Your vehicle's tires are essential to getting you from point A to point B. In order to keep your vehicle running smoothly, it's important to ensure your tires are in good condition. As tires wear down, they will eventually need to be replaced, but determining when a replacement is appropriate can sometimes be confusing. Here is what you should keep in mind regarding your tires.

How Many Miles Should Tires Last?

Generally, your tires should last around 50,000 to 60,000 miles on average. Of course, the exact number of miles your tires can drive before they need to be replaced will depend on several factors, including the manufacturer, road conditions, and your driving style. 

Some tires will last as few as 30,000 miles before needing a replacement, while others can last as much as 80,000 miles. To determine how long you can anticipate your tires to last, check their treadwear rating to get a rough estimate of when it might be time to consider replacing them. 

Factors that Influence Tire Lifespan

Other than the treadwear rating, other external factors can influence your tires' lifespan. Some of these factors include:

• Tire type: High-performance tires have deeper treads to give them extra traction. These tires will wear more quickly than basic tire options, such as all-season tires.
• Drivetrain: Your vehicle's drivetrain (front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive) will play a part in how your tires wear down. Each drivetrain option distributes power differently to the tires, which can cause different wear.
• Road conditions: If you drive on gravel and dirt roads often or find yourself in weather conditions such as snow, ice, and rain, you may find that your tires wear down more quickly. If you use your vehicle for off-roading, plan to replace your tires more often.
• Terrain: Roads with more inclines, such as hills and windy roads, require more acceleration and braking as you go up and down them. These terrains result in more friction on the tires than on flat surfaces, leading to increased wear.
• Driving habits: If you accelerate quickly or break hard, this can place more friction on your tires. As with steep terrain, this will cause your tires to wear down more quickly than someone who starts and stops more gently.

How to Make Your Tires Last

If you hope to make your tires last longer, you're in luck. While you can only do so much regarding the treadwear rating and type of tires you currently have, there are steps you can take to ensure they reach their full lifespan. These include:

• Accelerating gently
• Allowing yourself enough space to break
• Checking your tire's air pressure regularly and make sure they are inflated properly
• Making sure your wheels are properly aligned

Tire Care Tips

Along with following the above suggestions to reduce unnecessary wear on your tires, there are other things you can do to keep your tires in top shape. To make sure your tires are always ready for whatever adventures you take them on, consider these tips:

• Inspect your tire tread depth to keep an eye out for wear and to know when it's time for a replacement
• Get regular tire rotations to allow your tires to wear evenly; consider scheduling one every time your oil changes.
• Consider checking your tires' air pressure at gas stations while on road trips, as most gas stations have a tire fill station you can use if necessary.

Signs You Might Need New Tires or Repair

Regardless of how well you care for them, all tires will eventually need replacing. How often you replace them will depend on how well you care for them, how many miles you drive on average, and the type of tires you have. Some signs that it's time to replace or repair your tires include:

• Your tire tread has worn down to less than 3/32"
• There are bulges, blisters, or bubbles present
• You can see punctures, cuts, snags, or separation in the tire tread, shoulder, or sidewall
• There is a sudden loss of tire pressure in one or more tires
• You experience poor handling or traction on slippery surfaces
• Your vehicle pulls to one side while driving
• You have tires that have been driven while flat

Professional Ford Tire Replacement Services in San Mateo

If your tires need repair or replacement in the San Mateo area, Putnam Ford has your back. Our Ford-trained and certified technicians know your Ford vehicle inside and out, providing top-quality service every time. If you're ready to replace your tires, schedule an appointment, or contact us if you have any questions about your tires or any other part of your Ford vehicle.

 

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