Extend the life of your tires and prevent potential accidents.
Aging tires are vulnerable to blowouts, loss of traction and limited braking ability.
Each year, tire-related issues cause:
10,275 injuries
700 fatalities
78,000 vehicle crashes
When to replace tires.
A tire’s lifespan: tires have a manufacturer’s code on the sidewall. The last four numbers represent the production date.
Recommended tire lifespan: 6 years from production date.
Maximum tire lifespan: 10 years from production date.
Don’t purchase old tires and know the age of your tires.
Tire replacement tests.
Depleted tread: tire tread required is 1/16th of an inch.
If the tread and the rubber between the tread is even, replace tires.
Look for the tread wear depth indication. If the top of the small arrow is nearing the tire’s edge, change the tire.
Flip a penny on its end. Insert it into several grooves on the tire. If the very top of Lincoln’s head is visible, replace the tires immediately. If a portion of Lincoln’s hair is visible, start shopping for new tires.
How to spot warped tires. These may be signs of alignment or suspension issues. Take your car to be serviced:
Irregular tread wear
Cracks in the sidewall
Bubbles in the sidewall
Make your tires last. When you store your tires:
Deflate tires to 50% of the recommended tire pressure.
Tires should be stored upright, not lying down.
Store any seasonal tires in a clean, cool dark and ventilated area.
Extreme temps may cause tires to age faster than normal. Parking your vehicle in the garage each night helps prevent premature tire aging.
Maintain proper inflation.
Rotate your tires every 7,000 miles
Check your owner’s manual for specific recommendations to your vehicle’s tires.
