help give you a longer lifespan on your set. This will not only save you money but also keep you safe. Riding on bald tires can be very dangerous, as the lack of treads can increase stopping distance while reducing road grip. This results in more skidding and slipping, especially in inclement weather. If you notice that your tire’s treads are wearing thin, head over to our service center where our tire experts can help keep you and your loved ones safe no matter where your new set of tires takes you.

Tire Lifespans and the Weather

Some tire manufacturers provide warranties for up to 80,000 miles on the tires they make. If you average 10,000 miles of driving, then these tires should theoretically last you for 8 years. However, these warranties can sometimes be misleading since a number of factors will influence how long your tires will last. For example, in warm weather, the rubber on the tire treads will heat up, so you may actually burn more rubber than you will in colder weather. So, if you live in an area where the climate is warmer, the heat will create more friction, leading to a shorter tire lifespan. At the other end of the spectrum, if you live in colder climates, the lower temperatures result in lower tire pressure. Driving on underinflated tires is not only dangerous but could also damage the tires, reducing the miles you will be able to put on them before they have to be replaced.

While you can’t change the climate where you live, you still can take steps to address the weather. You should always check the tire pressure. Tire makers have a rating for the tires they manufacture. In order to ensure peak performance, you should make sure you have the proper tire pressure. Underinflated and overinflated tires are dangerous, harm your vehicle’s performance, and don’t wear as well as ones with the proper inflation. If you get a flat or puncture, you should have the affected tire repaired by a professional. Also, if you ever need to replace a damaged tire, make sure to buy the exact same make and model, and have them installed and balanced by a trained technician.

Your Driving Habits

The way you drive has a direct impact on the lifespan of your vehicle’s tires. Excessive speed and braking can put excess wear and tear on your tires, which will reduce the mileage you can put on them in the long run. There is a reason why rapid acceleration is referred to as “burning rubber”; you literally increase the amount of rubber your tires leave behind on the pavement when you step on the gas. This is because there is friction between the pavement and the treads on your tires, and driving fast simply increases the heat.

Similarly, constant and sudden braking will damage your tires. This is also because of the friction caused when you slam on the brakes. You’ve probably seen where someone comes to an abrupt stop in their car and leaves a trail of smoke. That “smoke” is actually tire rubber being aerosolized as it heats up from the emergency braking of the car. If you want to avoid this and get a longer life from your tires, then you should avoid these types of aggressive driving habits.

The type of pavement you drive on can also have an impact on your tires. Broken, rutted pavement and potholes can damage tires. Driving off-road also puts more wear on your vehicle’s tires, especially if your vehicle isn’t equipped with specialized all-terrain tires. A slight bit of damage can start a series of events that will lead to you needing to replace your tires.

Finally, your car’s tires do not wear evenly. Right turns put more wear on the driver’s side tires, while left-hand turns are more burdensome on those on the passenger side. In addition, your type of drivetrain can lead to different wear and tear on your tires, especially if your vehicle features front-wheel or rear-wheel drive. This is why it is so important to get your tires rotated on a regular basis. This will allow your tires to wear more evenly between all four of them. Also, when you bring your car in for a tire rotation, you should have the technician check to make sure they are properly aligned. Misaligned tires can also reduce the lifespan of your tires.

Not All Tires or Vehicles Are Created Equal

Automakers choose the tires for the vehicle you bought. In most cases, the automakers select a set that will allow your vehicle to perform at its best. However, if you have high-performance tires on your vehicle, this may lead to the need to change your tires more often. While high-performance tires allow you to drive fast, go 0 to 60 in the blink of an eye, and stop on a dime, they also don’t wear as well as more conventional, all-weather tires. In addition, some tire manufacturers produce higher quality products than others, and within some brands are better models than others. This can also influence the lifespan of your new set of tires.

The type of vehicle you drive can affect this as well. In general, vehicles like pickup trucks and SUVs will put more wear on tires than sedans and coupes. This has to do with vehicle weight, as heavier vehicles like trucks and SUVs produce greater pressure on the tires, increasing the amount of friction between the tire and the pavement. This will lead to a greater reduction of the treads on your tires.

Oldies but Not Goodies

Like most materials, the rubber compounds in your tire begin to age over time. As they age, the materials will start to degrade. As this happens, your tires become more susceptible to flats and blowouts. If this happens on a major freeway where you are driving in excess of 50 miles per hour, it could lead to a life-threatening situation.

In general, we see this deterioration in the tire’s rubber starting to occur after 6 years, especially with vehicles that have lower than average mileage. Believe it or not, driving less mileage can also reduce your tires’ lifespan, as the rubber compounds that make up the tire often require the friction of driving to keep them from deteriorating. The worst part is that this may not be detectable to the naked eye as the tire treads themselves still appear to be deep enough. This is why you should consider replacing your original set of tires on a car that is 5 years or older, even if the odometer reading is less than 50,000 miles.

Two Ways to Tell Age

The key to determining the age of your car’s tires depends on two factors: mileage and years. A set of tires on a three-year-old vehicle with 80,000 miles is actually over 5 years old in tire age. Similarly, a set of tires on a 6-year-old vehicle with 40,000 miles is also over 5 years old. In both cases, the driver should consider replacing the tires at that point.

Having Good Tires Is Important

Getting a set of new tires may not sound like everyone’s favorite thing to do. But, a new set of tires will improve the performance of your vehicle, allowing you to get better acceleration, improved fuel economy, better cornering, and shorter stopping distance. It will also make your vehicle safer, allowing you to avoid dangerous blowouts and hazardous spinouts, both of which can be caused by worn or aged tires. If you’re looking for a place that sells affordable tires that will allow you to get that security without the stress on your bank account, stop by our service center today.