A typical set of tires lasts three to five years, or roughly 40,000 to 60,000 miles, but the real number depends on the tire, the car and how you drive. Here is what moves it.

What shortens tire life

• Under-inflation. Low pressure wears the edges and builds heat. Check pressure monthly.
• Poor alignment. A car out of alignment scrubs tread off one edge quickly.
• Skipping rotation. Front and rear tires wear at different rates; rotating every 5,000 to 8,000 miles evens it out.
• Hard driving. Fast starts, hard braking and cornering all speed up wear.

Age matters too

Even a tire with tread left hardens with age. Many makers suggest replacing tires around six years old and no later than ten, regardless of mileage. The DOT code on the sidewall ends in the week and year the tire was made.

How to make tires last

Keep them at the pressure on your door-jamb sticker, rotate on schedule, get an alignment if the car pulls or wears unevenly, and avoid overloading. Simple habits can add thousands of miles to a set.

Time for a fresh set?

When the tread nears 2/32 or the tires pass six years, it is time. Find your size on the home page or browse all tires. New tires, every size, low prices, fast tracked US shipping.