When It Is Time for New Tires

Factors such as maintenance, temperature, driving speed, vehicle loading, and road conditions affect the rate of tire wear.

Tread wear indicators are one way to tell when it is time for new tires. Wear indicators appear when the tires have only 1.6 mm (1/16 inch) or less of tread remaining.

See Tire Inspection and Tire Rotation.

Tire rubber ages over time. This applies to the spare tire, if the vehicle has one, even if it has never been used. Several factors, including temperature, load, operating conditions and inflation pressure maintenance, affect the rate at which aging occurs. GM recommends replacing tires, including the spare if equipped, after six years, regardless of tread wear. The tire manufacture date is the last four digits of the DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN), which is molded into one side of the tire sidewall. The first two digits indicate the week (01–52) and the last two digits indicate the year. For example, the third week of 2010 would have a four-digit DOT date of 0310.

Vehicle Storage

Tires age during normal storage on a parked vehicle. Park the vehicle in a cool, dry, clean place away from direct sunlight for at least one month to slow aging. The area must be free of oil, gasoline, or other substances that may deteriorate rubber.

Parking for a long period can cause flat spots on tires, which may result in vibration while driving. When storing the vehicle for at least one month, remove the tires or raise the vehicle to reduce the weight on the tires.