How long do tires last?
Quick answer
A typical all-season tire lasts about three to five years of average driving, according to Bridgestone. Replace a tire when the tread reaches the legal minimum (1.6 mm, or 2/32 inch, in most places) or earlier for wet-weather grip, and replace any tire ten years after it was made, however much tread is left.
There is no fixed mileage at which a tire (or tyre, in the UK) wears out. Bridgestone's rule of thumb: most people drive 12,000–15,000 miles20,000–24,000 km a year, so a good all-season tire lasts somewhere around three to five years. Driving style, the car, the roads and how well you look after the tires can move that a long way either side.
Two limits decide when a tire is finished: tread depth and age. Whichever comes first wins.
When to stop driving on a tire
Do not drive on a tire that is below the legal tread depth, has a bulge or a deep cut in the sidewall, shows the steel cords, or keeps losing air. Fit the spare or call for help, and have it replaced before you drive further.
Legal minimum tread depth
| Where | Legal minimum for cars |
|---|---|
| UK | 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread, around the whole tire |
| EU | 1.6 mm in the main grooves, which cover the central three-quarters of the tread |
| Australia | 1.5 mm in the main grooves (Victorian government guidance) |
| US | No single federal rule for car drivers; most states use 2/32 inch (about 1.6 mm) |
In the UK, each illegal tire can bring a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points.
Legal is not the same as safe. A new car tire usually starts with about 10/32 or 11/32 inch (about 8 mm) of tread, and its ability to clear water drops as it wears. Ford suggests considering replacement at 4/32 inch (about 3 mm) if you drive in rain or snow, and Continental recommends 3 mm.
How to check your tread
Tread wear indicators. Every tire has small raised bars across the bottom of the main grooves. When the tread is level with them, the tire is at its minimum and needs replacing.
The penny test (US). Push a penny into the tread with Lincoln's head pointing down. If you can see the top of his head, the tread is 2/32 inch or less: time for new tires. Test in several places across and around each tire.
The 20p test (UK). Put a 20p coin into the main grooves at several points around the tire. If you can see the coin's outer band, the tread may be close to or below the legal limit, so have it checked by a tire fitter.
A tread depth gauge is cheap and gives an exact number. Check at least once a month, along with your tire pressures.
If one edge is worn much more than the other, or the middle more than the edges, the cause may be wrong pressures or wheel alignment. A garage can check this before it ruins a new set.
How old is too old?
Rubber ages even when a tire is not used. Cracks in the sidewall or between the tread blocks are a sign, but you cannot always see age damage.
- Ten years from manufacture is the limit Michelin, Continental and Bridgestone give. Replace the tire then, whatever the tread looks like. This includes the spare.
- From five years in use, Michelin recommends having your tires inspected by a professional at least once a year.
- Your carmaker may say less. Some vehicle manufacturers recommend replacement sooner; your owner's manual tells you.
To find a tire's age, look on the sidewall for the code starting with "DOT". The last four digits are the week and year of manufacture. For example, 4521 means the 45th week of 2021.
How to make tires last longer
- Check pressures monthly and before long trips, using the figures on the door pillar sticker or in your owner's manual, not the maximum on the tire. If the tire pressure light comes on, check all four.
- Have tires rotated as your manual suggests, so they wear evenly.
- Get the alignment checked if the car pulls to one side or after hitting a big pothole or curb.
- Drive smoothly: hard acceleration, braking and fast cornering all wear tread faster.
- Don't overload the car.
Questions drivers ask
What is the legal minimum tread depth?
In the UK and the EU it is 1.6 mm across the main central part of the tread. In Australia it is 1.5 mm in the main grooves. In the US there is no single federal rule for car drivers; most states use 2/32 inch, which is about 1.6 mm.
How do I check my tread depth without a gauge?
In the US, put a penny into the tread with Lincoln's head upside down. If you can see all of his head, you are at 2/32 inch or less. In the UK, put a 20p coin into the main grooves: if you can see the outer band of the coin, have the tire checked.
How old is too old for a tire?
Michelin, Continental and Bridgestone all say to replace tires ten years after they were made, even if they look fine, and that includes the spare. Michelin also recommends a yearly professional inspection once a tire has been in use for five years. Some carmakers set a shorter limit, so check your owner's manual.
How can I tell how old my tires are?
Look for the code starting with DOT on the sidewall. The last four digits are the week and year it was made: 4521 means week 45 of 2021.
Can I drive on tires that are at the legal limit?
You can, but you should not wait that long. Grip on wet roads falls off well before the legal limit. Many tire makers and fitters suggest replacing at about 3 mm (4/32 inch). If a tire is below the legal limit, damaged or has a bulge, do not drive on it.
Sources
- GOV.UK: The Highway Code, Annex 6 (vehicle maintenance) (accessed November 6, 2026)
- Council Directive 89/459/EEC on tread depth of tyres (legislation.gov.uk copy) (accessed November 6, 2026)
- Department of Transport and Planning, Victoria: Tyre maintenance and repair (accessed November 6, 2026)
- Michelin: When do I need new tires? (accessed November 6, 2026)
- Continental: Tyre age (accessed November 6, 2026)
- Ford: Why does tread wear matter? (accessed November 6, 2026)
- Bridgestone: How long do tires last? (accessed November 6, 2026)
- Kwik Fit: Tyre tread depth and the 20p test (accessed November 6, 2026)
General information only. Every car is different: check your owner's manual, and if anything involves brakes, steering, tires or a burning smell, have a qualified mechanic look at it before you drive on.