When To Replace Tires

We all have heard about the importance of replacing tires and why it is crucial to avoid any problems so that you can ensure smooth performance and reliable control. But many people struggle with the question of when to replace tires as it can vary depending on the use, tire quality, road conditions, and many other factors.

Luckily, there are few markers that can indicate when to replace tires. As several factors play a role in determining the ideal time to replace the tire, you have to check all of these parameters individually. It might seem like a lengthy process, but we are here to help you. Today, we will be talking about everything that you need to know about replacing the tires, including the benefits and the risks of not replacing the tires.

Signs it’s time to replace your tires

As different cars use different driving mechanisms, the tire wears at different speeds. For instance a front-wheel drive like Honda Civic uses the front tires for acceleration and braking, causing more wear and tear in those tires than the rear tires. However, an all-wheel drive like Honda Pilot uses all four wheels to accelerate, brake, and other driving functions, causing even tread wear on all tires. Depending on the type of car, the tread wear can vary.

These are some of the factors that can help you determine if your tires need to be replaced.

Treadwear

The most obvious thing to look at when deciding when it’s time for new tires is the amount of tread you have left. If you can visually see the tire’s tread is gone (or nearly gone) and you just have a smooth rubber on the tire, then it is the ideal time to replace the tires.

For reference, the average tire begins with 10/32" of tread, and the laws in most states require tires to be replaced when their tread depth wears to 2/32”. Check your tread depth monthly to make sure your tires aren’t worn out. You can even use a penny or quarter to check your tread depth!

Air Pressure

The signs of when to replace a tire get a little more tricky after treadwear. Tire pressure is very important, but it’s not one of those things that you can visually inspect with the naked eye. You run the risk of driving on an underinflated tire if your tire can’t retain a consistent amount of air (otherwise known as tire pressure), which is a very dangerous situation.

Tires should always be filled to your vehicle’s recommended PSI (Pounds per Square Inch) to reduce the chance of an accident or a blowout. Another important thing to note is that there might be a drop in the tire pressure because of a leak. Sometimes the leak can be repaired and you can continue using the same tire. However, there are times when it can’t and a new tire will be needed. Again, your tire technician will be able to guide you to the safest solution.

Cracked

This one is an especially troubling factor that you must check. Your tire may be slowly leaking, or worse - rotting, if you notice cracks or gouges in the sidewall. Tires get old, and degradation is only natural over time, due to the harsh conditions they repeatedly endure.

One of the harshest settings they endure is sitting, parked, and getting battered by the sun’s UV rays. Tire manufacturers incorporate chemicals in their tires to help resist the effects of UV rays, but other than parking your car fully indoors and shielding your tires from the light, the sun is always going to win. The tire will, also, inevitably start cracking with age.

Temperature

Staying on top of your tires is important if you live in an area with extreme temperatures, cold or hot. Cold weather causes tires to lose pressure while hot temperatures can result in excessive heat buildup.

As objects expand when heated and contract when cooled, the same thing happens with tires. Also, underinflated tires generate more heat and wear out faster, meaning you’ll need a replacement sooner than you think. So be sure to give your tires the air and care they need during winter and summertime.

Vibration

Feeling a vibration in your steering wheel or noticing that your vehicle seems to shake on smooth roads is a potentially dangerous sign that you may need new tires. The vibration in tires can also be caused due to unbalanced tires. Unbalanced tires wear out much faster than they normally would, which means you’ll need new tires sooner than you think.

Benefits of replacing your tires

There are several benefits of replacing your tires such as:

• New tires ensure consistent performance for the driver and passengers as old, worn out tires can struggle to provide consistent traction and performance
• New tires give better performance as they have new unworn tread grooves
• Research shows that new tires also increase fuel efficiency as there is less friction while driving
• New tires also provide better traction in wet and dry conditions on paved and unpaved roads
• Moreover, new tires also help in a better driving experience and provide a smooth and quiet ride

Risks of not replacing your tires

As there are several benefits of replacing tires, there are also risks of not replacing tires and continuing to use worn-out tires.

• Bald tires or worn-out tires can cause overheating problems
• Worn-out tires are also at more risk of being punctured
• As the tread becomes more worn out, there is an increased risk of hydroplaning
• Underinflation of the tire can cause a blowout
• Worn-out tires are unsafe to drive on wet road conditions or in snow as they do not have a reliable grip

How often do tires need to be replaced?

While generally the tire manufacturer and the tire industry suggest you replace your tires at least every six years, the time can vary depending on various factors as described above. It is important to replace the tire if any of the above-mentioned parameters such as tread depth, air pressure, cracks, show signs of wear, and so on.

Moreover, it is advisable to replace the tires according to the season if you live in a place with extreme weather conditions or if you are moving to a new place with different weather conditions.

Choosing the right tires for your needs and budget

If you are looking for replacement tires, SimpleTire has a variety of tires for different vehicles that fit your requirements, and tire shops in different cities and regions to help you with installation. You can simply add your Year, Make, Model, and Trim level to the search bar above to see every tire that we have available for your ride. From there, we’ll show you a wide variety of tires at different prices to meet your needs.