You’re a more comfortable, confident driver when your tires are in good condition. After all, since your tires connect your vehicle to the road, they impact acceleration, braking, handling and performance.
NATURALLY, YOU'RE ASKING, "HOW LONG DO TIRES LAST?"
It would be nice if there was a simple response, but there isn’t. Similarly, the answer to, “How many miles do tires last?” depends on many factors, including:
Tire type
Your driving style
Road surface/road conditions
Environment (damage from extreme temperatures, sun and humidity)
Therefore, it makes sense to stay on top of tire care. By doing these two things regularly, you’ll be aware of the condition of your tires and maybe even prolong their life. After all, good tires are expensive. You want to get all you can from them for as long as you can!
1. Tire DIY
Be sure all your tires (including the spare) are properly inflated. Under-inflated tires can reduce fuel economy, and worse, they can be dangerous. When under-inflated, tires generate extra friction and heat as they roll along the pavement, and this heat can weaken them. For the proper inflation level, refer to your vehicle owner’s manual or the tire placard/sticker in the door jamb or glove box. If you can’t easily locate this information, a Jiffy Lube® technician can look it up for you.
Check your tire tread. Insert a penny into the tread groove with Mr. Lincoln’s face showing, but his head upside down. If you can see Abe’s head, your treads are worn, and it’s probably time to consider tire replacement.
Look for cuts and bulges along the sidewalls. Riding on a damaged tire can put you at risk for a flat.
2. Tire rotation
It can help ensure even wear on all your tires. Remember, tires wear differently depending on their position on your vehicle. For example, the tires on the front of a Front-While Drive (FWD) vehicle take a greater portion of the torque and friction needed to turn, accelerate, and brake. On vehicles with All Wheel Drive (AWD), evenly worn tires reduce stress on the drivetrain. When your tires are rotated regularly, you’ll find you like the answer to, “How long do tires last?” better because life can be extended, and performance will be enhanced.
While we can’t give you a definitive answer to, “How many miles do tires last?” we can be more certain about, “How often is a tire rotation recommended?” Tire rotation should be done every 5,000 to 8,000 miles — or as often as the manufacturer specifies in the owner’s manual. Many drivers find it convenient to have their tires rotated when they visit Jiffy Lube for an oil change.
Here’s what to expect when you bring your vehicle to one of 2,000 Jiffy Lube locations for tire rotation:
You’ll be asked about how and where you drive, because this can have an impact on tire wear
Treads will be inspected
Sidewalls will be checked and the information printed will be deciphered and noted (this will help you choose the proper replacement tire when the time comes)
Front, rear and spare tires will all be inspected
Tire pressure will be checked and adjusted to proper levels
Your vehicle will be raised so front tires can be moved to the rear and rear tires moved to the front
Tires are installed and fasteners are torqued to manufacturer’s specifications; fastener torque is rechecked by a second, high-trained Jiffy Lube team member
WHAT IS WHEEL BALANCING AND WHEN DO YOU NEED IT?
When the wheels are out of balance, you may notice shakes or vibrations that interfere with your smooth ride. If the Jiffy Lube technician detects that your wheels require balancing, it will be brought to your attention and, for your convenience, it can be done during the same visit as the tire rotation. But rest assured, no work will be done without your knowledge and permission.
JIFFY LUBE TAKES TIRE MAINTENANCE SERIOUSLY
That’s why we’re glad you came here when you asked, “How long do tires last?” We hope you’ll come into Jiffy Lube when you need a flat repaired, or new tires installed, or tire rotation and wheel balancing.