Life of your tyres

Replace Old Tyres Even if There is Tread Remaining

There are many factors apart from tyre tread that determines deteriorating tyre condition. It is thus important to change tyres within recommended time intervals for maximum reliability.

  • Vehicle Manufacturers Recommend Replacement at 6 Years
  • Tyre Manufacturers’ Warranties Expire at 6 Years
  • Tyre Manufacturers Recommend Replacement at 10 Years
  • Industry Experts Recommend Replacement at 10 Years

Consumer Advisory: Factors to Consider in the Life of Your Tyres

The following elements play an important part in your tyre’s safety. This excludes trailer tyres.

Up to 6 Years:

Visual tyre inspections and monthly air pressure checks are recommended.

  • Tyre Quality/Construction: The physical features of the tyre which can be determined by looking/ feeling the tyre for irregularities
  • Service Conditions/Maintenance: Rotate tyres every 6-8,000 miles, check air pressure monthly and check tyre balance every 12-16,000 miles. Tyre Manufacturers suggest most tyres are out of service at 3-4 years based on wear.
  • Tyre Wear/Condition: Less than new tread changes traction and stability capabilities in extreme weather conditions (such as: snow, ice, rain, dirt/mud).
  • Environmental Conditions: Exposure to heat and ultraviolet rays may cause structural changes in the tyre.
  • Tyre DOT Number*: Tyre age is not the major consideration during this portion of the tyre’s life.

6 to 10 Years:

Replacement is recommended.

  • Tyre Quality/Construction: Are more valid concerns as some tyres are designed to be nearing the end of their service life based on average consumer travel of 12-15,000 miles annually.
  • Service Conditions/Maintenance: Tyres that have not been serviced or maintained properly are typically at the end of their service life.
  • Wear/Condition: Less tread reduces traction and stability in all weather conditions as well as propensity to punctures.
  • Environmental Conditions: Exposure to heat and ultraviolet rays causes ozone/weather cracking and structural changes.
  • Tyre DOT Number*: One of the important considerations, as some vehicle manufacturers recommend replacement and tyre manufacturer warranties expire.

More Than 10 Years:

No service on tyres with a DOT beyond 10 years.

  • Tyre Quality/Construction, Service Conditions/ Maintenance, Tyre Wear/Condition, Michelin Tyre, Environmental Conditions: Regardless of all of these conditions, tyres reach the end of their life.
  • Tyre DOT Number*: Tyre age is the most important consideration during this portion of the tyre life as tyre manufacturers recommend replacement of any tyres regardless of service, including spares.

*Department of Transportation Number is stamped on the sidewall of every tyre. The last group of digits indicates the week and year the tyre was built.