Your tires do more than just keep your car rolling. They affect everything from handling and safety to fuel economy and comfort. So, how long do tires last, and how do you know when it’s time to replace them?

The typical lifespan

Most tires are designed to last between 40,000 and 75,000 miles, or approximately four to six years of use. However, that estimate depends on proper maintenance and average driving conditions.

Even if your tread looks fine, it's recommended that you replace tires every five-to-six years, regardless of mileage. Most tires shouldn’t remain in use ten years after their manufacturing date. That’s because over time, rubber degrades, affecting its traction, performance, and safety.

Some premium all-season tires can push the limits of longevity, with certain models tested up to 95,000 or even 100,000 miles under ideal conditions. But those cases are the exception, not the rule.

What affects tire life?

Several variables influence how quickly tires wear out:

• Tire type All-season tires generally last longer, often 50,000 to 70,000 miles. Performance, off-road, or specialty tires may wear out sooner, sometimes in as little as 30,000 to 40,000 miles.

• Driving habits Aggressive cornering, frequent hard braking, and speeding all accelerate wear

• Road conditions Rough, uneven, or poorly maintained roads can cause quicker tread loss

• Maintenance Tire rotations are needed every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Maintaining proper air pressure and keeping the wheels aligned can dramatically extend tire life

Assessing tread depth and performing visual checks

Legally, the minimum tread depth in most U.S. states is 2/32 of an inch (about 1.6 mm). That’s the absolute minimum, and many tire experts recommend replacing your tires sooner, particularly when they reach 4/32 of an inch, to improve safety in wet conditions.

Even if the tread passes inspection, you should still check for cracks, bulges, or uneven wear. Sidewall damage, cupping, or visible aging may indicate it’s time to replace a tire, even if it's within the six-year guideline.

Replacing one tire vs. all four

If your car needs new tires, do you need to replace all four? It depends on your vehicle and the condition of your existing tires.

• All-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicles generally require replacing all four tires at the same time to prevent mismatched diameters from causing strain on the drivetrain.

• Front-wheel-drive (FWD) or rear-wheel-drive (RWD) vehicles can often get by with just two new tires. The new pair should always be installed on the rear axle. This placement helps prevent fishtailing, especially in wet or slick conditions.

• One tire can sometimes be replaced if the others are nearly new (with at least 70-75% tread remaining) and your car isn’t AWD. In that case, match the brand, size, and model of the remaining tires, and still install it at the rear.

If all four tires have worn evenly, are more than four to five years old, or the tire model has been discontinued, replacing the entire set is often the best — and safest — choice.

Deciding between new tires and a new car

If your tires are shot but the rest of your vehicle is in good condition, replacing your tires is almost always a wiser move than buying a newer car.

A set of quality tires typically costs anywhere from a few hundred to a thousand dollars. In contrast, upgrading to another vehicle means committing to a significantly larger financial obligation — down payment, taxes, fees, increased insurance premiums, and possibly a higher interest rate.

Stick with your current car and replace the tires if:

• The vehicle is mechanically sound and doesn’t require major repairs.

• Combined repair costs (including tires) are well under your vehicle’s market value.

On the other hand, a newer car may make more sense if you’re facing a stack of major repairs — engine work, transmission issues, or a rusted frame — and the total bill rivals the value of your current vehicle. Frequent breakdowns, poor fuel economy, and outdated safety features can also justify a switch, especially if you’re spending on more than just tires.

Choosing a new car over new tires?

If you’ve decided your existing vehicle needs too much maintenance considering its market value, a dealer in the Credit Acceptance network can assist you with the financing of another vehicle. Our dealership network is over 15,000 strong, and a great way to get matched with local dealers is to get pre-qualified through our website today.