New tires are a major investment, so it’s natural to want to know how long they’ll last. While your new tires should provide at least several years of service, their actual lifespan will depend on a variety of factors, ranging from the quality of the product to your own driving habits. Below is a quick guide to figuring out how many miles you’ll likely get out of your tires.

Estimating Tire Longevity

Factors That Affect a Tire’s Lifespan

While the age of the rubber is an important factor, the tread depth is usually a good sign of how much life is left in a tire. One quick test is to insert a penny head-down into the tread of the tire. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, your tires are excessively worn.

Keeping your tires properly inflated will minimize wear, while regular rotations will ensure that each tire is worn evenly and help avoid catastrophic failures. Your local road conditions also affect how long your tires last. Rough, uneven pavement will wear down your tires more quickly than a similar number of miles driven on smooth highways.

What Happens to Old Tires

Even if the tread looks fine, old tires may be too dangerous to drive on. Rubber loses elasticity as it ages, so the material inside the tire will eventually crack and start to come apart. After several years, even normal use can cause the tread to separate, possibly causing you to lose control of your vehicle.

Since 1959, Brothers Tire Sales has been the source for high-quality used tires from BF Goodrich®, Michelin®, and other leading manufacturers in Kannapolis, NC. Their team takes the time to ensure you’ll get the perfect tires for your vehicle, providing peace of mind and a safe ride for years to come. Visit their website or call (704) 933-2203 to schedule service today.