Tires
How Long Do Tires Last?
Mileage and age limits, wear patterns, and when to replace tires.
Reviewed 2026-06-18
Key takeaways
- Replace at 2/32 inch tread — many advisors say 4/32 for wet safety.
- Tires age out at about six to ten years regardless of tread.
- Rotation and alignment prevent uneven wear.
- DOT date code is on the sidewall.
Mileage and age
All-season tires often last 40,000–70,000 miles with rotation and proper pressure. Performance rubber may last half that. Calendar age matters — rubber hardens after six to ten years. Check DOT four-digit week/year code.
Tread depth
Legal minimum in many US states is 2/32 inch. Wet braking suffers well before that — consider replacement at 4/32. Use a tread gauge or penny test (Lincoln head down — if you see all of head, you are near 2/32).
Rotation frequency
Every 5,000–8,000 miles or per manual — often aligned with oil changes. Patterns differ for directional, staggered, and AWD vehicles. Skipping rotation cups shoulders on FWD front tires.
Pressure and alignment
Under-inflation wears shoulders and builds heat. Over-inflation centers tread. Alignment pull causes one-sided wear. Check cold pressure monthly and after temperature swings.
Climate and driving
Heat and UV age rubber. Aggressive cornering and heavy loads accelerate wear. Winter tires worn in summer heat fail faster.
When to replace
Wear bars flush, age past ten years, sidewall cracks or bulges, or vibration that balance cannot fix. Replace in axle pairs minimum; AWD often needs all four matched rolling diameter.
Frequently asked questions
Do spare tires expire?
Yes — especially compact temporaries with speed and distance limits. Check DOT date and sidewall condition annually.
Can I replace only one tire?
AWD and some traction systems need matched pairs or sets. FWD can sometimes replace one if others are nearly new and same model.
Sources
- NHTSA TireWise
- Owner manual
Informational only — not a substitute for a qualified technician. How we verify guides