How Long Do Tires Last?
Quick Answer
Most tires last 3–5 years or 25,000–50,000 miles. All tires should be replaced by 6–10 years of age regardless of tread, as rubber degrades over time.
Duration by Type
About 40,000–60,000 miles
60,000–80,000 miles
Softer compound wears faster
Roughly 4–6 seasons
Quick Answer
Most tires last 3 to 5 years or roughly 25,000 to 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. Some premium touring tires are rated for 60,000–80,000 miles, while performance tires may wear out in under 30,000. Regardless of tread depth, safety experts recommend replacing tires that are 6 to 10 years old because the rubber degrades and becomes brittle with age.
Tire Lifespan by Type
| Tire Type | Expected Mileage | Typical Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Standard all-season | 40,000–60,000 miles | 3–5 years |
| Touring / grand touring | 60,000–80,000 miles | 5–6 years |
| Performance (summer) | 20,000–30,000 miles | 2–4 years |
| All-terrain (truck/SUV) | 40,000–60,000 miles | 4–6 years |
| Winter / snow tires | 4–6 seasons | 3–5 years |
| Spare (temporary) | Up to ~70 miles per use | 8–10 years (age-limited) |
When to Replace Your Tires
Tread Depth
Tires are legally worn out at 2/32 of an inch of tread. Check with the penny test: insert a penny into a tread groove with Lincoln's head down. If you can see the top of his head, the tread is at or below 2/32 inch and it's time to replace. Many experts recommend replacing at 4/32 inch for wet-weather safety.
Age
Even with plenty of tread, replace tires that are 6–10 years old. Find the manufacture date on the sidewall: the last four digits of the DOT code show the week and year (for example, "3221" means the 32nd week of 2021).
Visible Damage
Bulges, cracks, exposed cords, repeated punctures, or persistent vibration all warrant inspection and often replacement.
Factors That Affect How Long Tires Last
- Driving habits: Hard braking, fast cornering, and quick acceleration accelerate wear.
- Road conditions: Potholes, gravel, and rough pavement shorten tire life.
- Climate: Heat, UV exposure, and ozone speed up rubber aging.
- Maintenance: Under-inflation, misalignment, and skipped rotations cause uneven, premature wear.
- Load: Regularly carrying heavy loads increases wear.
- Storage: Tires that sit unused still age and can develop flat spots.
How to Make Tires Last Longer
- Check inflation monthly and keep tires at the pressure listed on the driver's-door jamb sticker.
- Rotate tires every 5,000–8,000 miles to even out wear.
- Get a wheel alignment at least once a year or after hitting a major pothole.
- Balance tires when you notice vibration.
- Avoid overloading your vehicle beyond its rated capacity.
- Drive smoothly — gentle braking and acceleration reduce wear.
Safety: Don't Push It
Worn or aged tires dramatically increase stopping distance and the risk of hydroplaning and blowouts. If you're unsure of a tire's condition or age, have it inspected by a professional. When you do replace tires, it's best to replace all four — or at least both on the same axle — to keep handling balanced.
Pro Tips
Rotate tires every 5,000–8,000 miles and keep them properly inflated to maximize even tread wear.
— Consumer Reports
Get an alignment yearly or after hitting a bad pothole to prevent premature, uneven wear.
— National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Replace all four tires, or at least both on the same axle, to keep handling balanced.
— Consumer Reports
Quick Facts
Tires are legally worn out at 2/32 inch of tread depth, which you can check with the penny test.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Tires should be replaced by 6 to 10 years of age regardless of tread, as rubber degrades over time.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
The last four digits of the DOT code on the sidewall show the week and year the tire was manufactured.
Source: NHTSA