Don’t expect your new car’s tires to last long, no matter how premium they might feel. While some stock tires can match branded tires when it comes to handling and steering, they aren’t known for their longevity. In fact, you might have to swap out your brand-new car’s tires sooner than you expect.
Yes, unfortunately, tires on brand-new cars tend to wear out faster than tires from an exclusive tire manufacturer. Unlike those from well-known brands, stock tires are typically built for ride quality and not durability.
Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) tires are made of softer rubber and inflated below the recommended air pressure level. Because most manufacturers don’t include tires in your vehicle’s warranty, they aren’t inclined to produce long-lasting stock tires.
The average tire lifespan on a brand-new car is around 50,000 miles, but you can expect to see signs of tire wear after you reach 20,000 miles. This means you can get around 3 to 5 years out of your OEM tires before you have to replace them.
As for branded tires, you can expect them to last around 50,000 miles as well. However, you can typically get around 6 years out of them before you have to replace them.
OEM or not, tires can wear out faster if you aren’t careful. Here are some factors that can shorten your tire’s lifespan:
Depending on the type of tire you choose, you can end up with tires that wear out much faster than you’d like. For example, while the softer rubber of high-performance tires gives you a better grip, they also wear out faster than all-season tires.
Tires with higher treadwear ratings will last much longer than tires with lower treadwear ratings. This is because tread depth will naturally decrease over time, affecting your vehicle’s traction and grip on the road.
Get a set of tires with a high treadwear rating, and replace them if the tread depth drops below 2/32 inches.
Your vehicle’s drivetrain determines which wheels receive the power from the motor. If all that power is directed to a single wheel, then that tire will wear out much faster than the other tires. This is usually resolved by rotating the tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles, but waiting too long between tire rotations can cause your tire’s lifespan to decrease significantly.
If you’re big on off-road adventures, be prepared to replace your tires sooner than expected. Driving on bumpy, unpaved roads and going up and down hills can cause your tires to wear out faster.
While you might enjoy the thrill of going fast, your tires won’t. Rapid acceleration and slamming the brakes are bad driving habits that will cause your tires to wear out faster.
If you want your tires to last, there are a few ways you can do so. Here are tips on how to extend your tire’s mileage:
The best way to prolong your tire’s lifespan is to monitor its condition. Regularly inspect its tire tread, and look for any visible cracks or holes. Don’t forget to follow your manufacturer’s recommended service interval for tire maintenance.
All types of vehicles can benefit from regular tire rotation, and this includes all-wheel-drive models as well. Rotating the tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles can help spread tire wear evenly, which can prolong their lifespan.
If you notice any vibrations or unusual bounce when driving, then your tires might be due for a rotation. You can get your tires balanced at most auto shops, where they’ll use a balance machine to detect the high and low spots on a tire. When a mechanic finds an imbalance in the tire, they’ll hammer weights onto the wheel to balance it out.
While you’re there, it’s a good idea to ask for a wheel alignment as well. This will make sure your car doesn’t just suddenly pull in one direction, which can cause tire wear.
Rapid acceleration, sudden braking, and turning the steering wheel unnecessarily can all cause premature tire wear. Practice being mindful of your driving habits, so you can put a stop to the ones damaging your tires.
Improper tire pressure can lead to several problems, including unresponsive steering and poor fuel economy. Underinflated tires, in particular, can overheat, leading to tire tread damage and blowouts. The good news is that you can luckily avoid these issues by simply maintaining the proper tire pressure.
On the sidewall of your tires, you’ll find the letters “DOT” followed by a series of eleven to twelve characters. This is called the US Department of Transportation (DOT) number, and the last four digits indicate the week and year the tire was manufactured.
For example, a DOT number ending in 1923 means the tire was produced in the 19th week of the year 2023.
The average mileage for tires can range between 36,000 to 75,000 miles. In general, however, it’s best to replace your tires before they hit their 10-year mark. Keep in mind that you might have to change your tires sooner than that if you observe any of the following signs:
Replace your tires as soon as you notice any of these symptoms, or you might risk damaging your tires even further.
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.