How Many Miles Do Tires Last?

How many miles should tires last with proper care? Although your driving style and your choice of equipment can impact the longevity of your tires, you can generally expect a new set of tires to last for roughly 50,000 miles. Performance tires, which grip the road more firmly, may not last quite as long. On the other hand, your all-season and run-flat tires may last for even longer! 

What Factors Affect Tires Life Expectancy? 

So, how many miles do tires last in real life? These important factors make all the difference:

• Tire Type: The longest-lasting tires have low rolling resistance. However, since resistance helps to generate traction, you may want to balance performance and longevity when you’re making a decision.
• Treadwear Rating: Check the treadwear rating of any tire you’re thinking of purchasing. Most tires display their anticipated life expectancy in a clear way.
• Maintenance: Failing to schedule tire rotation, wheel balancing, and other important services will have a negative impact on your tire life. You also need to check your tire pressure regularly.
• Drivetrain: If you drive a vehicle with rear-wheel drive, your rear tires will wear down more quickly. Tire rotation counteracts this tendency and ensures more even treadwear.
• Elevation: If you’re always moving up and down hills, your tires may not last as long. Flat terrain tends to be easier on tires.
• Road Quality: Driving on rough terrain or poorly maintained roads is bound to have a negative impact on your tire life.
• Driving Habits: As we noted from the outset, the way you drive can absolutely impact your tire life. Speeding up gently and coasting to a stop will help to maximize the life of your tires.

Many drivers choose to have their tires rotated every time they come in for an oil change! We can also inspect your tread wear and tell you if we notice anything out of the ordinary. Significant differences between your tires can indicate serious problems, and lead to others.

How Do I Know If My Tires Need to Be Replaced? 

At the end of the day, 50,000 miles is only an estimate. Most Chula Vista and El Cajon drivers will trade up for new tires every four years or so, but you should also know how to check your tread wear at home:

1. You can check your tread depth using a penny. Just insert the penny into the tread at several locations, with Lincoln’s head facing down and out.
2. If you can see his entire face, your tires are no longer safe to use! This means that they have less than 1/16 of an inch of tread depth remaining.

Drivers who want a more exact measurement can pick up a tire tread gauge from our parts department.

Take Care of Your Tires at BMW of San Diego

If you think it’s time to pick up new tires, check out our parts specials to find an excellent price on your new set. Our dealership is easy to reach from anywhere near San Diego or Encinitas, and we proudly stock the tires that your BMW deserves.