As any knowledgeable vehicle owner knows, having good tires on your vehicle is a necessity to ensure safe driving. However, understanding how long tires last and when they should be replaced can be something that new vehicle owners have to learn. In this short article, we’re going to take a look at how long Michelin tires pittsburgh pa last and when you should opt for getting them replaced by your local mechanic.
The Ultimate Truth
The lifespan of a tire depends on a number of factors. Some of these factors include its design, improper usage, the climate, the road conditions, level of proper maintenance, and the driver’s habits. As a general rule of thumb, it’s a good idea to have your wheels checked out thoroughly every five years by your licensed mechanic.
When it comes to wheels, it’s also important to consider their date of manufacture. Michelin stamps every one of their wheels with the date that they were manufactured. They recommend not using wheels that are over 10 years old based on their date of manufacture. Michelin specifically wants its customers to avoid using wheels that are 10 years past their manufacture date even if the tread on the wheels is still in usable condition.
How Road Conditions Can Affect Your Tire
The road conditions that you travel day in and day out can greatly affect the lifespan of your car tire. If you’re constantly dealing with obstacles like potholes, speed bumps, and even hitting curbs, it can cause unwanted damage to your vehicle’s tire. When you have issues with your wheels, it can result in dangerous driving.
How The Climate Can Affect Your Tire
Various climate factors can affect the overall lifespan of your tire. Extreme temperatures can play a big role in deteriorating the integrity of your car tire. Roadway hazards like grease and oil can cause faster than normal tire wear. Lastly, dealing with constant ice, snow, and rain can prematurely wear your tire.
How Driving Habits Can Affect A Tire
The way that you drive your car has a large impact on the lifespan of your tire. Vehicle owners who participate in risky driving will find that their tire will wear out much faster than those drivers who don’t participate in risky driving. Risky driving can be characterized by a number of habits. Some of the most common include:
- Speeding
- Traveling On Damaged Roadways
- Emergency Braking
- Accelerated Starts
- Ignoring Changes In Handling, Vibration, Or Noises
Proper Tire Maintenance
One surefire way to ensure that your tire lasts its entire manufacturer’s lifespan is to properly maintain it. Maintenance includes a variety of tasks that should be done throughout the tire’s life. These include things like checking air pressure regularly, having tire rotations performed when necessary, and taking proper care of your vehicle’s maintenance.
The air pressure in your tire is what lies between your car and the rubber of the tire that comes into contact with the road. When air pressures are not adequate, it can lead to unwanted damage. An under-inflated tire can be extremely dangerous. This can lead to an overheated tire, premature wear, blowouts, and even tread separation. Conversely, if you have an over-inflated tire, it can increase your risk of a blowout and reduce your braking distance.
Improper Tire Usage
When it comes to using the right tire, it’s an important decision for any vehicle owner. A tire is specifically designed to be used in its recommended circumstances. If you use the tire improperly, it won’t perform to its intended extent. Many times, improper use of a tire can lead to premature wearing and a shortened lifespan.
There are many ways that a user can improperly use a tire. The most common that vehicle owners typically make is running a summer tire on their vehicle through the ice and snowy season. Next up, vehicle owners make the crucial mistake of mixing together different tire types on their vehicles. Lastly, using a damaged wheel or a rim size that is not compatible with the tire is another major blunder that vehicle owners make.