Written by Kelly Burch
Published Oct 03 | 6 minute read
Your ability to get where you need to go rides on your four tires. Tires last a long time—about six years, on average—so it's easy to forget about tire maintenance and replacement. But it's not something to let slide. The quality of your tires can impact your stopping distance, fuel economy and vehicle performance. In the worst-case scenario, neglecting your tires can be deadly. In 2022, more than 500 people were killed in tire-related crashes in the U.S.
However, with planning and awareness, you can stay safe on the road and save money at the same time. Here's everything to know about getting new tires, including when you need them and how much you can expect to pay.
On average, you can expect a new set of tires to last about six years. However, there are lots of variables that impact your tires' lifespan. People who drive a lot or have performance tires on their vehicle may need new tires every three or four years.
People who drive less often can have tires that last much longer—although all tires should be replaced within 10 years of their manufacture date because the rubber begins to break down at that point. Here are some factors that impact how long tires last:
The cost to purchase new tires for your vehicle varies widely, from $50 to $1,000+ per tire. However, on average, you can expect to pay $460 to $1,280 for a set of four new tires. There are lots of factors that impact tire cost, including:
Here's what you can expect to pay, on average, for different types of tires:
If you have a flat tire that can't be repaired, you might try to replace just one tire. However, in most cases, the best practice is to replace all four tires at once. That's because having one new tire with older tires can leave your vehicle unbalanced. This is especially important if you have an all-wheel-drive vehicle. If the rest of your tires are less than 30% worn, you may be able to get away with replacing just one tire. However, in most cases, you'll need to replace two or four tires to avoid performance issues. While replacing all four tires is a bigger cost up front, it can save you money in the long run.
Since there's a huge variation in how long tires will last, pay attention to the signs that you need new tires. These signs will tell you when you need new tires much more accurately than a date on the calendar.
Changes to your car's performance, a decrease in fuel economy, a longer stopping distance and physical changes to your tires can all indicate that it's time to buy new tires. Here's how to know for sure.
One of the best ways to know that your tires need to be replaced is by looking at the tread. Tread is the part of the rubber that touches the road. It's cut with grooves that allow water and debris to pass by the tire while keeping the tire connected to the road.
Over time, the tire tread wears down. Tire manufacturers recommend that tires be replaced when the tread reaches 1/16 of an inch. However, even at 4/32 of an inch, your tire performance starts to suffer and stopping distances increase. You may want to consider replacing your tires then. Most people can't eyeball 1/16 of an inch, but there's an easy test to see if you need new tires. The test can be done with a penny or a quarter. Hold the coin in your fingers with the "head" side facing you and the top of the head pointed toward the ground. Insert the coin into a tire groove. If you can see the top of the president's head, you need new tires. If the top of the head is covered by tread, your tires still have life left.
In addition to reduced tread, there are other physical signs that your tires need to be replaced. These include:
If you need new tires, you might notice that your vehicle is vibrating or making unusual noises. This is caused by the tires being out of balance. Sometimes it can be fixed with an alignment or tire rotation, but other times it means you need a new set of tires.
Tires are linked very closely with your vehicle's performance. When you need new tires, you may notice changes, including:
New tires are critical for your safety and your vehicle's performance. The Synchrony Car Care credit card can help you pay for four new tires and regular tire maintenance, including tire rotations (which should be done every time you get an oil change). Learn more and apply now.
Kelly Burch is a freelance writer with more than a decade of experience writing about automotive and finance topics. Her work has appeared in national and international newspapers and magazines, and she's created messaging for well-known brands including CarMax, Trivago and Synchrony. When she's not behind the desk, Kelly can be found in the mountains and lakes that surround her New Hampshire home.
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