If you’ve ever looked at your tires and wondered, “Should you replace your tires now or wait a little longer? You’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions drivers ask, and the honest answer isn’t just about mileage. Tread depth, tire age, and wear patterns all play a role in keeping you safe on the road. Here’s what to look for to make a confident, informed decision.
How Long Do Tires Usually Last?
Most tires are built to last between 25,000 and 50,000 miles. Some high-performance or premium tires can push past 60,000 miles. But alone doesn’t tell the whole story.
Even if your tires haven’t racked up many miles, age matters just as much. Rubber breaks down over time. Heat, UV exposure, and even just sitting still cause the rubber to dry out and crack on the inside, even when the outside looks fine.
The industry standard is this: regardless of mileage, you should have your tires inspected once they hit six years old. By the time they reach 10 years, most manufacturers recommend replacing them.
Check the sidewall of your tire for a four-digit DOT code. The last four numbers tell you the week and year your tire was made. For example, “2319” means it was made in the 23rd week of 2019.
How Do You Know If You Should Replace Your Tires? Start With Tread Depth
Tread is what keeps your car gripping the road, especially in rain or on slick Illinois roads in the winter. The legal minimum tread depth is 2/32 of an inch, but we recommend replacing tires before you reach that level.
Here are two easy at-home checks:
The Penny Test: Stick a penny into a tread groove with Lincoln’s head pointing down. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, your tread is too low. It’s time to replace.
The Quarter Test: Do the same with a quarter. If you can see the top of Washington’s head, you’re at about 4/32; you’re still legal, but it’s time to start shopping.
Most tires also have built-in wear indicator bars, which are the small raised sections inside the grooves. When your tread wears down to the level of those bars, you need new tires right away.
What Do Tire Wear Patterns Tell You?
Wear patterns are one of the most overlooked signs that something is wrong. They don’t just tell you when to replace your tires; they tell you why your tires are wearing out, which can point to a bigger issue.
Center Wear
The middle of the tire is wearing faster than the edges. This usually means your tires are overinflated. High air pressure causes the tire’s center to carry most of the load.
Edge Wear
Both edges are worn down, but the center looks fine. This is a sign of underinflation. Low pressure spreads the tire out and puts extra stress on the outer edges.
One-Sided Wear
One edge is significantly more worn than the other. This points to an alignment problem. If your car pulls to one side, this is likely what’s happening.
Cupping or Scalloping
A wavy, uneven wear pattern around the tire. Worn shocks or struts, or an out-of-balance wheel, usually cause this. It can cause a thumping noise while driving.
If you spot any of these patterns, don’t just replace the tire; have the underlying issue diagnosed, too. Otherwise, your new tires will wear out the same way.
Other Signs You Should Replace Your Tires Immediately
Some warning signs mean you shouldn’t wait. Replace your tires right away if you notice:
- Bulges or bubbles on the sidewall mean the inner structure has failed, and a blowout could happen at any time
- Cracks in the sidewall are a sign of dry rot, especially on older tires
- Vibration while driving can signal internal damage, imbalance, or a bent rim
- Nails, screws, or other objects embedded in the tread may be reparable, but not all
- A blowout or severe impact. Even if the tire looks okay after hitting a deep pothole, have it inspected
Should You Replace Your Tires Before Winter in the Midwest?
If you drive in the Belleville area, you know Illinois winters can get rough. Summer tires harden in cold temperatures and lose grip well before roads get icy. If your tires are already low on tread heading into fall, don’t wait until the first snow to deal with it. A fresh set of all-season or winter tires before the season changes can make a real difference in how your car handles.
How Often Should You Rotate Your Tires?
Rotating your tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (or every oil change) helps them wear evenly. This extends their life and delays when you’ll need to replace them. Skipping rotations is one of the most common reasons tires wear out prematurely and unevenly.
FAQ: Should You Replace Your Tires?
How many miles before you should replace your tires?
Most tires last 25,000 to 50,000 miles. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific tire. Driving habits, road conditions, and maintenance all affect how fast tires wear.
Can tires go bad from old age even if they look fine?
Yes. Rubber degrades from the inside out. A tire that’s six or more years old may look fine, but it may have a structural breakdown you can’t see. Always check the DOT date on the sidewall.
Is it okay to replace just one or two tires?
It depends. Replacing in pairs (front two or rear two) is generally recommended. Replacing all four at once is ideal for all-wheel drive vehicles, as mismatched tread depths can damage the drivetrain.
How do I know if my tires need alignment or replacement?
If your car pulls to one side, your steering wheel vibrates, or you notice one-sided tread wear, you likely need an alignment. If the tread is worn down past safe levels, you need replacement and possibly an alignment.
How long do tires last in Illinois weather conditions?
Illinois heat in summer and freeze-thaw cycles in winter accelerate rubber breakdown. Most drivers in the area should expect to replace their tires every four to six years, depending on mileage and storage conditions.
Serving Belleville Drivers Since 1906
At O’Brien Tire & Auto Care, we’ve been helping drivers make smart, safe decisions about their vehicles for over 120 years. We’re proud to serve the Belleville area and surrounding communities with honest advice, fair pricing, and ASE-certified technicians who know their stuff.
Uncertain if should you replace your tires or just need a second opinion? Walk in anytime or book an appointment online. We’ll give your tires a thorough inspection, explain exactly what we find, and help you decide on the right next step.
📍 3924 Nameoki Road, Granite City, IL | 📞 (618) 270-0789 | Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Trusted Auto Care Specialists Backed by Experience and Expertise
Serving Granite City, Madison, Pontoon Beach, Venice, Edwardsville, Collinsville, Glen Carbon, Fairmont City, Maryville, Wood River, Roxana, Hartford, Mitchell, East Alton, Alton, Caseyville, Belleville, Troy, Sauget, Fairview Heights, and Highland since 1906.
Posted on February 17, 2026 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business