If it looks like you're going to need to replace a tire, make a note of the size of the existing tire. In terms of time, tires generally last five to ten years, so once a tire is in that range, it's probably a better idea to replace it when damaged.įragment a old and new modern winter car tires Where To Get New Tires If it is 2/32 of an inch or less, the tire needs to be replaced. If there are no tread-wear indicators, you can measure the depth of the tread.

These are quite visible when the tire is worn, and if you can see them, it means you should replace the tire, rather than repair. These days, most tires have tread-wear indicators, strips of hard rubber that run perpendicular to the tread. Tread wear is a function of how many miles have been driven on a particular tire. The other two factors that affect the repair or replacement question for tires both involve how long the tire has been used. If the tire is punctured in the tread area, it should not be repaired if the puncture is larger than 1/4 inch. Similarly, if the damage is on the sidewall of the tire, a replacement is imminent because a reputable tire repair place will not repair that kind of damage. If it is a blow out, meaning that the tire exploded outward while driving, likely leaving large portions of the tire in shreds, your decision is made- get a new tire.

For safety reasons, some types of damage simply should not be repaired. Obviously, your tire wouldn't suddenly go flat unless it was damaged, so this is where to start the evaluation. The decision between repairing or replacing a tire comes down to three basic factors: the type of damage, the amount of tread wear on the tire and the age of the tire. Your first thought after an emergency tire change will naturally be ' Where can I find roadside assistance near me?' In reality, though, flat tire repair is not always the answer-sometimes replacement is the better option.

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