Key Tire Replacement Guidelines
After Five Years - Increased Inspection Recommended
After five years of use, tires should be thoroughly inspected at least once a year by a trained tire professional. These inspections help identify signs of aging or damage that may not be immediately visible.
This recommendation applies even if the tires appear to be in good condition and have not reached the treadwear indicators.
Ten Years - Maximum Recommended Service Life
As a precaution, Michelin recommends replacing tires ten years after their date of manufacture, regardless of tread depth or apparent condition. This includes spare tires as well.
Over time, materials within the tire can degrade, which may affect performance and durability even if the tire has been lightly used.
Proper Care Can Extend Tire Life
Regular maintenance can help maximize tire lifespan and plays an important role in overall tire safety. This includes:
Maintaining recommended inflation pressure
Performing regular tire rotation
Keeping wheels properly aligned and balanced
Following vehicle manufacturer maintenance guidelines
For vehicles equipped with original equipment tires, always follow the vehicle manufacturer’s tire replacement recommendations.
Signs That Indicate Tires May Need to Be Replaced
Tread depth is an important indicator, but it is not the only factor to consider when deciding to replace tires. Michelin recommends paying attention to the following additional signs of wear or damage.
Tread Wear Indicators
Tires feature built-in treadwear indicators located in the tread grooves. When the tread surface is worn down to the same level as these indicators (1.6 mm / 2⁄32"), the tire has reached its minimum tread depth and should be replaced.
Sidewall Damage
Cuts, cracks, bulges, or blisters on the sidewall may indicate structural damage. Sidewall damage cannot be repaired and may increase the risk of tire failure.
Any tire showing visible sidewall damage should be inspected immediately by a tire professional.
Vibrations or Changes in Ride Feel
Unusual vibrations, pulling, or changes in handling may indicate uneven wear, internal damage, or other tire-related issues. These symptoms can sometimes occur even when tread depth appears acceptable.
Persistent vibration or handling changes may also be linked to conditions that require wheel alignment and balancing, which can help restore proper vehicle behavior or identify whether tire replacement is necessary.
Decline in Performance
Reduced grip, longer braking distances, or decreased traction, especially in wet conditions, may signal that a tire is no longer performing as intended, even if legal tread depth remains.
Performance decline can result from tire aging, uneven wear, or internal degradation.
How to Check the Manufacturing Date of a Tire
To determine a tire’s age, look for the DOT (Department of Transportation) number on the tire sidewall.
The final four digits indicate the week of manufacture and the year of manufacture.
For example, a DOT code ending in 3520 means the tire was manufactured in the 35th week of 2020.
While tire age alone does not determine serviceability, it is an important factor when combined with wear, condition, and performance indicators.
FAQ
When to Replace Tires and Tread Wear Limits
No. While tread depth is important, factors such as tire age, sidewall damage, vibration, and performance decline should also be considered when determining whether a tire needs to be replaced.
Over time, tire materials can degrade due to aging, even if the tire has been lightly used. Michelin recommends replacing tires after ten years as a precaution.
Yes. Spare tires are subject to the same aging process as regular tires and should also be replaced after ten years from the date of manufacture.
Persistent vibrations may indicate uneven wear, internal damage, or other issues. A professional inspection can determine whether tire replacement is necessary.
Michelin recommends having tires inspected regularly and at least once a year after five years of use, or sooner if any signs of damage or performance changes appear.
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