Last Updated on August 3, 2024
Rolling Further: Practical Tips to Make Your Tires Last Longer
We all want our big investments to pay off. When you spend a decent amount on safe, brand-new tires, you want to know that those tires will last you for many years. But how can you ensure that happens?
Failing to care for your tires properly not only makes them wear faster but also jeopardizes your safety and the well-being of others on the road. You owe it to yourself and other drivers to keep your tires in tip-top shape.
Considering that the average set of new tires costs at least $600 to buy and install, you probably don’t want to buy a new set more often than needed. That’s especially true if you spring for ultra-high performance, mud terrain, or all-terrain tires, which can come at $300 a pop.
With people paying more for tire purchases and the price of tires rising due to material shortages, shipping delays, shortages, and other factors, we don’t blame people for wanting to know how to make their tire purchase last.
In this post, we want to help you understand how long your tires should last and how to make them last longer with proper maintenance techniques.
How Long Should Tires Last?
First, let’s talk about how long your car tires should last if everything is done right. This is a good starting point for planning your budget and understanding if you properly care for your tires.
All-Season
Assuming your driving habits and behaviors are relatively standard, and you care for your tires as you should, all-season tires should last between 50,000 and 70,000 miles. That’s at least three years for the average American and their mileage habits.
All-Terrain
Because all-terrain tires typically wear and tear more than your average all-season tire set, they will likely last for about 40,000 miles with the proper maintenance and care.
Winter
Winter tire lifespans are a bit different. Unless you live somewhere that has snow and ice all the time, you’re likely only using them for the cold season. Your winter tires should last for at least four cold seasons – if not five or six.
Of course, no tire will last as long as it should if it is not properly cared for by the owner. Forgetting to take care of basic maintenance tasks will shorten a tire’s life substantially – and force you to spend more money on new tires sooner.
How to Make Your Tires Last Longer with 5 Proven Strategies
The joy of a smooth drive often depends on the tires beneath your vehicle. Regular replacements can be costly, both for your wallet and the environment. So, how can you extend the life of your tires? The answer lies in proactive care and maintenance.
1. Keep Tires Properly Inflated
One of the biggest things you can do to care for your tire is to keep it inflated at just the right level. Trust us, this isn’t just one of those tire tips you should read and then disregard.
Low tire pressure affects how well your car can brake and compromises steering and handling. Also, low pressure causes tire sidewalls to flex excessively, generating heat and accelerating tire wear. It also decreases the tire’s low rolling resistance and increases fuel consumption.
On the flip side of the equation, overinflated tires can cause the center of your tire’s tread to wear more rapidly. This is typically less of a problem than underinflation, but it still causes your tires to wear out faster.
We recommend inspecting your tire pressure at least once a month to ensure your tires are in the best condition. A normal air pressure per square inch (PSI) is between 30 and 35. If your tires are outside of that range, you likely need to check your car’s manual and figure out if they are over or under-inflated.
Ensuring your tires have valve stem caps also helps prolong tire life. If you regularly drive without valve stem caps, water, dirt, and debris can get into the tire and cause premature aging on the inside.
2. Monitor Tread Wear Regularly
The next thing you’ll want to do for your tire’s lifespan is pay attention to how much and quickly your tread is wearing down. People probably tell you to use a penny for this, which works.
Place the penny with President Lincoln’s head upside down into the shallowest groove on the tire. If you can see Lincoln’s head, your tire’s tread is dangerously low, and you’ll likely need to start shopping for a replacement.
How does this help me extend the life of my tires?
By actively checking your tread regularly, you’ll notice problems such as uneven wear on one edge of the tier, cupping, feathering, or distortion. The quicker you notice problems like these, the more of a chance you’ll have to correct the issue causing them and prolong the tire’s usefulness.
Your tread will wear down no matter what, but you can help avoid faster wear by avoiding potholes, addressing leaks and holes quickly, and checking your wheel alignment.
3. Keep Up with Balance and Alignment
Speaking of alignment, that’s more important than most people realize. Proper alignment ensures that when your tires come into contact with the road, they hit it just the right way to avoid crooked steering and speedy tire wear.
To extend a tire’s lifespan, you must regularly check your balance and alignment. At Tires Easy, we recommend that drivers have these factors professionally assessed at least twice a year. This will help you spot problems before they exacerbate the wear and tear on your tires.
4. Dodge the Obstacles
We mentioned potholes earlier, but let’s touch back on that. Any time your tires come into contact with obstacles like holes or debris, it contributes to a shorter lifespan.
Your behavior as the driver significantly impacts how long your tires last. If you’re careful about steering clear of branches, trash, potholes, bumps, and other problems in the road, your tires will last longer than if you just blew through them without a care.
That might seem straightforward, but in our line of work, we meet too many drivers who don’t understand how bad potholes and other obstacles can be for their tires and wallets.
5. Don’t Wait Too Long for Tire Rotations
Lastly, let’s talk about rotating your tires. Unless this is the first car you’ve ever driven and you’ve never heard any tire maintenance tips, you probably already know that rotations are essential.
However, many drivers don’t know exactly how often they are supposed to rotate their tires. Generally, rotating your tires every 5,000 to 6,000 miles is a good rule of thumb. Depending on how much you drive, this could be from once to multiple times yearly.
Considering that the average American drives around 13,500 miles annually, most of us should rotate our tires at least twice a year if we want them to last. If you can’t remember the last time you had yours rotate, it’s time to make an appointment ASAP.
Conclusion
Tires are foundational to your vehicle’s performance and safety. By adopting these strategies, you can make your tires last longer and ensure a smoother and safer ride.
In the journey of vehicular care, ensuring your tires tread the extra mile is paramount. By embracing these five proven strategies, you can effectively make your tires last longer, offering enhanced performance and safety.
Remember, proactive maintenance doesn’t just prolong tire life; it promises a smoother, more efficient, and safer driving experience for all your adventures.
Eager to make the most of your tire investment?
At Tires Easy, we provide top-quality tires designed for durability. As professionals in the tire industry, we want to see all of our clients get the best bang for their buck and extend their tire life. Tires can last for many years safely, but only if you do what’s necessary to protect and maintain them.
Shop now and benefit from our expert guidance to ensure you choose tires that promise longevity.
Do you have further questions about checking or extending tire life? Are you on the hunt for new tires altogether? Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Tires Easy team. Give us a call at 1-855-978-6789 or email us at info@www.tires-easy.com.
FAQs
How can I make my tires last longer?
To make your tires last longer, it’s essential to maintain proper tire pressure, rotate them regularly to ensure even wear, get wheel alignments when needed, avoid aggressive driving habits, and frequently inspect them for any signs of damage or uneven wear.
Can tires last five years?
Tires can last five years and often longer, especially following proper maintenance practices. To make your tires last longer than this benchmark, it’s crucial to adhere to the tire care tips and check them periodically for signs of aging, even if the tread seems adequate.
Which tire brand is long-lasting?
Several tire brands are renowned for their durability and long-lasting designs. Brands like Michelin, Goodyear, and Bridgestone frequently top the list for their longevity. However, regardless of the brand, to truly make your tires last longer, it’s vital to maintain them properly through regular checks, rotations, and ensuring optimal tire pressure.
