Tire Basics

Tire Buying Guide

Find the right tires for what drives you.

No matter what you drive or where your roads lead, it’s always good to know you’re equipped with the best tires for you and your lifestyle. With our advanced Tire Finder technology and knowledgeable experts, we’re here to help through every step of the process, from finding the right tires to scheduling a convenient installation.

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When is it Time for New Tires?

Replacing worn tires is a great way to help your vehicle to achieve optimum traction, handling and braking. If you're having problems deciding when to start shopping, follow these two simple tips to see if it's time for new tires:

Check Your Tread Depth
Tread Depth is an important indicator of tire wear. Check your tread depth to determine if your need to replace your current tires
Check Your Tires for Damage and Wear
Be sure to check your tires for any damage or wear, such as discoloration or cracks. If you notice any of these signs, or if you’re not sure, come in to your local Goodyear Auto Service center for a free tire inspection by our tire experts.

How Long Do Tires Last?

Time in Service v. Time in Years

It is impossible to predict when a tire should be replaced based on its calendar age alone. Although no widely accepted scientific research exists to show that chronological aging alone adversely affects a tire, and if so, how those effects occur, over what time period, etc., the longer a tire is in service, the more opportunities there are for it to be exposed to adverse environmental or service conditions. Therefore, the older a tire the greater the chance that it will need to be replaced due to service-related or storage conditions.

Tire Replacement – 6 Years in Service

While most tires will be replaced sooner, Goodyear recommends that any tire in service (meaning inflated and mounted on a rim of your vehicle, including your spare tire regardless of whether that tire is in contact with the roadway) 6 years or more be replaced even if such tire appears serviceable and even if it has not reached the legal treadwear limit. If you are unable to determine the date a tire was first placed in service, then you should rely on the DOT code stamped on the tire and ensure that any tire which was manufactured more than 6 years ago is removed from service (see below for how to read a tire’s DOT code). Tires that should otherwise be replaced based on wear, damage or any other factor should not be kept in service regardless of the date they were first placed in service or their date of manufacture. Also, consumers should never purchase or install used tires of any age on their vehicle as the service, maintenance and storage of used tires is largely unknown.

Automobile Manufacturers’ Recommendations

Various automobile manufacturers have published statements and instructions regarding tire service life, which include tire replacement recommendations based on chronological age. Goodyear advises that consumers refer to their owners’ manuals for guidance on the vehicle manufacturer’s replacement recommendations (but regardless of any such vehicle manufacturer’s advice, any tire’s replacement period should not exceed 6 years from the date the tire is placed in service or 6 years from the date included in the DOT code on the sidewall of the tire if you are unable to determine the date the tire was first placed in service).

What To Expect When Buying New Tires

Simply provide the year, make and model of your vehicle, and our advanced Tire Finder will match your car to the right tires for you. You may also use our Tire Finder to search for tires with your tires size. You can find your tire size on your tire's sidewall, on the placard inside your driver's side door or in your owner's manual.

How you use the vehicle, is also important to selecting the right tire. Your tire choice may be different if you just drive around town versus if you take frequent long trips or are driving both on- and off-road.

You should also consider what tire benefits are most important to you. You may want a smoother, quieter daily commute. Or, you may want enhanced traction for control in winter months. If you take your vehicle off road, you may want a more durable tire for increased stability. The more specific you are, the better tire choice you can make.

You may have several tire options to choose from. Our tire selector can help you narrow down your options based on your needs and preferences. Our experts are also available in-store and via online chat to answer any questions you have. Once you've settled on a set of tires, it's time for your installation.

Installing New Tires

No matter where you purchase your tires, there are several steps required to properly install your new tires. The following services are included in your installation:

Removal and disposal of your old tires
Replacing the air valve stem on your wheels
Checking your TPMS (Tire Pressure Management System).
Mounting the new tires onto your wheels
Balancing the tires to help reduce vibration and extend tread life

At Goodyear, we want your installation to go as smooth as possible. If you schedule a tire installation online, you’ll be able to browse nearby Goodyear installers and select an appointment time that works best for you. Or, you may visit a Goodyear Service Center to get your questions answered and schedule an installation.

A Good Idea When You're Getting New Tires

Sometimes it's hard to find the time to properly maintain your vehicle. While it’s at your Goodyear Auto Service getting new tires, you may want to consider the following services so you can be efficient with your time: