Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, title, and license charges. *Vehicles shown at different locations are not currently in our inventory (Not in Stock) but can be made available to you at our location within a reasonable date from the time of your request, not to exceed one week.
Tire care guide · Michigan City Ford · Michigan City, IN
How Long Do Tires Last?
Tires wear out two ways: the tread wears down, and the rubber ages. Here is what the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says about both, how to read a tire's age, and the care that helps tires last longer.
2/32 in.Replace at this tread depth (NHTSA)
6-10 yrsAge some makers give for replacement
4,700 mi.Added life from proper inflation (NHTSA)
MonthlyCheck pressure and tread
The short answer
There is no single number. NHTSA says to replace tires when the tread is worn to 2/32 of an inch, and notes that some vehicle and tire manufacturers recommend replacing tires that are six to 10 years old, regardless of treadwear. Check your tires monthly and follow your owner's manual.
Tread: the usual reason tires are replaced
NHTSA says most drivers replace tires because of tread wear before age becomes a factor. Its rule: tires are not safe and should be replaced when the tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch.
Treadwear indicators
Tires have built-in treadwear indicators, raised sections between the tread. When the tread is level with them, it is time to replace the tires.
Penny test
Place a penny in the tread with Lincoln's head upside down and facing you. If you can see the top of his head, replace your tires.
Check monthly
NHTSA suggests checking tread at least once a month, when you check tire pressure.
Age: tires change over time
NHTSA explains that tire aging happens when the rubber and other components in a tire change over time, and that as tires age they are more prone to failure. You cannot detect tire aging simply by looking at your tires.
NHTSA notes that some vehicle and tire manufacturers recommend replacing tires that are six to 10 years old, regardless of treadwear. NHTSA says owners of RVs, 15-passenger vans, collector cars or rarely driven vehicles, and low-mileage drivers, may be at risk, and that aging is a greater concern in the more southern Sun Belt states.
| Where | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Last four digits of the TIN (DOT code) on the sidewall | The week and year the tire was made |
| Example: 0308 | The third week of 2008 (NHTSA's example) |
| Both sidewalls | The full code may be on only one side |
From NHTSA's Tires page, read November 10, 2026. NHTSA itself gives no single age or mileage limit.
Spare tires age too, because they seldom get replaced. NHTSA says not to use a full-size spare as a replacement for worn tires, except in an emergency such as a flat.
Damage and warning signs
NHTSA also says to replace a tire that has physical damage such as cuts, cracks or bulges, or irregular wear from underinflation or overloading. If you notice pressure loss, noise or vibration, have a tire service professional look at it.
How to make tires last longer
| Step | What NHTSA says |
|---|---|
| Pressure | Check all tires, including the spare, at least once a month when cold (not driven for at least three hours). Properly inflated tires can extend the average life of a tire by 4,700 miles. |
| TPMS | A tire pressure monitoring system warns only when a tire is significantly underinflated, so still check pressure monthly. |
| Rotation | If the vehicle manufacturer recommends it, rotate tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles, or sooner if uneven wear appears. Your owner's manual gives the interval and pattern. |
| Balance | New tires should always be balanced when installed. |
| Alignment | An alignment maximizes the life of your tires and keeps the car from veering left or right on a straight, level road. |
| Right size | Buy the original size or another size the vehicle manufacturer recommends, from the owner's manual or the Tire and Loading Information label. |
From NHTSA's Tires page, read November 10, 2026.
Tire care at Michigan City Ford
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check. See our Ford tire service page for tire work at Michigan City Ford.
Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Michigan City Ford is at 3930 Franklin St. in Michigan City. Get directions.
Michigan City Ford service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. |
| Sun | closed |
From Michigan City Ford's website, November 10, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
How long do tires last FAQ
How long do tires last?
It depends on tread wear and age. NHTSA says to replace tires when the tread is worn to 2/32 of an inch, and notes that some vehicle and tire manufacturers recommend replacing tires that are six to 10 years old, regardless of treadwear.
When should tires be replaced?
NHTSA says to replace them at 2/32 inch of tread, when the tread is level with the treadwear indicators, or if they have cuts, cracks, bulges or irregular wear.
How do I know how old my tires are?
The last four digits of the Tire Identification Number (TIN) on the sidewall show the week and year the tire was made. NHTSA's example: 0308 is the third week of 2008.
Can old tires look fine?
Yes. NHTSA says you cannot detect tire aging simply by looking at your tires.
How can I make my tires last longer?
NHTSA points to monthly pressure checks, rotation as your vehicle manufacturer recommends, balancing new tires and keeping the wheels aligned. It says properly inflated tires can extend the average life of a tire by 4,700 miles.
Do spare tires expire?
Spares age too, because they seldom get replaced. NHTSA says not to use a full-size spare as a replacement for worn tires except in an emergency.
More tire guides
See our tire tread depth guide and tire pressure light guide.
Sources
Tread, aging, inspection and maintenance details are from NHTSA's Tires page, read November 10, 2026. Follow your owner's manual for your vehicle's tire sizes, pressures and rotation. Service details, address and hours are from Michigan City Ford's own website, checked the same day. Photo is illustrative.
- NHTSA: Tires (maintenance, tread and aging), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), read November 10, 2026
- General service: The Works, Michigan City Ford, November 10, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Michigan City Ford, November 10, 2026