How often should you replace tires and how to know when it’s time

Tires wear out over time due to age, driving conditions, and environmental factors, not just mileage. Recognizing signs like shallow tread, cracks, or uneven wear is key to staying safe on the road. Climate and driving style also influence how long tires last, and knowing when to replace two versus all four can help you make smarter decisions. For drivers concerned about upfront costs, lease-to-own financing can make tire replacement more accessible without delaying safety.

Key Takeaways

• Tire age isn’t just about miles: Even low-mileage tires can degrade over time. Most manufacturers recommend replacing tires every six years, regardless of how much you drive.

• Watch for wear and warning signs: Shallow tread, cracks, bulges, and uneven wear are all red flags. Use the penny test or a tread gauge to check depth regularly.

• Driving habits and climate matter: Hot weather, cold snaps, and aggressive driving can shorten tire life. Choose tires that match your environment and driving style.

• Snap Finance makes replacement more convenient: With lease-to-own financing from Snap Finance, you can replace your tires now and pay over time.

Tire age isn’t always about mileage

If you’re like most drivers, you probably don’t think about your tires until something feels off, such as a vibration, a squeal, or a slow leak. But tires don’t last forever, and waiting until they fail can be costly and dangerous. The tricky part is that their age isn’t just about how many miles you’ve driven.

Even if your car spends more time parked than on the road, tires naturally degrade over time. Rubber compounds break down, especially when exposed to heat, sunlight, and moisture. Most manufacturers recommend replacing tires every six years, regardless of mileage. And after ten years, it’s time to retire them: no exceptions.

Still, age is just one piece of the puzzle. Your tires might look fine on the outside but be hiding wear and tear that compromises your safety. That’s why it’s important to know the signs of tire aging and damage, and more importantly, what to do when you spot them.

Tread depth, cracks, and uneven wear

Your tire’s tread is its grip on the road. When it wears down, so does your control, especially in rain, snow, or sudden stops. The legal minimum tread depth in most states is 2/32 of an inch, but many experts recommend replacing tires once they hit 4/32 of an inch for better traction.

Here’s how to check:

• Use a tread depth gauge (available at most auto parts stores).

• Try the penny test: Insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head down. If you can see all of his head, your tread is too shallow.

• For a more conservative check, use a quarter. If you can see the top of Washington’s head, it’s time to start shopping.

Of course, tread depth isn’t the only thing to keep an eye on. Look for:

• Cracks or dry rot: These can form on the sidewalls or between treads, especially in older tires or those exposed to extreme temperatures.

• Bulges or blisters: These weak spots can lead to blowouts, especially at high speeds.

• Uneven wear: If one side of the tire is more worn than the other, it could signal alignment issues, suspension problems, or inconsistent tire pressure.

Pro tip: Check your tires at least once a month and before long road trips. A quick visual inspection can help you catch problems early before they become safety hazards.

Weather and driving style considerations

Where, when, and how you drive plays a big role in how long your tires last. If you live in a hot climate, your tires may age faster due to heat exposure. Cold weather can also cause rubber to stiffen and crack, especially if you’re using summer tires year-round.

Driving habits matter too. Aggressive acceleration, hard braking, and sharp turns wear tires faster. So does frequent driving on rough roads, gravel, or pothole-ridden streets.

Here’s how different conditions can affect tire life:

• Hot climate: Accelerates rubber aging

• Cold climate: Increases cracking risk

• City driving: Causes more stop-and-go wear

• Highway driving: Leads to more even wear and longer life

• Off-road or gravel roads: Faster tread degradation

If you’re switching between seasons, consider using dedicated winter or summer tires. All-season tires are convenient, but they may not perform as well in extreme conditions and could wear out faster if pushed beyond their limits.

Also, don’t forget about tire pressure. Underinflated or overinflated tires wear unevenly and can reduce fuel efficiency. Tire pressure gauges cost just a few dollars at most gas stations, convenience stores, and auto parts stores. They offer a quick and easy way to see if your tire pressure is low. Check your tire pressure monthly and adjust it according to your vehicle’s manual or the sticker inside your driver’s door.

When to replace just 2 vs. all 4 tires

Replacing all four tires at once is ideal for balance and safety, but it’s not always necessary. If only two tires are worn or damaged, you might be able to replace just those, depending on your vehicle and the condition of the remaining tires.

Here’s a quick guide:

• Front-wheel drive: If you’re replacing two tires, put the new ones on the rear axle for better stability and traction.

• Rear-wheel drive: The same rule applies: new tires go on the rear.

• All-wheel drive: Replace all four. Uneven tread can strain the drivetrain and lead to costly repairs.

Also consider:

• Tread depth difference: If the new tires have significantly more tread than the old ones, it can affect handling and braking. Look carefully and use the penny or quarter test we described earlier to see how much the tread differs from tire to tire.

• Brand and model match: Mixing tire types can lead to inconsistent performance, especially in wet or icy conditions. Stick with one type for all four tires for the best results.

If your remaining tires are relatively new and have even wear, replacing just two might be fine. But if they’re close to the end of their life, replacing all four at once could save you time, money, and hassle down the road.

Paying monthly for peace of mind

Let’s be honest: replacing tires isn’t cheap. And when you’re juggling bills, groceries, and gas, it’s tempting to delay the expense. But driving on worn-out tires can lead to accidents, costly repairs, or even higher insurance premiums.

That’s where Snap Finance comes in. With convenient lease-to-own tire and rim financing from Snap, you can get the tires you need now and pay over time.

All credit types are welcome to apply. Snap partners with tire retailers nationwide, so you can shop with confidence online or in-store. Whether you’re replacing two tires or all four, Snap’s lease-to-own financing can help you stay safe now with a convenient ownership plan.

Here’s how it works:

1. Apply online or in-store. The application is quick and easy.

2. Get a decision. Snap looks at more than just your credit score, and you can get a decision in seconds.¹

3. Shop for tires. Choose from participating retailers near you or discover the right tires online.

4. Make convenient payments. Pay over time with scheduled payments that align with your payday. Once you’ve completed the terms of your lease, the tires are yours.

Don’t wait until it’s too late

Tires are easy to overlook until they start causing problems. A sudden blowout, a slippery stop, or a failed inspection can turn a minor issue into a major headache. But with a little attention and proactive care, you can stay ahead of the curve.

To wrap things up, here’s a quick checklist to make sure you’re headed in the right direction:

• Check tread depth monthly and look for cracks, bulges, or uneven wear.

• Consider your climate and driving habits when choosing tires.

• Replace tires every six years, or sooner if you notice damage or wear.

• Replace all four tires when possible, especially on all-wheel-drive vehicles.

• Don’t let upfront costs delay your safety. Lease-to-own financing from Snap allows you to get your tires now and make payments over time.

Your tires are the only part of your car that touches the road. Keeping them in good shape isn’t just smart; it’s essential. If you’ve been wondering whether it’s time to replace your tires, now you know what to look for and how to make it happen without the stress of a full upfront payment.

Drive safe. Stay prepared. And remember, Snap Finance and its partner retailers are here to help you keep moving forward.

The advertised service is a lease-to-own agreement provided by Snap RTO LLC. Lease-to-own financing is not available to residents of Minnesota, New Jersey, and Wisconsin.

¹Not all applicants are approved. While no credit history is required, Snap obtains information from consumer reporting agencies in connection with applications, and your score with those agencies may be affected.