According to the latest data from the Federal Highway Administration (FHA), Americans drive an average of 13,476 miles every year. That’s a lot of wear and tear to put on your tires, no matter what type of vehicle you own!

Knowing this, you might be asking, “How long do car tires last?” Eat new set is a major investment, so let’s take a look at the lifespan you can expect.

The Basic Timeline to Know

There are many different factors that can cause your tires to wear out faster than normal. For instance, you may live in an area with rocky terrain, where your wheels are required to traverse uneven ground on a regular basis. Or, you might experience your fair share of adverse weather, which can also wreak havoc on your tires after a while.

Then, there are some moves that can protect your tires for even longer than expected. For example, people who put winter tires on their vehicle naturally protect their other set from snow and ice, which can extend their longevity.

However, there’s a general timeline that applies to most tires, even if they’re kept fairly protected all year round. After you’ve had them for six years, it’s time to take them into the shop for an inspection. Then, by the time they reach the 10-year mark, it’s time to swap them out for new ones.

Not sure how old your tires are? All you have to do is locate the “Born On” date, located on the sidewall. Here’s a quick guide that explains how to find it.

Breakdown by Mileage

You may want to gauge your car tire lifespan by mileage, rather than years. In that case, it helps to know that most new tires are designed to last a maximum of 60,000 miles.

If you follow the national average and drive around 14,000 miles per year, that means you’ll need new ones in about four years. When you’re ready to start shopping, look for a shop that offers great quality at an economical price point, like Sport Compact Warehouse.

Think you drive much less (or even more)? It’s easy enough to check.

Calculating Your Average Annual Miles

Simply divide the total number of miles on your car’s odometer by the number of years you’ve owned it. Of course, you’ll also need to account for any existing mileage the car had on it if you purchased it used. This calculation will reveal the average number of miles you drive per year.

Once you have that number, reference the warranty on your tires. This is the number of years that you can bring your tires in for servicing. Most manufacturers will also prorate the cost of a new set of tires if you hit the wear bars on your current ones before their warranty is up.

For instance, if they’re worn by 50,000 miles but the advertised warranty is for 60,000 miles, then you may be able to get a slight discount on a new set. The only caveat? You’ll need to stick with the same brand.

How Long Do Car Tires Last? Reference This Guide

When you buy a new set of tires, you naturally want to get as much use out of them as possible. How long do car tires last? It depends on how much you use them, and where you take them.

Before you invest in any, take the time to calculate the number of miles you drive each year, and keep your driving conditions in mind. Then, look for a manufacturer that offers a comparable warranty with competitive terms. You’ll be ready to hit the road in no time!

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