When to change the tires of my vehicle?’

The general rule of thumb is to replace your tires every six years1. However, you should consider replacing your tires when the tread has worn down below the recommended depth of 2/32nds of an inch or they’re over six years old12. You might also need to replace your tires if you notice changes in how your tires perform. Losing traction and constantly having to air them back up are common issues with worn-out tires1.

It’s important to inspect your tires every month for wear. To gauge tread depth, all you need is a quarter. Put George Washington’s head into one of the big grooves. If the top of his head is flush with the tread, you have about 4⁄32 inch of tread left, meaning you have some grip remaining for rainy or snowy conditions. That’s the time when you should start shopping for new tires. If you can see space above Washington’s head, you may need to replace your tires immediately.

The timing for changing your vehicle's tires depends on several factors, including the type of tire, driving conditions, your driving habits, and the manufacturer's recommendations. Here are some general guidelines to help you determine when to change your vehicle's tires:

1. Tread Depth: Tires have tread wear indicators (small raised bars) built into the grooves. When the tread wears down to these indicators, it's time to replace the tires. In many places, the legal minimum tread depth is typically around 2/32 of an inch (1.6 mm), but it's recommended to replace tires before reaching this limit for safety reasons. A tread depth gauge can help you measure the tread depth accurately.

2. Tire Age: Even if your tires have sufficient tread depth, they should be replaced if they are older, typically after 6-10 years, regardless of the amount of use. Rubber deteriorates over time, leading to reduced traction and potential for tire failure.

3. Driving Conditions: If you frequently drive in harsh conditions such as extreme heat, cold, snow, ice, or heavy rain, you might need to replace your tires sooner. Winter tires, for example, should be changed to all-season or summer tires when winter conditions have passed.

4. Driving Habits: Aggressive driving, hard braking, and fast cornering can accelerate tire wear. Regularly checking your tires for signs of wear can help you assess whether your driving habits are causing premature tire deterioration.

5. Visual Inspection: Regularly inspect your tires for signs of damage, cracking, bulges, or punctures. These issues could compromise tire safety and warrant immediate replacement.

6. Vibration or Handling Issues: If you notice vibrations, handling problems, or the vehicle pulling to one side, it could indicate tire wear or alignment issues that may require tire replacement.

7. Manufacturer's Recommendations: Check your vehicle's owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommended tire replacement intervals based on usage and conditions.

8. Seasonal Changes: Some drivers switch between winter and summer tires based on the season. Winter tires should be changed when the weather becomes consistently warm, and summer tires should be changed before winter conditions arrive.

I hope that helps!