Regardless of how new your tire is, it’s essential to check the inflation pressure every month and schedule regular inspections with a professional. After five years, an inspection is necessary to determine if the tire is still roadworthy.
Tires that are 10 years old or older should be taken out of service and replaced with new ones. This applies to spare tires as well. Even if a spare tire looks new, it should be replaced if it’s over 10 years old.
however, tire age isn’t the only factor in determining if a tire needs replacement. many tires may need to be replaced before 10 years due to regular tread wear and other conditions, such as punctures, impact damage, improper inflation, and overloading. if a tire is worn out or otherwise damaged, it should be replaced, regardless of its age.
do i have to replace all four tires at once?
a common question is whether it’s necessary to replace all four tires at once. the answer is yes. it’s important to replace all four tires simultaneously to ensure consistent performance and handling. tires play a critical role in your vehicle's responsiveness, and having matching tires ensures the best control. if the tires don’t match, one end of the vehicle may respond slower than the other, making the vehicle harder to control.
if you’re only replacing fewer than four tires, choose tires similar to the ones already on your vehicle. if replacing just two, install them on the rear axle. only use tires from the same category as your existing ones.
for vehicles with staggered fitment (different tire sizes on the front and rear), consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific replacement recommendations.
which tires are better, new or used?
buying used tires can be risky because you don’t know their history. they might have been underinflated, overloaded, or suffer from unseen internal damage, which could lead to unexpected failure. used tires may also show uneven wear, leading to noise, vibration, or other issues, and may need replacing sooner than new tires. it's always better to replace tires with new ones that match your vehicle’s specifications for size, load capacity, and speed rating.
it’s essential to regularly inspect your tires and replace them when necessary to ensure safe driving.