When Do I Need New Tires?
What are the basics?
There is no way to tell exactly how long a tire lasts. The lifespan and mileage of a tire depends of a combination of factors: its design, the driver’s habits, the climate, the road conditions and the care that's put into the tires.
A few milestones and tips:
1. Keep five years in mind
After five years or more in use, your tires should be thoroughly inspected at least once per year by a professional.
2. Ten years is a maximum
If the tires haven't been replaced 10 years after their date of manufacture, as a precaution, Michelin recommends replacing them with new tires. Even if they appear to be in usable condition and have not worn down to the tread wear indicator. This applies to spare tires as well.
3. Proper care expands a tire’s lifespan
You can increase your tire's longevity by maintaining the correct air pressure, performing regular tire rotations and vehicle maintenance.
For original equipment: follow the vehicle manufacturer’s tire replacement recommendations.
How to check the manufacturing date
Look for the DOT number on your sidewall.
What damages tires?
Physical factors:
Age
Wear and Damage
Road conditions:
Potholes, obstacles, curbs, sharp objects, speed bumps
Climate:
Extreme temperatures
Rain, snow and ice
Oil, grease and other chemicals
Strong sunlight and ozone
Driving habits:
Speeding
Quick starts and emergency braking
Driving on damaged roads
Failure to notice a change in handling, noise or vibration
Failure to consult a professional when something changes
Neglecting basic tire maintenance:
Air pressure
Not routinely checking for wear or damage
Alignment and rotation
Neglecting to get a professional tire inspection in the event a tire has been impacted or sustained damage
Not balancing tires after they are installed
Improper tire storage
Use of sealants that have not been approved
Improper usage:
Using summer tires on snow and ice
Mixing tire types
Using tires on damaged wheels
Using wheel and rim sizes that are not compatible
Fitting tires that do not have a speed capability and load index at least equal to or higher than those originally specified by the vehicle manufacturer
Reinflating a tire that has been run flat or seriously underinflated
Using a spare tire of a different size at speeds in excess of 50 mph