How Long Do Tires Last: Wear Ratings and Age Codes
Tread depth and age determine how long tires last. Read the four-digit DOT code on the sidewall to find the manufacturing week and calendar year.
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Tires
Explore practical questions and explanations about tires.
Answers & explanations
All-Season vs All-Weather Tires: Which Symbol Matters
All-weather tires earn both the M+S mark and the 3PMSF snowflake by scoring 10 to 12% better on packed snow, helping you choose the right tire.
Read the answerTire Date Code: Decode the DOT Week and Year
The tire date code is the last four digits of the DOT number on your sidewall, showing the week and year of manufacture, such as 1319 for week 13 of 2019.
Read the answerPenny Test for Tires: What It Measures and Its Limits
The penny test checks tire tread depth using Lincoln's head as a 2/32-inch gauge; passing it only means tires are legal, not safe for wet roads.
Read the answerWhen to Replace Tires: Tread, Age, and Damage
Replace tires at 2/32-inch tread depth, when age-related rubber degradation appears, or immediately if sidewall bulges or cord damage are present.
Read the answerUneven Tire Wear: Patterns, Causes and Next Steps
Uneven tire wear signals wrong inflation, misalignment, or suspension issues. Learn which pattern points to which cause and what to do next.
Read the answerTire Pressure Light On in Cold Weather: 1 PSI per 10°F Explained
Cold temperatures shrink tire pressure, often triggering the TPMS warning light. This is normal physics, not necessarily a leak.
Read the answerTire Sidewall Markings: What Every Number Means
A tire sidewall encodes size (width, aspect ratio, rim diameter), load capacity, maximum speed, manufacture date, and quality grades.
Read the answerTire Pressure: Read the Door Placard, Not the Sidewall
Your door jamb placard gives the correct cold tire pressure for your vehicle. The sidewall number is a structural maximum, not a target.
Read the answerTire Rotation Intervals: 5,000 to 8,000 Miles Explained
Tire rotation is recommended every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. Learn why FWD vehicles need more frequent rotation and which pattern keeps wear even.
Read the answerTire Tread Depth: How to Measure It with a Gauge
Check tire tread depth using a probe gauge or built-in wear bars. Replace tires at 2/32 inch or less to keep your vehicle safe on wet roads.
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