Car tires are like shoes in that they need to be high-quality as well as maintained in order to prolong their life and get the most out of them. You can’t put an exact lifespan on a pair of tires as factors like mileage, driving style and conditions and maintenance will impact longevity, but it is recommended that tires should be inspected annually by a professional after 5 years and replaced if they make it to 10 years.
Seasonal tires
Motorists also need to be aware of the fact that seasonal tires are available which should certainly be considered. Winter can be a particularly challenging time for driving due to the snow and ice, but seasonal tires will provide superior grip and control which can make winter driving much safer for motorists. These tires are made of a softer rubber compound and have slits on the tread to maximise traction – this can make a big difference to performance and is a smart change to make, particularly for those that live in an area where snow and ice are common.
Tread Depth
By nature, tires will become worn down over time but you need to be wary of this as driving tires with little tread (the part that has contact with the road) is incredibly dangerous and also illegal. The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm but many recommend replacing tires once the tread is below 3mm. The punishment for tread below the legal minimum is 3 points on your license and £2,500 per tire, so you certainly want to check this on a regular basis. It is easy enough to buy tyres online when the time comes and this could improve the performance of your car too.
Pressure
It is also important that motorists know how to maintain their tires so that they last longer and provide the best possible experience. One of the main ways to do this is to check the tire pressure on a regular basis and keep it topped up to the recommended level (this can be found in the car’s handbook). Keeping the tires inflated to the right levels will prolong their life, avoid breakdowns and blowouts and maximise performance. It could even help to lower your fuel costs too as the car will not have to use more fuel to push the car along.
Driving Style
As you might expect, the way in which you drive will also impact the lifespan of tires. Driving fast, heavy braking and abrupt cornering can all take their toll (as well as be dangerous), so you are much better off adopting a gentle driving style which will prolong the life of your tires as well as make you a much better and more predictable driver.
Car tires need to be maintained and looked after in order to get the most out of them, but when you do this it could see your tires last a decade while ensuring that your car runs efficiently and safely. Motorists should make car tire maintenance part of their routine, especially if they spend a lot of time behind the wheel or before a long drive.
