When and How Often Should You Replace Your Tires?

Don’t let worn-out tires put your safety at risk! Learn when and how often to replace them.

Your tires are the only point of contact your car has with the road, carrying a big responsibility. They affect how your car drives, stops, and keeps you safe, so their condition is very important. But when is it time to get new tires? Overlooking this can be expensive and unsafe. Don’t worry because this guide will give you all the information you need to take good care of your tires.

Tire Age

Most tire manufacturers recommend replacing tires after 6 years, regardless of mileage. This is because rubber compounds can degrade over time, even if the tires appear unused. This degradation can lead to cracking, reduced flexibility, and increased risk of blowouts.

To be on the safe side, consider replacing tires even earlier if your car sits unused for long periods, is exposed to extreme temperatures, or frequently encounters rough roads. These factors can accelerate aging.

Tread Depth

The legal minimum tread depth in most places is 2/32 inches. However, for optimal safety, experts recommend replacing tires when the tread reaches 4/32 inches in summer and 6/32 inches in winter. Here’s how you can check the tread depth:

Penny Test

The Penny Test is a simple, quick method that uses a common coin to help gauge the depth of your tire tread. Here’s how you do it:

1. Find a Penny: Grab a penny to use as your measuring tool.

2. Insert the Penny: Place the penny into one of the tread grooves of your tire. Make sure Lincoln’s head is pointing downwards towards the tire.

3. Check Lincoln’s Head: Look closely at the penny. If the top of Lincoln’s head is visible above the tread, it means your tread depth is less than 2/32 of an inch, and it’s time to replace your tires.

This test is a quick way to check if your tires are legally bald and need replacing for safety reasons.

Tread Depth Gauge

For those seeking more precision in measuring tread depth, a tread depth gauge is the perfect tool. Here’s how to use it:

1. Purchase a Gauge: These gauges are inexpensive and available at most auto parts stores.

2. Insert Gauge into Tread: Place the probe of the gauge into the tire’s tread groove.

3. Press the Shoulders: Push the gauge’s shoulders down against the tread block and read the measurement.

A tread depth gauge will give you an exact measurement, usually in 32nds of an inch. Most new tires have a tread depth of 10/32″ or 11/32″. A tire is considered unsafe and should be replaced when the tread depth reaches 2/32″.

Other Factors to Consider

Driving Habits: Aggressive driving, frequent hard braking, and overloading your vehicle can wear down tires faster. Adjust your replacement schedule accordingly.

Visible Damage: Inspect your tires regularly for signs of damage like bulges, cuts, or punctures. Even minor damage can compromise safety and warrant replacement.

Uneven Wear: If your tires show uneven wear patterns, it could indicate alignment or balancing issues. Address these first, as they can accelerate wear on new tires.

Corwin Ford Reno’s Tire Care Tips

Maintain Proper Inflation Pressure: Check your tire pressure regularly (at least monthly) and inflate to the recommended level found on the driver’s side door placard or owner’s manual. Underinflated tires wear unevenly and shorten their lifespan.

Rotate Your Tires: Regularly rotate your tires (every 6,000-8,000 miles) to ensure even wear across all four wheels. This can significantly extend their life.

Avoid Overloading: Don’t exceed your vehicle’s recommended weight capacity, as this can overload the tires and lead to premature wear and blowouts.

Align Your Wheels: Misaligned wheels can cause uneven tire wear. Get your wheels aligned regularly (every 6,000-8,000 miles or after hitting a curb) to optimize tire life.

Store Tires Properly: If you remove your tires for seasonal changes, store them in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.

Why Choose Corwin Ford Reno For Your Tire Needs?

The factory-trained service technicians at Corwin Ford Reno know your vehicle best and are ready to help you find the best tires for your specific model at the best price possible. Right now, we are offering exciting deals on 16 quality name brands, including Goodyear, Dunlop, Kelly Tires, Michelin®, and BFGoodrich®.

Check out our Tire Finder to find the best deals on our brand-new tires. We serve customers in and around Reno, Carson City, Sparks, the North Valley, Spanish Springs, Verdi, Virginia City, the Carson Valley, and Northern Nevada.

Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user “as is” without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, title, and license charges. ‡Vehicles shown at different locations are not currently in our inventory (Not in Stock) but can be made available to you at our location within a reasonable date from the time of your request, not to exceed one week.

Based upon current new inventory shortages, deals subject to dealer approval based upon trade, loyalty, and proximity to dealership.”