Do I need new tires?

There are so few things that you can do to ensure proper maintenance of your vehicle. Regular oil changes, periodic transmission flush, and rotating your tires.

Tires are one of THE most important components of a safe and fuel-efficient ride!

There is no way to tell exactly how long a tire lasts. The lifespan and mileage of a tire depend on a combination of factors: its design, the driver’s habits, the climate, the road conditions and the care that’s put into the tires.

A few milestones and tips:

1. Keep five years in mind
   After five years or more in use, your tires should be thoroughly inspected at least once per year by a professional.
2. Ten years is a maximum
   If the tires haven’t been replaced 10 years after their date of manufacture, as a precaution, Michelin recommends replacing them with new tires. Even if they appear to be in usable condition and have not worn down to the tread wear indicator. This applies to spare tires as well.
3. Proper care expands a tire’s lifespan
   You can increase your tire’s longevity by maintaining the correct air pressure, performing regular tire rotations and vehicle maintenance.

For original equipment: follow the vehicle manufacturer’s tire replacement recommendations.

How to check the manufacturing date

• Look for the DOT number on your sidewall.

What damages tires?

Physical factors:

• Age
• Wear and Damage

Road conditions:

• Potholes, obstacles, curbs, sharp objects, speed bumps

Climate:

• Extreme temperatures
• Rain, snow, and ice
• Oil, grease, and other chemicals
• Strong sunlight and ozone

Driving habits:

• Speeding
• Quick starts and emergency braking
• Driving on damaged roads
• Failure to notice a change in handling, noise, or vibration
• Failure to consult a professional when something changes

Neglecting basic tire maintenance:

• Air pressure
• Not routinely checking for wear or damage
• Alignment and rotation
• Neglecting to get a professional tire inspection in the event a tire has been impacted or sustained damage
• Not balancing tires after they are installed
• Improper tire storage
• Use of sealants that have not been approved

Improper usage:

• Using summer tires on snow and ice
• Mixing tire types
• Using tires on damaged wheels
• Using wheel and rim sizes that are not compatible
• Fitting tires that do not have a speed capability and load index at least equal to or higher than those originally specified by the vehicle manufacturer
• Reinflating a tire that has been run flat or seriously underinflated
• Using a spare tire of different size at speeds in excess of 80 kph

How do I inspect my tire?

 

1. Check your air pressure
   • It’s quick and can prevent many problems
   • Do it once a month
2. Check the tread wear with one of the three methods:
   • With a tread depth gauge
   • With the tread wear indicators
   • With the quarter test
     1. Put the edge of the coin into the tread, with the Queen going in head first.
     2. If the top of the Queen’s head is covered by the tread, that’s good. If the top of her head is entirely visible, it’s time to replace the tire.
3. Inspect your tires for wear and damage problems
   • Check out this link to learn more!

Use the Tire Inspector Tool

• When should I inspect my tires?
  • Once every month
  • Before you go on a long road trip.
• Next steps :
  • Any visible perforation, cut or deformation must be checked thoroughly by a tire professional.
  • Only a tire professional can tell you if your tire can be repaired or has to be changed.

Keeping your tires in top shape is beneficial for safety and a fuel-efficient drive! We hope you have gained some more knowledge about tire life, and maitnence.