Tires are an integral part of a car and also the only part that touches the ground, without it the car will not be able to move forward or backward.
Some people are of the opinion that tires that come from the manufacturer don’t last as long as the ones bought aftermarket while others beg to differ.
Irrespective of the various school of thought, the tire on a brand-new car is estimated to last 50,000 miles and 12,000 miles on average.
One can only give an estimate of a tire’s longevity because so many factors are to be considered when determining a tire’s life span.
How Long Should Tires Last on a Brand New Car?
Usually, tires on a brand-new car are estimated to last up to 50,000 miles. But in actual fact, we can only make an estimate because the life span of a tire depends on a lot of factors.
On average, a car is driven 12,000 to 15,000 miles a year which leaves the estimated number of years to be between three to five years.
If a car is not driven as it should, it ages faster. A car that is not in use ages rather than wearing out as opposed to a car that is driven often.
The structural integrity of the car requires that the car be driven else the chemicals in the rubber will not be effective.
Factors that Determine the Longitivity of New Tires
There are factors that play an important role in determining how long a brand new car tire will last and they should be considered when evaluating the tire’s life expectancy. These factors are:
1. The Type of Tire the Car Uses
Different car comes with a different tire, some have high-performance tire while others a standard all-season model.
High-performance tires are softer therefore they provide more grip but on the other hand, wear out easily. If the tire is a standard all-season model it will last longer.
2. Condition of the Road
If a car is used for more off-road driving, its tire will wear out quickly because of gravel and dirt that are common on such roads. Unlike cars that are driven on smooth surfaces whose tires last longer.
3. The Driver’s Driving Habit
A driver that is used to driving at full speed increases the pressure on both the accelerator and brake pedals. Too much pressure on the tire over time causes the tire to wear out faster.
4. Driving Terrain
When a car is driven on mountains and hills it will cause more wear to the tires.
5. Weather Condition
A car works harder to maintain traction in poor weather conditions such as; snow, or rain which cause it to wear out quickly. The exception to this is if the tire is one that is specifically designed for such weather conditions.
6. Improper Maintenance
Tires like every other part of a car require maintenance, keeping the tires aligned and rotated, checking for damages, dry rots, etc., but when this is neglected over time, the tire won’t last long.
Tips on How to Make your Brand New Tires Last Long
It is very possible to make your brand-new tire last longer irrespective of the factors that may reduce its life span. Below are some tips that can help you keep your tires in good condition for much longer:
Have the Wheels Balanced
A good time to have the wheels balanced is when the tires are been rotated, this is done by mechanics that use specialized machines and small weights. Every tire and wheel has a heavy spot that needs to be moved or changed often
Check the Tire’s Air Pressure
One of the easiest ways to make your tire last long is by checking the air pressure monthly. Wrong air pressure on tires can increase wear and tear, thereby increasing stopping distance.
A tire changes pressure depending on the weather condition. In colder temperatures, the pressure reduces while in warmer temperature the pressure increases.
Irrespective of the weather condition you’ll be safe if you check the air pressure monthly. It’s even preferable to always check it when driving the car each day.
Get the Tires Rotated Every 5,000 Miles
All four tires do not drive a car at the same time. For some cars, the front wheels drive the car while for others it is the back wheel that drives the car.
One way to make the tires last long is by rotating the tires, this is done by a technician who moves the wheel around to different positions on the car. It is better to have the tires rotated every 5,000 miles.
Check the Tire Alignment Twice a Year
Overtime, tires may start drifting left or right which causes misalignment. The smallest misalignment may cause the tire tread to wear.
To prevent this, you should have a mechanic align the tires at least every six months and whenever you feel the need to. Doing this will help you extend the car’s life span, increase fuel efficiency, etc.
When Should You Change Tires on a New Car?
The tires of a car can last up to 3 to 5 years after which you may have to replace them. Knowing when to change a car tire may be quite hard but there are factors that can help determine when to replace them.
If the tire tread is worn out and it has lost traction when braking or it doesn’t grip on the road as it should then you know it’s time to change the tires.
A tire will also need to be changed if it is blown out. In any of the aforementioned is noticed then a tire change is in order, failure to do this makes the car unsafe to be driven.
Conclusion
It is important to note that a car tire can either wear or age. The aging of a tire can be attributed to idling for a long period while wear and tear are due to usage over a period.
Although a tire will eventually wear out with use, it is possible to keep it in good condition for longer with some tips which are; adequate maintenance, checking the air pressure, etc.
It is also very easy to know when to change a car’s tire, you can start by checking the owner’s manual for the recommended time of changing.