What Is The Best Time to Buy Tires?

It’s estimated that 11,000 accidents occur each year because of individuals driving with worn-out tires. That’s why it’s critical to know when to buy new tires.

Not only is this essential for ensuring road safety, but knowing when to replace your tires can help you maintain your car’s performance. 

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at different factors to consider before buying a new set of tires. 

We’ve also included a list of expert-approved tips to help you determine which tires will suit your lifestyle the best. 

What Is the Best Time to Buy New Tires?

Knowing when to buy new tires is essential for keeping your car safe and roadworthy.

Ideally, you should replace car tires before they are worn out, which is why it’s important to understand the typical lifespan of tires to help you determine when to buy new ones. 

Tires are designed to last a certain number of miles, with most options having a lifespan of 25,000 to 50,000 miles under normal driving conditions. 

The need for replacement tires may arise sooner than their expected lifespan due to factors like tire quality, driving habits, and conditions. 

For example, tires used on roads that are often wet or icy may wear down faster than those used in milder temperatures.

Similarly, driving in extreme heat can also cause tires to degrade more quickly. 

Driving habits—such as frequent or abrupt stopping, aggressive acceleration, and high-speed driving—can also cause tires to wear down faster. 

Lastly, if your car maintenance is poor and you struggle with things like incorrect wheel alignment and incorrect tire pressure, your tires will need replacement much sooner. 

Consider seasonal sales

Although tire lifespan is one of the most important indicators that you need new ones, you should also consider seasonal sales.

Tire pricing can fluctuate throughout the year, with significant discounts often available during certain times. 

Early fall and late spring tend to be good times to purchase new tires, as many retailers discount old stock to make room for new models.

During major holidays—such as Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day—some tire retailers may also have sales. 

You can find discounted tires at end-of-year sales when shops want to clear out their inventory before the new year.

How Do You Know When It’s Time to Buy New Tires?

Several methods can help you decide when to buy new tires, ensuring your safety and maintaining your car’s performance and efficiency.

Penny or quarter test

The penny test is a simple and well-known method to check tire tread depth. To perform this test, follow these steps:

• Insert a penny into the tire’s tread groove with Lincoln’s head facing down and toward you.
• Check if Lincoln’s head is obscured by the tread. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, your tread depth is less than 2/32 inches, which indicates that it’s time to replace your tires.

You can also do this test with a quarter to determine the depth of your tire tread. 

If you can see the top of Washington’s head when the quarter is inserted into the tire, it’s time to buy new ones.

Tread wear indicator

Most modern tires come equipped with tread wear indicator bars, which gradually appear as the tire wears down.

These indicators, raised bars spaced along the tire tread grooves, signal it’s time for replacement when they align with the tread surface. 

As part of your tire maintenance routine, you should regularly check these indicators to monitor your tire wear over time. 

Tire manufacturing date

The age of your tires is a crucial factor to consider when determining if you need new ones. You can do this by:

• Finding the Tire Identification Number (TIN) on the tire sidewall, which includes the manufacturing date. The last four digits represent the week and year of manufacture (e.g., “3223” indicates the tire was made in the 32nd week of 2023, or in the first week of August).

• Consider replacing tires that are 6 to 10 years old, even if they have adequate tread depth. Rubber may turn brittle and lose elasticity, increasing the risk of tire failure and road accidents.

Factors to Consider When Buying New Tires

Tread and safety

Driving on “bald” tires—when the tread has worn down to a smooth surface—can be dangerous.

This can happen even quicker when your tires aren’t suited to your common driving conditions.

Not only do worn-down tires have a higher risk of getting punctured, but they can also affect steering and braking efficiency.

This can make it harder to drive in certain conditions and it increase the likelihood of road accidents. 

That’s why considering the tread of your new tires is important. 

The design of the tread pattern affects traction, so choosing one that matches the driving conditions you typically encounter is key.

This can help the tires last longer while helping you stay safe and maintain your car’s performance. 

Another aspect of tire tread to consider is the tire’s tread life rating or the estimated lifespan of the tires under normal conditions. 

Although higher-rated tires may be more expensive upfront, they can last longer and may be more cost-effective over time.

Tires with high ratings in traction, temperature, and resistance feature more durable treads, contributing to their longer lifespan. 

Weather conditions

Before buying new tires, consider the weather conditions in your area. If you live in a state with severe climates, investing in a set of weather-specific tires is a great idea.

Not only will it help you stay safe when the extreme weather arrives, but using these tires can help optimize your car’s performance throughout the year. 

You can also opt for all-season tires, which offer comprehensive capabilities to keep you safe during the year.

However, weather-specific tires are still recommended for areas with extreme winter and summer temperatures. 

Should You Buy Tires for Every Season? 

If you live in an area with mild weather conditions year-round, investing in a good set of all-season tires is typically all you need. 

These tires are designed to withstand various road conditions, including light winter weather, rain, and dry climates.

For those in regions with harsh winter conditions—including heavy snowfall and icy roads—investing in a dedicated set of winter tires is essential for safety.

Similarly, individuals living in extremely hot regions may benefit from summer tires that can withstand heat better.

You can typically expect seasonal tires to last between three to five years, depending on the road conditions and how often you use them in harsh weather. 

Don’t Break the Bank for New Tires with Burt Brothers 

At Burt Brothers, we offer a wide selection of tires at competitive prices, designed to help you navigate any road conditions. 

We also offer great tire deals—such as our Burt Bundle—allowing you to save big on your new set of tires!

You’ll also be able to pay for your tires in six monthly installments with a Burt Brothers credit card, which includes several free services to improve your tire’s lifespan.

Our experts are ready to give you the best advice on the right tires for your vehicle, your driving style, and your needs.

Simply visit our website to browse our range of tires and wheels. You can also schedule an appointment at your local Burt Brothers store to have your tires expertly installed and balanced.