Tyres usually need replacing either when the tread reaches the legal or recommended limit or when they get old — many manufacturers advise having tyres inspected annually after about five years and replacing them by about ten years from manufacture, whatever the tread depth. Typical mileage is somewhere around 25,000–50,000 miles, but it varies widely with the tyre, car and driving. Measure the tread with our tyre tread depth guide, and find the manufacture date using how to read a tyre sidewall.
The Two Clocks
A tyre wears out in two ways. Mileage and driving style wear the tread away. Time and heat harden and crack the rubber, even if the car barely moves. Both matter: an old tyre with good tread can still fail, because ageing weakens the bond between its internal layers and the rubber becomes less flexible and grippy. Spare tyres and tyres on lightly used cars are the usual places this catches people out.
How to Find a Tyre’s Age
Look on the sidewall for the letters DOT followed by a code. The last four digits are the manufacture date: the first two are the week, the last two the year. A code ending in 2319 means week 23 of 2019. Tyres made before 2000 carry a three-digit code. The code may be on only one sidewall, so check the inside if needed. The wider picture is in how to read a tyre sidewall.
How Often to Replace, by Situation
| Situation | Suggested approach |
|---|---|
| Tread at or near 1.6 mm (2/32 inch) | Replace now |
| Tread around 3 mm (4/32 inch) | Plan replacement; wet grip is falling |
| Tyres five or more years old | Have them inspected at least yearly |
| Tyres around ten years old | Replace, even with good tread |
| Visible cracking, bulges or dry rot | Replace now, whatever the age |
| Puncture in the sidewall or shoulder | Replace — these areas can’t be repaired safely |
Check your tyre maker’s and vehicle manufacturer’s advice — some say replace at six years, others allow up to ten.
Damage That Means Replace Now
- A bulge or bubble in the sidewall — the internal structure has failed.
- Deep cracks in the sidewall or between the tread blocks (dry rot).
- Exposed cords or fabric.
- Cuts or punctures outside the repairable tread area.
- Very uneven wear that suggests an alignment or suspension problem — fix the cause, too. See uneven tyre wear patterns and signs your car needs a wheel alignment.
- A persistent vibration or pull that balancing and alignment can’t cure.
Replacing Tyres Properly
- Replace in pairs or full sets where possible. Put the newest tyres on the rear for stability on most cars, unless the manufacturer says otherwise.
- Match the tyres on all-wheel-drive cars. Uneven tread depths can strain the drivetrain; see the AWD note in the Subaru Forester guide and follow your manual’s tolerance.
- Use the size and load/speed rating in the manual. The placard in the door jamb lists them.
- Reset or recheck the pressure monitors afterwards — see TPMS light on.
- Have the wheels balanced and the alignment checked.
Making Them Last
Keep the pressure right (how to check tyre pressure correctly), rotate on schedule (how often to rotate your tyres), and check for pulling (car pulls to the left or right while driving). Store spare tyres out of sun, and don’t forget the spare — see how long can you drive on a spare tire.
Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Use axle stands on firm, level ground, chock the wheels that stay down, and leave the car in gear or Park with the handbrake on. A jack lifts; stands hold.
Possible Costs
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Economy tyre, fitted | $80 – $140 each |
| Mid-range tyre, fitted | $120 – $220 each |
| Premium or large-size tyre, fitted | $200 – $350+ each |
| Balance, valve and disposal (if extra) | $10 – $30 each |
Can I Keep Driving on Old Tyres?
If they are under about six years old, undamaged and above the tread limit, usually yes. Beyond that, have them inspected, and replace them by around ten years or immediately on any bulge, deep cracking or exposed cord. If a tyre fails on the road, see how to change a flat tire safely.
When to See a Mechanic
Annually once the tyres are five years old, after any impact, or whenever you see cracking or a bulge. More in our maintenance section.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I replace my tyres?
When the tread reaches the limit — 1.6 mm legally, around 3 mm for better wet grip — or when they get old: inspect yearly after five years and replace by about ten, whatever the tread.
How do I know how old my tyres are?
Check the DOT code on the sidewall. The last four digits give the week and year of manufacture, such as 2319 for week 23 of 2019.
Can tyres go bad even if they have plenty of tread?
Yes. Rubber hardens and cracks with age and heat, and the internal structure can weaken.
How many miles do tyres last?
Commonly 25,000–50,000 miles, but it varies widely with the tyre, vehicle and driving habits.
Do I need to replace all four tyres at once?
Not always, but replace in pairs at least, and match all four on all-wheel-drive cars as the manual advises.
