There is no way to tell exactly how long a tire lasts. The lifespan and mileage of a tire depends of a combination of factors: its design, the driver’s habits, the climate, the road conditions and the care that’s put into the tires.
A few milestones and tips:
1- Keep five years in mind
After five years or more in use, your tires should be thoroughly inspected at least once per year by a professional.
2- Ten years is a maximum
If the tires haven’t been replaced 10 years after their date of manufacture, as a precaution, Michelin recommends replacing them with new tires. Even if they appear to be in usable condition and have not worn down to the tread wear indicator.
This applies to spare tires as well.
3- Proper care expands a tire’s lifespan
You can increase your tire’s longevity by maintaining the correct air pressure, performing regular tire rotations and vehicle maintenance.
Check our Scheduled care tips
For original equipment: follow the vehicle manufacturer’s tire replacement recommendations.
How to check the manufacturing date
Look for the DOT number on your sidewall.
What damages tires?
Physical factors:
Age
Wear and damage
Road conditions:
Potholes, obstacles, curbs, sharp objects, speed bumps
Climate:
Extreme temperatures
Rain, snow and ice
Oil, grease and other chemicals
Strong sunlight and ozone
Driving habits:
Speeding
Quick starts and emergency braking
Driving on damaged roads
Failure to notice a change in handling, noise or vibration
Failure to consult a professional when something changes
Neglecting basic tire maintenance:
Air pressure
Not routinely checking for wear or damage
Alignment and rotation
Neglecting to get a professional tire inspection in the event a tire has been impacted or sustained damage
Not balancing tires after they are installed
Improper tire storage
Use of sealants that have not been approved
Improper usage:
Using summer tires on snow and ice
Mixing tire types
Using tires on damaged wheels
Using wheel and rim sizes that are not compatible
Fitting tires that do not have a speed capability and load index at least equal to or higher than those originally specified by the vehicle manufacturer
Reinflating a tire that has been run flat or seriously under inflated
Using a spare tire of a different size at speeds in excess of 50 mph
Is my tire worn out?
We recommend to replace your tire if:
The tread is worn beyond the recommended tread depth levels
1- Inspect your tire regularly and look for:
Uneven tread wear
Shallow tread
Troublemakers (rocks, nails, etc.)
Damaged areas
Damaged valve caps
2- Pay attention to the “feel” of your tires as you drive.
A rough ride may indicate tire damage or excessive wear.
If you notice vibrations or other disturbances while driving, immediately reduce speed, drive with caution until you can safely pull off the road and stop, and inspect your tires.
If a tire is damaged, deflate it and replace it with your spare. If you do not see any tire damage and cannot identify the source of the vibration, take the vehicle to a tire dealer for a thorough inspection.
3- See a professional
If you see something you’re not sure about during your inspection, have it examined by your tire dealer.
How do I inspect my tire?
1- Check your air pressure
It’s quick and can prevent many problems
Do it once a month
2- Check the tread wear with one of the three methods:
With a tread depth gauge
With the tread wear indicators
With the penny test
One easy way to check for wear is by using the penny test. All you have to do is grab your spare change and follow 3 easy steps.
Take a penny and hold Abe’s body between your thumb and forefinger.
Select a point on your tire where tread appears the lowest and place Lincoln’s head into one of the grooves.
If any part of Abe Lincoln’s head is covered by the tread, you’re driving with the legal and safe amount of tread. If your tread gets below that (approximately 2/32 of an inch), your car’s ability to grip the road in adverse conditions is greatly reduced.
When should I inspect my tires?
Once every month
Before you go on a long road trip.
Next steps :
Any visible perforation, cut or deformation must be checked thoroughly by a tire professional.
Only a tire professional can tell you if your tire can be repaired or has to be changed.
Spare tire: can I use it on a day-to-day basis?
No.
Temporary spares have lighter construction to limit their weight on your vehicle so they don’t have the same speed or mileage capabilities. This could affect your vehicle’s stability. The only exception is if your spare tire is actually a 5th full-size tire that exactly matches the tires on your vehicle.
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