Your tires do more than just keep your car rolling. They affect everything from handling and safety to fuel economy and comfort. So, how long do tires last, and how do you know when it’s time to replace them?
The typical lifespan
Most tires are designed to last between 40,000 and 75,000 miles, or approximately four to six years of use. However, that estimate depends on proper maintenance and average driving conditions. Tires on EVs will also wear out 20-30% faster due to the heavier load.
Even if your tread looks fine, it's recommended that you replace tires every six years if your car doesn’t have a digital tread wear indicator to guide you. Regardless, most tires shouldn’t remain in use ten years after their manufacturing date. That’s because over time, rubber degrades, affecting its traction, performance, and safety.
Some premium all-season tires can push the limits of longevity, with certain models tested up to 95,000 or even 100,000 miles under ideal conditions. But those cases are the exception, not the rule.
What affects tire life?
Several variables influence how quickly tires wear out:
Driving habits Aggressive cornering, frequent hard braking, and speeding all accelerate wear
Road conditions Rough, uneven, or poorly maintained roads can cause quicker tread loss
Maintenance Tire rotations are needed every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Maintaining proper air pressure and keeping the wheels aligned can dramatically extend tire life
Assessing tread depth and performing visual checks
Legally, the minimum tread depth in most U.S. states is 2/32 of an inch (about 1.6 mm). That’s the absolute minimum, and many tire experts recommend replacing your tires sooner, particularly when they reach 4/32 of an inch, to improve safety in wet conditions.
Even if the tread passes inspection, you should still check for cracks, bulges, or uneven wear. Sidewall damage, cupping, or visible aging may indicate it’s time to replace a tire, even if it's within the six-year guideline.
Replacing one tire vs. all four
If your car needs new tires, do you need to replace all four? It depends on your vehicle and the condition of your existing tires.
All-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicles generally require replacing all four tires at the same time to prevent mismatched diameters from causing drivetrain strain. You can also ask about “tire shaving,” in which a new tire is altered to match the diameter of the others.
Front-wheel-drive (FWD) or rear-wheel-drive (RWD) vehicles can often get by with just two new tires. They should always be installed on the rear axle. This placement helps prevent fishtailing, especially in wet or slick conditions.
One tire can sometimes be replaced if the others are nearly new (with at least 70-75% tread remaining) and your car isn’t AWD. In that case, match the brand, size, and model of the remaining tires, and still install it at the rear.
If all four tires have worn evenly, are more than four to five years old, or the tire model has been discontinued, replacing the entire set is often the best — and safest — choice.
Deciding between new tires and a new car
If your tires are shot but the rest of your vehicle is in good condition, replacing your tires is almost always a wiser move than buying a newer car.
A set of quality tires typically costs anywhere from a few hundred to a thousand dollars. In contrast, upgrading to another vehicle means committing to a significantly larger financial obligation — down payment, taxes, fees, increased insurance premiums, and possibly a higher interest rate.
Stick with your current car and replace the tires if:
The vehicle is mechanically sound and doesn’t require major repairs.
Combined repair costs (including tires) are well under your vehicle’s market value.
On the other hand, a newer car may make more sense if you’re facing a long list of major repairs — engine work, transmission issues, or a rusted frame — and the total bill rivals the value of your current vehicle. Frequent breakdowns, poor fuel economy, and outdated safety features can also justify a switch, especially if you’re spending on more than just tires.
Choosing a new car over new tires?
If you’ve decided that your existing vehicle needs too much maintenance given its market value, the 15,000+ dealerships in Credit Acceptance’s network can help you find a better ride. Before you begin your car search, get pre-qualified through our website today to learn the monthly payment you may qualify for.