The question, "How long does a tire last?" often leads to others like, “What causes a tire to wear? When should tires be replaced? What can be done to make tires last longer?” Fortunately, we can help provide clarity around these questions.
There is no exact answer to how long a particular tire will last, but there are things a driver can do to get the most out of their tire investment and avoid driving on unsafe tires. On average, people drive between 12,000 to 15,000 miles a year, which means the average good quality all-season tire will last somewhere between three and five years, depending on maintenance, driving style and conditions, etc.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) reports a driver is three times more likely to crash due to poor tire condition. Safer is smarter when it comes to tire health, so have tires checked if there's any doubt about tread wear or age.
Many things impact how long your tires remain safe and reliable—miles driven, road conditions, driving style, maintenance habits, and age all play a part.
Tires naturally wear the more they are driven and worn out tires provide reduced traction compared to those with adequate tread, especially in adverse weather conditions. Most drivers understand worn out tires (remaining tread depth at or below 2/32”) should be removed from service.
Many drivers are not aware that minimally used tires, like the ones on recreational vehicles, collectible cars, or even spare tires, tend to experience aging instead of wearing, due to a lack of driving. An aged tire has a substantial amount of tread; however, the structural integrity of the tire is weaker because the tire needs to be driven for the chemicals in the rubber to remain effective.
Here’s a quick checklist to spot age-related issues on your tires:
Check sidewalls for cracks, splits, or odd discoloration.
Look for stiffness, brittleness, or signs of “dry rot.”
Read the date code on the DOT number (more below).
Compare often-used and rarely-used tires for differences.
If any tire is older than 6 years and shows aging, ask a tire expert.
Running into curbs or rough roads (potholes, broken pavement, bumpy tracks, dirt roads) can knock your wheels out of alignment and damage suspension, leading to faster tire wear. If you face these obstacles regularly, make annual suspension, alignment, and tire checks part of your routine.
Driving in poor weather conditions like ice, snow, and rain can cause tires to wear quicker because they must work harder to maintain traction. Purchasing tires that are specially engineered to perform in specific weather conditions can provide drivers with an extra measure of traction and control (meaning greater safety) while delivering good treadwear.
Bridgestone offers different types of tires designed to keep you and your car safe during any weather or road condition. For example, Bridgestone's Blizzak tire series is built to perform in harsh winter weather conditions providing reliable traction on ice and snow, and the Dueler tire series is one of several that offer a secure grip on wet road conditions for areas that experience heavy rain.
Hard cornering, quick starts, and sudden stops put extra strain on tires, wearing them down faster. You’ll get more miles—and keep safe longer—by adopting smoother driving habits.
It is important to regularly have tires checked for damage, to maintain air pressure levels, and to keep tires aligned and rotated. Without proper maintenance, tire life can be reduced by as much as half - even more, in some cases.
If you notice any of these signs on your tires, it’s a good idea to consider replacing them.
Tread loss is a significant sign a tire needs to be replaced. Low tread is a sign driver can physically see happening on their tire. Depending on the part of the tire that is wearing, there may be other problems with the vehicle.
All tires have tread wear indicators built-in, but if the tread looks low take time to do the penny test on the tires.
If you’re experiencing a vibration (particularly if it just started), or high (and increasing) levels of tire noise it may be a sign your tires are out of balance, not wearing properly or have a structural issue. In some cases, this may affect safety, so have your tires checked by a qualified professional as soon as possible.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number on the tire’s sidewall is another way to help keep track of when they need to be replaced. It’s easy to identify - look for the letters “DOT” followed by eleven or twelve letters and numbers:
Bridgestone recommends that its Bridgestone or Firestone brand tires be removed from service after ten years regardless of their remaining tread depth. They also recommend periodic inspections by a qualified technician for damage such as punctures, impact damage, signs of improper inflation or overloading, or other conditions resulting from the use or misuse of the tire.
Penny Test: Put a penny head-first into different tread grooves. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, your tread is under 2/32” and it’s time to replace your tires for all weather conditions.
Quarter Test: Place a quarter head-first into the tread. If the tread reaches Washington’s head, you have at least 4/32”—which is recommended for safe driving in wet weather.
Snow Driving: You’ll want at least 5/32” of tread for winter traction. Look for small raised bars (tread wear indicators) inside tire grooves. When they’re level with the tread surface, your tire is worn out.
Tires are both one of the largest maintenance expenses a vehicle owner is likely to face, and one of the most critical in terms of driving safety and performance. For both reasons it’s important to care for them properly. Bottom line: good maintenance and driving habits help keep drivers safe, and it saves them money by extending tire life, especially considering that most drivers typically cover between 12,000 and 15,000 miles each year, which makes consistent care and inspections essential to maximize both safety and durability.
Tire life can drop by half if you’re routinely hard on your brakes or slam the accelerator. Simple steps like these can help you keep your tires rolling longer:
Regular Maintenance
Consistent maintenance helps your tires deliver top performance and last their longest. A couple of things you can do yourself are: