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Categories
Cars & Other Vehicles
Cars
Car Maintenance and Repair
Tires and Suspension
How to Know when Car Tires Need Replacing Download Article Co-authored by Howard Fleischmann
Last Updated: December 19, 2025 Approved
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Examining Tread Integrity
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Noticing Signs of Tire Damage
|
Tips
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Warnings
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Things You'll Need
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This article was co-authored by Howard Fleischmann. Howard Fleischmann is an Automotive Tire and Repair Specialist and the CEO of Community Tire Pros & Auto Repair, with ten locations throughout Phoenix, Glendale, Yuma, and Casa Grande, Arizona. Howard specializes in full-service auto repair and tire replacement and care for domestic/imported vehicles and large trucks. Howard’s dedication to Community Tire Pros & Auto Repair has earned their team multiple awards and features including the 2021 Phoenix Magazine AZ State 48 “Best of the Best!”, the 2020 “Best of Phoenix” in Auto Repair, the 2013 Master SBD award, the 2013 National “Top Shop” award by Tire Review, the 2012 Diversity Champions Phx Business Journal, the 2009 BBB Ethics award, the 2008 Phx Chamber of Commerce Impact Award -” Small Business of the Year”, and the 2008 ASU Spirit of Enterprise award. Howard is often referred to as “The Car Guy” for local TV stations and is a regular on TV’s Channel 3 Sunday, Good Morning Arizona monthly. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 15 testimonials and 91% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 1,851,827 times.
Ever wonder if it's time to replace your worn car tires? The performance of your tires is very important for maintaining the safety, performance, and efficiency of your vehicle. But at some point, your tires will start wearing out and lose their traction and braking ability. Luckily, if you're wondering when to start looking for new tires, there are a few tips that can help keep you in the know.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 2:
Examining Tread Integrity
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1 Replace your tires if the tread bar is flush with the tire tread. All tires sold in the U.S. and most other countries have tread wear bars—small horizontal bridges that form between your treads at a lower depth. As your tires wear, these bars become flush with the tread. When the tire tread is even with these wear bars, it means the tread is worn to 2⁄32 inch (0.16 cm) and needs to be replaced immediately.[1]X Trustworthy Source Consumer ReportsNonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source
When you look at your tire wear bars, be sure to look at the entire surface of the wheel and not just one isolated location.
2 Check the wear of your tread quickly by inserting a Lincoln penny into it. Take a Lincoln penny and place it upside down with Lincoln facing you in the center of the tread at the thickest part of the tire. If you can see the very top of Lincoln's head or the copper above it, replace the tire immediately. If you cannot see the hair on the top of Lincoln's head—meaning the tire tread is at least as deep as his forehead—your tire does not need replacing yet.[2]X Trustworthy Source Consumer ReportsNonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source
If you have a Canadian nickel, insert it between the tread with Queen Elizabeth's crown facing down. If the top of her crown is visible, the tire is below 2⁄32 inch (0.16 cm) and needs to be replaced.
Tires do not wear evenly, so be sure to insert the coin at several points from the outside to the inside of your tires. Tires generally wear more on the inside, but over-inflated tires will wear more in the middle.
For a more accurate tread depth measurement, use a tread depth gauge.
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3 Use a tread depth indicator for a more accurate measurement. Place the probe of the indicator in the center of one of the tire grooves on the outskirts of the tread. Remove the gauge by the barrel—taking care not to touch the probe—and note the tread depth. Continue this process for locations around the center tire grooves tire at least 15 inches (38 cm) apart and then average the numbers. Replace the tires if the depth is less than 2⁄32 inch (0.16 cm). [3]XResearch source
Repeat this process for the outer and inner circumferential grooves, and then average those numbers as well.
To average numbers, divide the total by the number of individual measurements you made along the tread.
Before using the tread depth indicator, push the tread depth gauge against a flat, hard surface and be sure it hits zero when it fully compresses.
Don't place the tread gauge onto any of the raised surfaces or molded tread wear indicators.
4 Check your state or region for tread recommendations. The primary function of tire tread is to divert water from beneath the tire to improve traction and avoid hydroplaning on wet roads. Once the tread is down to 2⁄32 inch (0.16 cm), the tire is no longer safe and illegal in most areas of the world. Look at your state or region's tire tread requirements provided by the transportation department.[4]X Trustworthy Source Consumer ReportsNonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source
Call or email your country's department of transportation or visit their website to locate tread laws.
In some U.S. states, tires are considered to be legally worn out when they have decreased to 1⁄16 inch (0.16 cm) of their remaining tread depth.
In the U.K., the minimum depth for tire tread is 0.0456 inches (1.16 mm) across the central 3/4 of the tread around the whole tire.
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 2:
Noticing Signs of Tire Damage
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1 Bring your car in for maintenance if you notice irregular tread wear. This could indicate wheel misalignment, improper inflation pressure, the need for tire rotation, or all of the above. Regardless of the specific reason, uneven tread wear is a sign that you need to take your car in for servicing.[5]XResearch source
If uneven tire wear is extreme or if tires wear out much faster than expected, have a competent tire workshop check your suspension and correct it as necessary before replacing tires. Improper alignment or worn suspension parts can dramatically shorten a tire's life.
Rotate your tires from front to rear in pairs to avoid irregular tread wear. Take both front tires and move them to the rear and vice versa.
2 Check for any abnormal bulges or bubbles in the sidewall. The sidewall is the tire surface outside the rim that faces you when the car is parked. A bulge indicates that the rigid internal frame of the tire has been damaged and cracked, allowing air pressure to reach the flexible outer layers of the tire. Any tires with sidewall bulges should be replaced immediately, regardless of the tread status. [6]XResearch source
Such damage could be caused by driving through a large pothole, driving over a curb, or by driving with low tire pressure.
Never continue to drive on a tire that has a sidewall bulge. This indicates that the structural integrity of the tire has been significantly reduced, which greatly increases the likelihood of a sudden failure or blowout at highway speeds.
3 Balance your tires if you feel steering wheel vibration.[7]X Expert Source Howard FleischmannAutomotive Tire & Repair SpecialistExpert Interview If your tires are worn unevenly, you may feel a vibration in the steering wheel when you are driving. If the vibration starts at 40 to 50 mph (64.37 to 80.47 km/h) and intensifies as you increase your speed, you probably need to balance your tires. If that doesn't stop the vibration, the tire is most likely damaged and needs a full replacement.[8]XResearch source
If you experience vibrations in the absence of tread damage, try balancing and aligning your tires' shock absorbers.
If you notice tire vibrations along with other tire damage indicators like abnormal bulges and irregular tread wear, you probably have to replace your tire.
If you notice that your tires are cupped—meaning they have a cupped or scalloped appearance around the tire—they likely aren't being rotated enough.
Your steering wheel shaking could indicate an issue. There are several reasons why your steering wheel might be shaking. Common causes include uneven tire wear, warped brake rotors, or worn suspension components. Additionally, misaligned wheels can contribute to shaking. In severe cases, a bent axle could also be the issue.
4 Check for dry rot and have affected tires inspected or replaced. If you see little cracks all over your tires, it means that the rubber is breaking down.[9]X Expert Source Howard FleischmannAutomotive Tire & Repair SpecialistExpert Interview Tires with dry rot can fall apart and separate from the steel belt, which causes damage to the exterior of the car. In some cases, your wheels might start rotting before the tread starts to diminish—you should still bring them in to be inspected or replaced.
Inspect for dry rot before heading out on any longer trips and bring your car in for a check-up regularly.
Degrease your tires to prevent dry rot, especially if your tires are exposed to a high degree of sunlight.
5 Replace your tires at least every 6 years.[10]X Expert Source Howard FleischmannAutomotive Tire & Repair SpecialistExpert Interview Check the 4-digit code on the wall of the tire for its age. Regardless of your country, most governmental transportation departments place 4-digit numbers on the wall of each tire. The first 2 numbers represent the week it was made and the last 2 represent the year. For example, 12/08 means your tire was made in the 12th week of 2008. If the tire is more than 6 years old, replace it.[11]XResearch source
If you're having trouble finding the number, look for the initials DOT, followed by other letters and numbers. The code should appear following dot and will not contain any letters.
Remember that although 10 years is the maximum service life for tires—which means since the date they were manufactured—this should never be used as the maximum drive time.
Always err on the side of caution if you suspect your vehicle has tires that are over 6 years of age.
Always change your tires if the tread is below the minimum depth recommendation, which is often 2⁄32 inch (0.16 cm).
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Expert Q&A
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Tips
Always keep your tires properly inflated. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Tire age is dated from the date of manufacture—not sale—since tires deteriorate even in storage. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Test all of your tires and—if possible—replace them all at the same time. Mismatched tires will not provide the same safety, performance, and efficiency as a matched pair will. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Show More Tips Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
Warnings
If you see wires on your tread or wear on the sidewalls of the tire, get the tire replaced immediately. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 0
Always make sure to buy tires that are the right size and type for your vehicle and rims. Changing to low-profile tires may require you to buy larger rims so that the outer circumference of the tire remains unchanged. Incorrect tire size or mismatched tread can also cause a low tire pressure warning to activate if the vehicle is equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
Tires should never rub against your fenders or any other part of your car. If your new tires rub during turns or when going over bumps, they don't fit and need to be fixed. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 2
Be careful when rotating tires, especially when moving tires to different rims. Many modern tires have a specific rotational direction and corresponding rotation method. Refer to your tire manufacturer or car dealer for details. However, bear in mind that some sports cars have different wheel size on the front and back, which means they cannot be rotated. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 2
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Co-authored by: Howard Fleischmann Automotive Tire & Repair Specialist This article was co-authored by Howard Fleischmann. Howard Fleischmann is an Automotive Tire and Repair Specialist and the CEO of Community Tire Pros & Auto Repair, with ten locations throughout Phoenix, Glendale, Yuma, and Casa Grande, Arizona. Howard specializes in full-service auto repair and tire replacement and care for domestic/imported vehicles and large trucks. Howard’s dedication to Community Tire Pros & Auto Repair has earned their team multiple awards and features including the 2021 Phoenix Magazine AZ State 48 “Best of the Best!”, the 2020 “Best of Phoenix” in Auto Repair, the 2013 Master SBD award, the 2013 National “Top Shop” award by Tire Review, the 2012 Diversity Champions Phx Business Journal, the 2009 BBB Ethics award, the 2008 Phx Chamber of Commerce Impact Award -” Small Business of the Year”, and the 2008 ASU Spirit of Enterprise award. Howard is often referred to as “The Car Guy” for local TV stations and is a regular on TV’s Channel 3 Sunday, Good Morning Arizona monthly. This article has been viewed 1,851,827 times. 11 votes - 91% Co-authors: 41Updated: December 19, 2025 Views: 1,851,827 Categories: Featured Articles | Tires and SuspensionArticle SummaryX
To determine if your car tires need replacing, examine the tread wear bars, which are the raised bridges between the treads, to see if they're flush with the tire tread. If they are, your tires need to be replaced. You should also look for abnormal bulges or bubbles in the sidewall, which is the tire surface outside the rim that faces out from the car, since they can be a sign of internal damage. If your tires have bulges or bubbles, they should be replaced immediately. Also, in general, you should aim to have your tires replaced every 6 years. To learn how to test the tread on your tires, keep reading!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Reader Success Stories
Tita Lei Allen Dilliner
Dec 18, 2018
"It's knowledge & information we females need, especially as we grow older and there's no handsome Romeo to depend on. I love it. I did acquire 4 new tires in the process. Your warning signs are very significant. So appreciated."..." more
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Howard Fleischmann Automotive Tire & Repair Specialist Co-authors: 41Updated: December 19, 2025 Views: 1,851,82791% of readers found this article helpful. 11 votes - 91% Click a star to add your vote
Tita Lei Allen Dilliner
Dec 18, 2018
"It's knowledge & information we females need, especially as we grow older and there's no handsome Romeo to depend on. I love it. I did acquire 4 new tires in the process. Your warning signs are very significant. So appreciated."..." more
Sebe Radebe
Sep 12, 2016
"I am a tire technician as well as an accredited self-sealing tire technologist. Your article has added value to my entire career, as I always advise individual drivers on how to take care of their tires."..." more
Harry Larson
Mar 16, 2018
"It gave me some ideas on when I should replace the original tires on our 2012 Odyssey which we bought in Oct 2012 and is approaching 6 years."..." more
Shabbir Ahmed
Feb 21, 2017
"I have my own motor pool workshop and this is very helpful for us, as we change the vehicle tires timely. It will help to reduce incidents."..." more
Tara Miller
Sep 28, 2016
"The information has pictures where you can actually see the problem clearly, and from that you can make a better judgement."..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
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Co-authored by: Howard Fleischmann Automotive Tire & Repair Specialist This article was co-authored by Howard Fleischmann. Howard Fleischmann is an Automotive Tire and Repair Specialist and the CEO of Community Tire Pros & Auto Repair, with ten locations throughout Phoenix, Glendale, Yuma, and Casa Grande, Arizona. Howard specializes in full-service auto repair and tire replacement and care for domestic/imported vehicles and large trucks. Howard’s dedication to Community Tire Pros & Auto Repair has earned their team multiple awards and features including the 2021 Phoenix Magazine AZ State 48 “Best of the Best!”, the 2020 “Best of Phoenix” in Auto Repair, the 2013 Master SBD award, the 2013 National “Top Shop” award by Tire Review, the 2012 Diversity Champions Phx Business Journal, the 2009 BBB Ethics award, the 2008 Phx Chamber of Commerce Impact Award -” Small Business of the Year”, and the 2008 ASU Spirit of Enterprise award. Howard is often referred to as “The Car Guy” for local TV stations and is a regular on TV’s Channel 3 Sunday, Good Morning Arizona monthly. This article has been viewed 1,851,827 times. 11 votes - 91% Co-authors: 41 Updated: December 19, 2025 Views: 1,851,827 Categories: Featured Articles | Tires and Suspension Article SummaryX
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1 Replace your tires if the tread bar is flush with the tire tread. All tires sold in the U.S. and most other countries have tread wear bars—small horizontal bridges that form between your treads at a lower depth. As your tires wear, these bars become flush with the tread. When the tire tread is even with these wear bars, it means the tread is worn to 2⁄32 inch (0.16 cm) and needs to be replaced immediately.[1] 
2 Check the wear of your tread quickly by inserting a Lincoln penny into it. Take a Lincoln penny and place it upside down with Lincoln facing you in the center of the tread at the thickest part of the tire. If you can see the very top of Lincoln's head or the copper above it, replace the tire immediately. If you cannot see the hair on the top of Lincoln's head—meaning the tire tread is at least as deep as his forehead—your tire does not need replacing yet.[2] 
3 Use a tread depth indicator for a more accurate measurement. Place the probe of the indicator in the center of one of the tire grooves on the outskirts of the tread. Remove the gauge by the barrel—taking care not to touch the probe—and note the tread depth. Continue this process for locations around the center tire grooves tire at least 15 inches (38 cm) apart and then average the numbers. Replace the tires if the depth is less than 2⁄32 inch (0.16 cm). [3] 
4 Check your state or region for tread recommendations. The primary function of tire tread is to divert water from beneath the tire to improve traction and avoid hydroplaning on wet roads. Once the tread is down to 2⁄32 inch (0.16 cm), the tire is no longer safe and illegal in most areas of the world. Look at your state or region's tire tread requirements provided by the transportation department.[4] 
1 Bring your car in for maintenance if you notice irregular tread wear. This could indicate wheel misalignment, improper inflation pressure, the need for tire rotation, or all of the above. Regardless of the specific reason, uneven tread wear is a sign that you need to take your car in for servicing.[5] 
2 Check for any abnormal bulges or bubbles in the sidewall. The sidewall is the tire surface outside the rim that faces you when the car is parked. A bulge indicates that the rigid internal frame of the tire has been damaged and cracked, allowing air pressure to reach the flexible outer layers of the tire. Any tires with sidewall bulges should be replaced immediately, regardless of the tread status. [6] 
3 Balance your tires if you feel steering wheel vibration.[7] If your tires are worn unevenly, you may feel a vibration in the steering wheel when you are driving. If the vibration starts at 40 to 50 mph (64.37 to 80.47 km/h) and intensifies as you increase your speed, you probably need to balance your tires. If that doesn't stop the vibration, the tire is most likely damaged and needs a full replacement.[8] 
4 Check for dry rot and have affected tires inspected or replaced. If you see little cracks all over your tires, it means that the rubber is breaking down.[9] Tires with dry rot can fall apart and separate from the steel belt, which causes damage to the exterior of the car. In some cases, your wheels might start rotting before the tread starts to diminish—you should still bring them in to be inspected or replaced. 
5 Replace your tires at least every 6 years.[10] Check the 4-digit code on the wall of the tire for its age. Regardless of your country, most governmental transportation departments place 4-digit numbers on the wall of each tire. The first 2 numbers represent the week it was made and the last 2 represent the year. For example, 12/08 means your tire was made in the 12th week of 2008. If the tire is more than 6 years old, replace it.[11]