When should you change car tires? Important tips

A tire is not something that is used until it wears out completely or explodes. It is a crucial element in your safety on the road. Every moment you spend on worn wheels means you are driving in danger.

But the real question is: when should I change the tire? Is there a specific time? Certain signs? Or does it just depend on how the driver feels?

In this article, we'll take you through a simple and informative tour of all the signs and indicators that clearly tell you that it's time to change tires, in easy language, realistic examples, and facts that may save your life.

What is the shelf life of a tire?

Tires, like anything else, have a shelf life, but what many people don't know is that there are two types of age for each tire:

Chronological age:

The chronological age is the number of years that a tire can achieve and provide you with the highest degree of performance since the date of manufacture of the tire (printed on its side).

Most companies recommend not using the tire for more than 5 to 6 years, even if it is not actually used. The materials from which the frame is made wear out and are affected by aging and are also affected by storage conditions.

Actual age:

It depends on usage conditions, such as climate, road type, driving method, and maintenance. A simple example is:

A tire I bought 4 years ago and used it for only a few distances... but it was exposed to the sun and was not inspected or stored properly. This tire may be less safe than a tire used daily, but its manufacture is newer and has been well taken care of.

So: a newly made tire used on a daily basis is better than an old tire that was stored and never used

So the bottom line is: do not rely on the appearance of the tire only. You should read the date and examine it carefully before purchasing it.

Signs that the tire needs to be changed:

When you look at your car tire, you may not notice any obvious problem, but the fact is that there are silent signs that begin to appear gradually. Ignoring these signs may cost you a lot, from driving comfort to personal safety. Below we will detail the most prominent indicators that indicate that it is time to change tires.

1. Cracks on the sidewall:

If you notice small or large cracks on the side of the tire, know that the rubber has started to dry and crack. This means that the tire may lose its grip at any moment.

Cracks appear due to prolonged exposure to sunlight, storing the tire in the wrong way, or simply because it has outlived its age.

Do not ignore the cracks that appear on the sidewall of the tire. These cracks may cause a sudden explosion while driving.

2. Obvious wear on the pattern:

The tire grooves (the pattern) are designed to give you grip, especially on wet roads. The deeper these grooves are, the less control and braking ability you have.

How do you check the rate and percentage of erosion of grooves in the pattern?

1. You can use a coin.
2. Or look at the wear indicators (TWI) found between the grooves.
3. If the depth becomes less than 1.6 mm, it means that the tire is no longer secure.

If you notice uneven wear on the tire (for example, the tire is more worn on one side than the other), this is a sign of a problem with the alignment or balance.

3. Abnormal vibration while driving:

Do you feel that the steering wheel vibrates at a certain speed? Or is the car leaning? The cause may be from the tire:

• Internal swelling.
• damage to the internal structure.
• Or even a faulty installation.

The vibration of driving channels does not only bother you... it indicates an upcoming danger.

4. Swelling or swelling in the frame:

If you see a “bubble” or swelling on the side of the tire, stop driving immediately. This swelling means that the inner layers of the tire have been torn and you are driving on a time bomb that may explode at any moment, especially when speeding.

5. Previous piercings or repairs:

If the tire has been patched once or twice, it is okay, but if it has more than 3 patches, or a patch close to the sidewall, it is best to change it. Some holes are not repaired, and if they are repaired in a non-professional manner, it weakens the overall structure of the frame.

6. Exceeding the recommended mileage:

Most tires are designed to serve between 40,000 to 80,000 km depending on the type. If you cut that number, start by monitoring performance:

• Do you need a longer brake?
• Are you hearing new sounds?
• Is the pattern completely worn out?

All these are signs that the framework has served its term and needs to be retired.

If the grooves are less than 1.6 mm deep or you notice uneven wear, vibration while driving, bulges, or exceeding the recommended mileage, it means it's time to change the tire before it becomes a safety hazard.

When should I change the tire immediately and without delay?

According to a report issued by the American organization NHTSA in 2022, 11% of tire accidents on highways were a direct result of ignoring obvious warning signs, such as cracking, bloating, or chronic hypotension.

These simple indicators may save your life if dealt with early, but unfortunately they are often neglected until the disaster occurs. Some signs mean that the danger is present now and that any moment of delay may be costly, but what are these indicators that should change the tire immediately?

1. An apparent cut in the sidewall.
2. A metal wire is visible from the surface of the tire.
3. Strong vibration that increases with speed.
4. Unstable pressure despite air testing.

These are not cases”Watch later“but orders entitled”Change immediately and immediately“Ignoring it may lead to tire explosion and irreparable losses.

Tips for taking care of your tires to live longer:

Statistics from the European Traffic Safety Authority for 2022 show that regular maintenance of tires reduces the likelihood of a car suffering a tire-related accident by up to 42%. According to the same report, drivers who check air pressure regularly and stick to the recommended maintenance schedule succeed in extending the life of their tires by more than 20% compared to those who neglect these simple steps.

Taking care of a tire does not only mean keeping it tight and clean, but it is a smart investment in safety and economy. Here are some tips to help you maintain your tires:

1. Check air pressure every two weeks, or before every long journey.
2. Do not carry the car more than the allowed weight.
3. The tires (Front to Rear) rotate approximately every 10,000 km, any change between them and their positions, right to left in front of the back. It is important to rotate them and not stay in a fixed and specific place throughout their use.
4. Keep the alignment and balance.
5. Wash tires from mud and salt after each rainy or winter season.

Why do your trail tires live longer and tell you before they wear out?

Derbek tires not only have the Saudi quality mark, but have been subjected to extensive performance tests. The most important features are:

1. The pattern design ensures balanced wear.
2. Intelligent heat distribution reduces internal stress.
3. High quality rubber that is resistant to cracking.
4. High response when pressure drops.

As Darbek tires have the Saudi quality mark SASO, our tires have passed performance and wear tests. According to the standards of the Saudi quality mark SASO, the average life of Darbek tires increases by 18% compared to normal tires under the same conditions.

In conclusion:

Your tires are not just a rotating accessory. They are your first line of defense on the road. Knowing when to change them, when to check them, and how to take care of them is part of your responsibility as a conscious driver of his vehicle.

Some signs may seem minor or unnoticeable... but ignoring them can cost you a lot. Vibration, wear, or even the simple feeling that the car is not responding as it used to are all significant signs.

Because safety cannot be delayed, make it a monthly habit to check tires and monitor air pressure, tire pattern, and manufacturing date.

So don't wait until the road tells you that the tire is over. Always choose quality tires that hold up and tell you how they are before they surprise you.

Check, watch, pay attention... and do not tolerate the first sign of damage.

Your health and safety are more important than any savings.

Remember with your path... every journey starts with confidence and ends safely.