When to replace your tires

Tread depth and wear bars

Legal minimum tread depth in many states is 2/32 of an inch. Tires have raised wear bars in the grooves; when the tread is flush with those bars, you are at or near that limit.

Many experts suggest replacing tires around 4/32 inch remaining tread for better wet traction, because shallow grooves cannot evacuate water as effectively. If you drive in heavy rain, earlier replacement is reasonable.

Penny and quarter tests

The penny test is a rough field check: insert a penny into the tread groove with Lincoln’s head down. If you can see the top of his head, tread is shallow. The quarter test uses Washington’s head the same way and roughly corresponds to about 4/32 inch—if the tread does not reach his head, consider shopping soon.

These tests are not precise as a gauge, but they are easy between professional inspections.

Uneven wear and sidewall damage

Cupping, feathering, or one shoulder worn more than the other can point to alignment, balance, or suspension issues. Fix the underlying cause when you replace tires, or the new set will wear the same way.

Bulges, cuts, cracks, or exposed cords in the sidewall mean replace the tire—sidewalls are not safely repairable like the tread area. Impact damage from potholes or curbs can fail suddenly.

Age and the DOT date code

Tires age even on low-mileage vehicles. The DOT code on the sidewall ends with a four-digit date: the first two digits are the week of manufacture, the last two are the year (for example 2319 = week 23 of 2019).

Many manufacturers recommend inspection after about 5–6 years and replacement by 10 years, but follow your vehicle maker’s and tire maker’s guidance for your climate and storage conditions. Heat, sunlight, and under-inflation accelerate aging.

Plan your replacement

When it is time, search your size on our site to see live pricing on tires currently in local stock. We confirm final price and ready time before you pay—nothing is charged online at checkout.