The question, "How long does a tyre last?" tends to be followed by several others like, “What causes a tyre to wear? When should tyres be replaced? What can be done to make tyres last longer?” Fortunately, we can help provide clarity around these questions.

HOW LONG A tyre LASTS

There is no exact answer to how long a particular tyre will last, but there are things a driver can do to get the most out of their tyre investment and avoid driving on unsafe tyres. On average, people drive between 12,000 to 15,000 miles a year, which means the average good quality all-season tyre will last somewhere between three and five years, depending on maintenance, driving style and conditions, etc.

 The National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) states a driver is three times more likely to be involved in a crash caused by poor tyre condition. Safer is smarter when it comes to the health of tyres, so if there is ever a question on tread wear or age, have the tyres checked.

FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE HOW LONG A tyre LASTS

Multiple factors play a role in how long a tyre may remain in service. Miles driven, road conditions, driving style, maintenance and age all affect how long a tyre lasts.

Worn vs. Aged

tyres naturally wear the more they are driven and worn out tyres provide reduced traction compared to those with adequate tread, especially in adverse weather conditions.  Most drivers understand worn out tyres (remaining tread depth at or below 2/32) should be removed from service.

Many drivers are not aware that minimally used tyres, like the ones on recreational vehicles, collectible cars, or even spare tyres, tend to experience aging instead of wearing, due to a lack of driving. An aged tyre has a substantial amount of tread; however, the structural integrity of the tyre is weaker because the tyre needs to be driven for the chemicals in the rubber to remain effective.

Curbs, Potholes, and Other Hazards

Hitting curbs or driving on roads in poor condition (potholes, broken pavement, poorly graded railroad crossings, unpaved roads, etc.) can cause misalignment, and suspension damage that affects tyre wear. If your daily drive includes these challenges, be sure to schedule annual suspension, alignment and tyre checks.

Weather Conditions

Driving in poor weather conditions like ice, snow, and rain can cause tyres to wear quicker because they must work harder to maintain traction. Purchasing tyres that are specially engineered to perform in specific weather conditions can provide drivers with an extra measure of traction and control (meaning greater safety) while delivering good treadwear.

Different types of tyres designed to keep you and your car safe during any weather or road condition. For example, winter tyre is built to perform in harsh winter weather conditions providing durable traction on snowy and icy roads.

Poor Driving Habits

Poor driving habits like hard cornering, quick acceleration, and sudden braking can increase the stress on tyres tremendously, causing them to wear rapidly. Drivers can extend the life of their tyres significantly by avoiding aggressive driving.

Neglected Maintenance

It is important to regularly have tyres checked for damage, to maintain air pressure levels, and to keep tyres aligned and rotated. Without proper maintenance, tyre life can be reduced by as much as half - even more, in some cases.

KNOWING WHEN TO REPLACE tyreS

If the below signs are evident with your tyres, it may be time to have them replaced. 

Low Tread Depth

Tread loss is a significant sign a tyre needs to be replaced. Low tread is a sign driver can physically see happening on their tyre. Depending on the part of the tyre that is wearing, there may be other problems with the vehicle.

Pronounced inner or outer shoulder wear: tyres are misaligned

Edge of the shoulder wear: tyres are under-inflated, need to be rotated or both.

Center wear: tyres may be overinflated or have been subjected to extremely hard acceleration.

Cupped wear: the vehicle is experiencing suspension problems

All tyres have tread wear indicators built-in, but if the tread looks low take time to do the penny test on the tyres.

Rough Drive

If youre experiencing a vibration (particularly if it just started), or high (and increasing) levels of tyre noise it may be a sign your tyres are out of balance, not wearing properly or have a structural issue.  In some cases, this may affect safety, so have your tyres checked by a qualified professional asap.

DOT Number

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number on the tyre’s sidewall is another way to help keep track of when they need to be replaced. It’s easy to identify - look for the letters “DOT” followed by eleven or twelve letters and numbers.  On tyres made after the year 2000 the final four digits signify the week and year of manufacture. So, a tyre with “3618” would have been made in the 36th week or 2018.

SUNOTE recommends periodic inspections by a qualified technician for damage such as punctures, impact damage, signs of improper inflation or overloading, or other conditions resulting from the use or misuse of the tyre.

HOW LONG A tyre LASTS: EXTENDING TREAD LIFE

tyres are both one of the largest maintenance expenses a vehicle owner is likely to face, and one of the most critical in terms of driving safety and performance.  For both reasons it’s important to care for them properly. Bottom line: good maintenance and driving habits help keep drivers safe, and it saves them money by extending tyre life.

Easy Does It

tyre life can be reduced by as much as half when they’re subjected to a lot of hard braking and aggressive acceleration from a standstill.  Avoiding tailgating to reduce the need for frequent hard braking will increase tyre life. Easing into the throttle when pulling away from a stop reduces strain on the tyres and improves wear. Slowing before sharp corners also reduces stress on tyres, as does avoiding potholes and broken pavement when possible. If you’re interested in spending less on tyres, following these steps can help.

Regular Maintenance

Another way to extend tyre life is to keep up with the proper maintenance of a vehicle and its tyres. A couple of things you can do yourself are to check the air pressure and tread depth.  You should have a qualified technician periodically check their balance and alignment and be sure to have tyres rotated at regular intervals. maintenance is essential for your tyres to perform their best and last their longest.