While your tires are tough and durable, they won’t last forever. Preventative maintenance will extend their lifespan, but eventually, they will need to be replaced. When drivers go too long before visiting their tire dealer, they are putting their vehicle (and themselves) at risk for damage. Here is a guide for knowing when it’s time to replace your tires.

When It’s Time to Visit Your Tire Dealer

The Life Span of Tires

As a general rule of thumb, a standard set of all-terrain tires from your local tire dealer will last anywhere from 20,000 to 25,000 miles. The exact life span will vary depending on your driving style, the terrain you tend to drive on, your climate, and how often you perform routine maintenance. This includes rotations and alignments, which help distribute wear evenly. 

Measuring Tire Wear

As you drive, your tires will naturally wear down. The groove pattern is responsible for helping you grip the road while driving and prevents slipping and skidding. When your tire tread is too thin, your car is at risk for losing traction, increasing your chance of a collision. 

Legally, your tires need to have a minimum tread depth of 2/32 of an inch to keep you safe. To measure your tire wear, use the penny test. Take a penny and stick it upside down in one of your tire grooves, with the head facing you. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, this means your tire tread is too shallow. Head to your local tire dealer for a new set. 

When you need a new set of tires for your vehicle, visit the tire dealers at Wright's 210 Auto Body & Muffler Shop in Hodgenville, KY. They have been providing the region with high-quality auto repair, auto parts, and car rental services for the past 60 years. They also offer 24-hour towing services and will be there to assist you at any time of the day. Learn more about this tire dealer’s auto repair services online or by calling (270) 358-4256 today.