How Long Do Tires Last?

One of the most commonly asked automotive questions we hear time and again is how long you can expect your car’s tires to last. There’s no one answer to this question, since your tires’ lifespan is so closely related to how you use your car. The tire brand, tire size, and where and how you drive will all affect the condition of your tires on the roads of Greenacres, Wellington, and Palm Beach.

There’s a fine line between changing your tires too soon, which will cost you more money in the long run, and waiting too long to get them changed, which can be dangerous. Therefore, it’s important to understand how tire wear works and when it needs to be done. Our team at Braman Honda of Palm Beach has put together this quick and helpful guide to teach you about your tires.

How Long Do Tires Last?

There are a few factors to consider when you’re trying to decide when to change your tires. You’ll need to know the quality of the tires, the tread wear rating, intended use, the kind of vehicle they’re mounted on, the weather conditions in the area you drive, and how you drive. For example, all-weather tires are rated to last significantly longer than performance tires, and a vehicle that drives in an area with extreme temperature changes will put more wear on tires than a car in a moderate climate.

Rating vs Real Wear

Most tires are rated to drive for up to 50,000 miles, but real-world performance, as we’ve mentioned, depends entirely upon how and where you use your vehicle. Everyone drives differently, and roads all have their own unique combination of potholes, uneven pavement, gravel, and more that can affect your tires. Most tires will likely last closer to 20,000-30,000 miles on the road in real conditions. Bottom line: don’t just rely upon a pre-determined number. Pay attention to the actual condition of your own tires.

Test Your Tread

Tread is the most important factor in making sure that your car maintains road grip and doesn’t slide around, especially in adverse weather conditions. You can easily test your own tread depth using the classic “penny test.” Simply stick a penny into your tire’s tread, with the top of Lincoln’s head pointing straight down. If you can still see his hair or the top of his head, your treads are too shallow, and you need new tires.

How You Drive

How you personally drive your vehicle is also a huge factor in their lifespan. Have you driven around with your tires underinflated for an extended period of time? Are your wheels properly aligned? Do you often come to a screeching, abrupt stop? These and many other factors will reduce the life of your tires.

Visit Our Service Center

The best way to make sure that your tires are in good condition, and that they’ll last as long as they can, is to bring your vehicle to a mechanic for regular maintenance. You can get your tires rotated and your wheels aligned at the Service Center at Braman Honda of Palm Beach! Call us today to schedule an appointment.