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D.W. Campbell Tire & Auto Service has a huge selection of new tires, but how long each make and model will last depends on many different factors. From the tire style and compound, the age of the tire, your driving style, maintenance and the road surfaces you frequent. 

Let's start with the basics. New tires have a tread life rating, expressed as a tread wear number on the sidewall and on most spec sheets. The basis for the life expectancy rating is a controlled test on a government run track. Typical tread wear ratings range from about 200 to 400, with a higher number indicating longer life.  When comparing like tires, say a group of performance tires, a higher number may clue you in to a longer expected life. Based on these numbers tire manufacturers will often give their tires an expected useful mileage rating such as a 60,000 mile tire.

But you cannot hang your hat on the tread wear rating or the manufacturers number. These are guidelines only. 

If you spend a lot of time making smoke, laying rubber and sliding around the track you will obviously shorten the life of your tires. Likewise, going off-road and banging your tires against hard objects can damage the sidewalls and cut chunks out of your tires. The manufacturer bases ratings on normal driving conditions so don't be surprised if your spirited driving brings you into D.W. Campbell Tire & Service for a new set of shoes earlier than expected. 

Tire maintenance also plays a big factor in tire life expectancy. Maximizing tire life means keeping your tires properly inflated, rotating them on schedule and making sure your wheel alignment is correct. Worn suspension components can also cause premature tire wear.  If you want to get the most mileage out of your tires make sure you take care of them properly.

Rough road surfaces can also shorten tire life. Just like different grades of sandpaper, a rough road surface will wear down your tread faster than glassy smooth pavement. 

No matter how well you take care of your tires, how you drive or the road conditions in your area your tires are affected by time. Rubber has natural oils that bake out after years of use which can cause cracking and significant degradation of the tire. An average tire shows signs of age related wear after about six years. If age degrades your tires they may become hazardous to drive on even if they have plenty of tread left. Each tire has a build date molded into the sidewall. If you don't know how old your tires are D.W. Campbell Tire & Service will be happy to read the date code for you and check them for signs of age related degeneration when you visit.

As you can see, there is no easy answer when it comes to tires life, but normal driving and proper maintenance can make all the difference. D.W. Campbell Tire & Service can help you keep your tires and suspension in top shape and put a great new set of tires on when your rollers have run their last mile.