How many miles do dealership tires last?
The tires that come on a new or used car from a dealership—OEM tires—typically last about 40,000 to 60,000 miles under normal driving, though some models can reach beyond 60,000 miles and a few may wear out sooner depending on conditions.
Dealership tires are designed to balance performance, safety, and longevity, and their expected life is often described through treadwear warranties offered by tire makers. Real-world mileage varies widely based on the tire type, how you drive, how well you maintain the tires, and the climate and road conditions you encounter.
What influences tire life
Several key factors determine how long OEM tires will last on a vehicle. Understanding these helps set realistic expectations for mileage.
- Tire type matters: all-season and touring tires typically wear longer than ultra-high-performance or sport tires; winter tires can wear faster if used year-round.
- Driving habits: aggressive acceleration, hard braking, and high-speed cornering accelerate wear.
- Vehicle condition: misalignment, worn suspension components, or improper balancing can cause uneven or rapid tread wear.
- Maintenance practices: correct inflation, regular rotations, and inspections help maximize life; under- or over-inflation reduces tread life.
- Road conditions and climate: rough roads, potholes, extreme heat or cold, and frequent snow/ice use impact wear rates.
- Tire load and speed: overloading or operating beyond the tire’s rating can shorten tread life.
- Treadwear warranties: OEM tires often come with mileage-based warranties (commonly 40,000–60,000 miles, with some models offering 70,000–80,000 or more).
In practice, many drivers see OEM tires last in the 40,000–60,000 mile range, but actual results depend on the above factors and how the tires are maintained.
Typical mileage ranges by tire category and warranty
Manufacturers publish treadwear warranties to indicate expected life under standardized testing; real-world miles depend on usage and maintenance.
- All-season tires with standard warranties: commonly 40,000–60,000 miles; some models offer 70,000–80,000 miles.
- Touring/all-season high-mileage tires: often 70,000–80,000 miles of warranty; real-world life typically around 60,000–75,000 miles.
- Performance or ultra-high-performance tires: typically 40,000–60,000 miles; softer compounds wear faster.
- Winter tires: commonly 20,000–40,000 miles, depending on usage and climate; tread life is strongly affected by seasonal cycling.
- Run-flat tires: often 30,000–50,000 miles depending on model and usage; some brands offer higher miles for certain lines.
Note: warranties are guides, not guarantees of exact mileage. Replace tires when tread depth drops to 2/32 inch (1.6 mm) for safety, and follow local guidance for snow traction, visibility, and overall condition.
Tips to maximize tire life
Small maintenance habits can push OEM tires toward the upper end of the expected ranges.
- Rotate tires every 5,000–7,000 miles (or as recommended by your vehicle’s manual) to promote even wear.
- Maintain proper inflation at the vehicle’s recommended tire pressure; check monthly and before long trips.
- Keep wheels aligned and suspension components in good condition to prevent uneven wear patterns.
- Inspect tires for cuts, bulges, embedded objects, and tread wear; address issues promptly with a professional.
- Drive smoothly and avoid aggressive maneuvers that accelerate tire wear; limit exposure to road hazards when possible.
Following these practices helps you get the most miles out of dealership tires while maintaining safety.
When to replace tires
Beyond tread depth, check for sidewall damage, cracks, or visible wear that compromises performance. If you can’t measure tread depth safely or see signs of unsafe wear, replace the tires promptly rather than waiting for mileage to run out.
Summary
Dealership tires, or OEM tires, typically last about 40,000 to 60,000 miles under normal use, with some models offering warranties up to 70,000–80,000 miles. Real-world mileage varies based on tire type, driving style, maintenance, and conditions. Proper maintenance, seasonally appropriate use, and selecting tires with suitable wear warranties can help maximize tire life, while safety considerations should guide replacement decisions.
