Lengthen the Life of Your Tires
Maintenance Questions
Do my driving habits affect the life of my tires?
Yes! Here are several tips to help increase the life of your tires:
- Don’t speed. High speeds generate excessive heat, which increases the rate of tire wear and reduces the tire’s durability. Drive the safe, legal speed limit.
- Avoid fast turns on curves and around corners.
- Avoid fast starts and panic stops.
- Don’t ride on the edge of the pavement or drive over curbs, potholes, or other obstructions.
How do I know how old my tires are?
Each tire has a required Department of Transportation (DOT) number imprinted on at least one of its sidewalls. That number begins with the letters "DOT" and may contain up to 12 additional numbers and letters.
The first and last digits are the most important:
- The first two letters or numbers identify the manufacturer of the tires.
- Prior to the year 2000, the last 3 digits of a DOT number represented the week (2 digits) and the year (1 digit) of production. So if the last three digits are 439, the tire was produced in the 43rd week of 1999.
- Tires produced after January 1, 2000, have a 4-digit date code at the end of the DOT number. The first 2 digits represent the week of production and the last 2 digits represent the last 2 digits of the year of production. So, 3500 indicates the tire was produced in the 35th week of the year 2000.
How do I take care of my new tires?
Properly maintained tires will help give you a more comfortable ride and a longer tread life. So:
- Properly (e.g., cold) check your tire pressure monthly.
- Check your tires frequently for any cuts, snags, punctures, any other injury, or irregular tire wear.
- At the first sign of irregular treadwear, have your alignment checked.
- Make sure the tires are balanced when they are mounted on the wheels.
- Rotate your tires following the schedule in your vehicle owners manual or as required by the tire manufacturer’s warranty.
- Clean your tires with soap and water and a soft bristle brush or a shop cloth. For stronger cleaning and protection, Michelin recommends using its Wheel & Tire Care product line. Learn more here. The Michelin™ Wheel & Tire Care Program is available at leading retailers throughout North America. Find a retailer near you.
How many miles will I get out of my tires?
Many factors affect the tread life of your tires, such as:
- Tread compounds
- Construction features
- Vehicle application
- Tire maintenance
- Geographic conditions
- Atmospheric conditions
- Driving habits
- And more
That’s why exact mileage is impossible to predict. Take special care when braking, accelerating, cornering, etc., to help increase the life of the tire.
If you have concerns about the rate of wear on your tires, consult your local authorized Michelin retailer.
