How long do tires typically last?

Most tires last 40,000 to 60,000 miles, but age also matters. Rubber degrades over time, so any tire older than six years deserves a professional inspection even if the tread looks fine.

Can a tire with a bulge in the sidewall still be driven on?

No. A sidewall bulge means the internal structure has failed and the tire can blow out without warning. Replace it immediately — do not drive on it.

Is uneven tire wear always a tire problem?

Not always. Uneven wear often points to a wheel alignment issue, improper inflation, or worn suspension components. Fixing the root cause is just as important as replacing the tire.

What causes a humming noise from my tires?

A new humming or droning sound is often caused by uneven tire wear, an out-of-balance tire, or an internal belt issue. Bring your vehicle in and we will put it on the lift to identify the source.

T&H Tire And Auto Service

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How to Tell When Your Tires Need Replacing

June 2, 2026 6 min readBy T&H Tire And Auto Service

Tread wear bars, cracking sidewalls, and vibration at highway speed are all warning signs. Here is exactly what to check before your next long drive.

Start with the penny test

Insert a penny into your tire's tread groove with Lincoln's head facing down. If you can see all of his head, your tread has worn past 2/32 of an inch, and it is time to shop for new tires. This simple check takes ten seconds per tire and can save you from a blowout on I-24 or the Old Hickory Blvd on-ramp.

Look for uneven wear patterns

Wear that is heavier on one edge of the tire usually points to a wheel alignment issue or under/over-inflation. Cupping or scalloped wear across the tread often signals a worn suspension component like a strut or shock. Catching these patterns early means the fix is a rotation or alignment, not a full tire replacement.

Check the sidewalls for cracking and bulges

Tennessee summers put real stress on rubber compounds. Small cracks in the sidewall (called weather checking) or a visible bulge indicate the internal structure of the tire has been compromised. A bulge in particular is an immediate safety hazard — that tire can fail without warning under load.

Pay attention to vibration and noise

A steering wheel that shakes at 55-65 mph, or a new humming noise from the road, often means a tire is out of balance, has an internal belt separating, or has developed a flat spot. Do not ignore this — bring it in and we will inspect all four tires on the lift, free of charge.

The bottom line for Nashville drivers

Most tires last 40,000-60,000 miles depending on driving style and road conditions, but age matters too — rubber degrades even on a tire that looks fine, so any tire older than six years deserves a close inspection. Stop by T&H Tire And Auto Service in Old Hickory and we will check tread depth, balance, and alignment in about 15 minutes, no appointment necessary.

Need this looked at in person?

Our team offers free inspections at 3602 Old Hickory Blvd.

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Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions our technicians hear about tire maintenance.

Tires with 2/32 of an inch of tread or less must be replaced — that is the legal minimum. For better wet-weather safety, consider replacing at 4/32 of an inch, especially if you drive in Nashville rain.

Still have a question? Contact our team or give us a call and we will walk you through it.