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When Do I Need to Change My Tires?

Jul 20, 2022

A retailer showing the tread of a tire is great for showing a customer when to change their tires.

It's important to know when to change your tires, in order to stay safe while driving. In this article, we’ll give you some important information about how to know when it’s time to start shopping for a new set of tires.

Signs You Need to Change Your Tires

The general guideline for when to replace your tires is every six years. But there are a few factors that can speed up the process and call for a replacement sooner. If you notice any of the following, it’s time for new tires:

1. Tread-wear indicator bars appearing in the grooves of your tire

If you notice that the tread wear indicator bars have appeared in the grooves of your tires, it’s time for new tires. This often indicates that the tires are worn out and no longer safe to drive on. Be sure to replace your tires as soon as possible to keep yourself and others safe on the road.

2. Cracks or splits in the sidewall of your tire

If you notice any cracks or splits in the sidewall of your tire, it’s time to replace them. This is often a sign that the tires are no longer safe to drive on, and you could even be in danger of a blowout.

3. Excessively worn tread

If the tread on your tires is excessively worn, it’s time to replace them. Driving on tires with excessively worn treads can be dangerous and could lead to a blowout.

4. Uneven tread wear

Another sign that you may need new tires is if you notice uneven tread wear on your tires. This can be a sign that your tires are not inflated properly or are not aligned correctly. Be sure to have your tires checked by a professional if you notice this issue.

5. Bulges or blisters on the surface of the tire

If your tires show any bulges or blisters on the surface, it’s time to replace them. This often indicates that the tire has been damaged and is no longer safe to drive on. Bulges and blisters are often caused by hitting a pothole or curb, and they can cause a blowout if not replaced.

What to Do if You’re Unsure

If you’re unsure whether your tires need to be replaced, bring them to a professional tire technician for an inspection. They can help you determine if it’s time for new tires or if you can get a few more miles out of your current ones.

The Consequences of Driving on Worn-Out Tires

Driving on worn-out tires can be dangerous, and it can lead to a blowout. If you’re driving on bald tires that blow out, you could lose control of your vehicle. This could lead to an accident that could injure yourself or others.

In addition to the danger of a blowout, driving on worn-out tires can also be costly. Worn-out tires are less fuel-efficient, and they cause your vehicle to use more gas. They will also wear down your brakes faster, leading to costly repairs.

So, if you’re wondering when to change your tires, the answer is sooner rather than later. Inspect your tires regularly, and replace them when needed, to keep yourself and others safe on the road.

How Often to Change Your Tires

As mentioned, the general guideline for tire replacement is every six years – but there are a few factors that can speed up the process. These include :

Driving Habits

If you frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic or on rough roads, your tires will wear down faster and need to be replaced more often.

Type of Vehicle

Heavier vehicles put more stress on tires and will cause them to wear down faster.

Climate

Hotter climates can cause tires to deteriorate faster and must be replaced more often.

How Can Acima Leasing Help You?

If you need a new set of tires, Acima Leasing can help. We offer flexible lease-to-own solutions* that make it easy to take home the products that you want. You can take your shopping experience into your own hands with a manageable lease renewal payment schedule*. If you make the number of payments defined under your lease, you also have the option to purchase early at a discount. Furthermore, if during your lease, you decide that you don’t want to keep the tires, you can return them in good condition at any time without further obligation and will only be responsible for any past due lease renewal payments and any associated fees. Doesn’t it sound good to have that kind of shopping power in your hands? Find a retailer near you and shop in-store for tires today. If you are still interested in reading more about Acima Leasing check out this page or our FAQ page.

Common Questions About Changing Your Tires:

How long do tires last on average?

The average tire will last for about six years. But your tires’ lifespan can vary depending on several factors.

How many miles is a lot for tires?

Typically tires should last about 50,000-60,000 miles, but this can vary depending on the type of vehicle and driving habits.

Why do new car tires wear out so fast?

New car tires might wear out quickly for a number of reasons, including over/under inflation, poor alignment, or driving frequently in stop-and-go traffic or on rough roads.

Do cheap tires wear out faster?

Cheap tires might wear out faster because they’re made with lower-quality materials. But this isn’t always the case, and you could get lucky with a cheap tire that lasts just as long as a more expensive one.