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When Do I Need New Tires?

Auto Tips & Advice

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.

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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.

Check our Scheduled care tips

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.

Learn how it works

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
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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
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Do you know how to choose tires? Choosing tires is a blend of science and art - use this tire buying guide to find out how to choose the perfect tire for your vehicle.

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We break down the differences between summer tires, all-season tires, and snow tires or winter tires, so you can make the best choice for you.

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Tire Maintenance
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