Tire Tread Life: Myths vs Reality

Tire tread is one of the most misunderstood aspects of car maintenance, and myths surrounding it often lead drivers to make poor, costly, or even unsafe decisions. From the belief that deeper tread always means better performance to the idea that all tires wear down at the same rate, misinformation spreads quickly and affects how people buy, replace, and care for their tires. 

This article will debunk the most common tire tread myths and explain the reality behind them.

Real Factors Affecting Tire Tread Life 

Many drivers believe that the only aspect affecting the tire tread life is mileage, when in reality the tread life is affected by a combination of practical and environmental factors. For example, your driving habits, road conditions, tire pressure, and even vehicle load can affect how fast the tread wears out. 

By understanding these genuine influences, drivers can clearly separate myths from reality. So, let’s discuss the most common myths, shall we?

#1 Myth: Your tires are perfectly safe as long as they have tread, regardless of how old they are.

Truth: Your tires do not last forever. The typical lifespan ranges from 6 to 10 years, but yearly inspections are recommended after 5 years. Even if your tires have just been sitting on a shelf, the rubber compound will deteriorate over time. This directly affects the vehicle’s performance and safety on the road. Thus, if your tires are old, it’s time to find the best place to buy new tires.

Tip: To know the age of your tires, check the manufacturing date on the tire’s sidewall. The date is shown as a four-digit code identifying the week and year of manufacture. 

#2 Myth: Wide tires perform better on snow-covered roads.

Truth: It’s actually the opposite! Wide tires perform better in dry conditions because they allow more rubber to make contact with the road. On the other hand, narrow tires use their narrower edge to push the snow and dig more easily, making them better for snowy conditions.

Tip: Make sure to have dedicated winter tires in winter-weather conditions, especially if temperatures drop to 45°F or below!

#3 Myth: All season tires are suitable for all weather conditions, even extreme winters. 

Truth: Although all season tires are advertised to perform well all year-round, that is only true for mild climates. Yes, all season tires can perform well in a variety of weather conditions. However, this does not include harsh winter conditions or low temperatures.

Tip: As long as you live in an area with moderate weather, all season tires are a great choice.

#4 Myth: The tire pressure listed on the sidewall is the ideal pressure.

Truth: The number on the sidewall actually dictates the maximum pressure the tire can handle. Using the maximum pressure will lead to a rough ride, uneven treadwear, and tire damage.

Tip: The ideal tire pressure can either be found on a sticker inside the driver’s door or in the car’s operating manual.

#5 Myth: Retread tires are unsafe.

Truth: Retreaded tires are just as safe as new tires, as they are held to the same quality standards. Whether you have new or retreaded tires, the safety of your tires mainly depends on quality and maintenance practices. 

Tip: Not all retreads are created equal! Poorly manufactured retreads are bound to fail. Make sure to find a reliable tire company.

Environmental Impact on Tires 

Did you know that certain environmental conditions can take a toll on your tires’ lifespan? From the climate you live in to the road conditions or even your driving style, there are many things that can cause premature and uneven treadwear.

High summer temperatures can cause the air inside the tires to heat up and expand. This increases tire pressure. Overinflation leads to uneven treadwear and can cause blowouts! Additionally, high temperatures accelerate the deterioration of rubber, making it lose its flexibility. 

On the other hand, in low temperatures, the air inside the tires contracts, leading to underinflation. This decreases the overall lifespan of the tires. Cold weather also causes rubber to stiffen, which increases the risk of losing control of your vehicle. 

The road you drive on has a significant impact on tire life and performance. Different tires are designed for different driving styles, vehicle types, and weather. Using the right tire type will influence your vehicle’s performance, like braking, steering, and handling. It will also improve fuel economy and driving comfort.

Maximizing Your Tire's Life

The good news is that there are a couple of ways you can extend the life of your tires. Here are a few tips to help you out!

Check your air pressure regularly. The wrong air pressure can worsen the performance of your vehicle while increasing the wear and tear of your tires. It’s recommended to check the air pressure monthly, or every 3,000 miles. 

Rotate your tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. On RWD vehicles, the back tires wear faster, while on the FWD vehicles, it's the front tires. By rotating the tires regularly, you can avoid uneven tire wear. 

Get your wheel alignment checked twice a year. Does your car often pull or drift to one side? You might have an alignment problem. This can increase tread wear and reduce fuel efficiency.

Last but not least, visually check your tires. If you notice any irregularities in the treadwear, you should get your tires inspected by a professional. Always remember, a little maintenance can save a lot of money in the long run!

Conclusion

At the end of the day, tire tread wear is not as complicated as some myths make it seem. Your tires wear down for normal, everyday reasons, and most stories people pass around are just noise. Do not believe everything you hear or see online. Instead, stick to real facts and simple maintenance, so you know what is really happening with your tires.