When Should You Replace Your Tires?
Tire replacement is one of the most important things you should consider before buying a car. Even though tire wear varies from vehicle to vehicle, some tires last longer than others. Knowing when to replace a tire is important to keep you and your family safe. Here's what you should think about.
Tire Expiration Dates
The first thing that comes to mind when you think of tires is how they look and feel on your car. You may not have realized that your tires also have an expiration date stamped into them. If you are like many people who drive their cars for years without ever replacing a single tire, then it may be time to get new ones.
Tires have a code on the side that tells you how long they last. In most cases, you get the date the tire was made and additional numbers that identify the model of the tire. You'll then need to check with the manufacturer for how long that tire lasts.
If a tire is too old, the materials start to break down even if you haven't put many miles on the tire. Old tires can lose air pressure or even fall apart when you're driving. That's why it's important to know how old your tires are and replace them if they're too old.
Mileage
Most tires also have a lifespan in miles. The number of miles you can get out of a tire depends on the model of the tire. The reason that there is also a mileage limit is that driving wears down the rubber on your tires. If your tire is rated for 50,000 miles, you can expect to be able to drive 50,000 miles before your tires wear out too much.
Wear and Tear
There are a number of reasons your tires may not last as long as their expected age or miles. It depends on how you drive and how good you are at keeping up with maintenance.
If you don't keep your tires at the right pressure or use harsh chemicals when you clean your car, your tires could wear out faster. They may become unsafe to drive long before you'd normally need to replace them.
If you drive on poorly maintained roads or just get unlucky and hit something, that can also damage your tires. In many cases, there is no way to repair the damage since you can't restore the rubber on a tire.
To learn more about when it's time to get new tires, contact a local tire sales shop today.