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8 minute read Published on Aug 1, 2026 by BrokerLink Communications
Tires are the only part of your vehicle that makes contact with the road, making them one of the most important safety components. Damaged and worn tires can increase your stopping distance and reduce your traction, which puts you and everyone else on the road at risk. So, how do you know when it’s time for a replacement?
This guide outlines everything from how to measure your tread depth to spotting damage, understanding tire age and making the right tire choices for the season.
In Canada, Transport Canada legally requires all tire tread depth minimums to be 1.6 mm before a replacement is needed. While this is the law, driving close to minimal tire treads is risky, especially on wet roads, in the snow or when you need to stop suddenly.
For safer driving, experts at Tire Rack recommend replacing your tires when:
Wet driving conditions: Replace when your tread depth reaches 4/32" or 3.17 mm of the remaining tread depth.
Winter driving conditions: Replace tires when they reach approximately 5/32" or 3.96 mm of the remaining tread depth.
Keep in mind that tire tread depth is only one factor. Tire age, sidewall cracks and structural integrity all play a role in your tire safety. Insurance companies may take note of your tread depth following a collision to determine whether your vehicle met tread minimums. So, even if your tires are above the legal minimum, replacing them earlier is still recommended.
How to tell if you need new tires starts with measuring your tread depth. Here are the steps you should take:
Common tools and methods you can use today to measure the depth of your tire tread:
1. Tread depth gauge
A depth gauge is a device you can purchase at any hardware store. To use it, you’ll need to insert the gauge into the deepest groove of your tire. Then, measure multiple spots around the tire to compare it against safety minimums.
2. Canadian coin test
Quarter: Place the caribou facing down in the groove of your tire tread. If the tip of the caribou’s nose is still visible, your tread will be below 4/32", which means they’ll need to be replaced.
Toonie: Start by inserting the toonie into the tire groove. You should still be able to see the polar bear’s paws. If the silver part of the toonie is covered by the tread block, your tires are probably around 50% worn and if the tread only covers the words Canada or Dollars, then your tire tread is far too minimal and your tires should be replaced immediately.
3. Tread wear indicator bars
Tread wear indicator bars look like flat rubber bars that run along either side of the tread. The two bars can be found on each individual tire. If one or both of the indicator bars are visible, chances are your tires need to be replaced.
Where and how you measure your tread wear also matters. Aim to check the inner, middle and outer surface of your tires. You’ll want to compare your front and rear tires as well to determine if uneven tread wear has occurred. If it has, you may need to rotate your tires.
Diagnosing uneven tire wear early on is the best way to avoid blowouts and other potential issues that could result in a collision. Here's what you should know:
Common wear patterns and causes include:
Inside wear: The inner side of your tire tread may be more worn than the rest. This could be caused by misaligned cambers, worn suspension components or frequent cornering at high speeds.
Outside wear: The outer edges of your tire may appear more worn than the centre of your tire. This indicates underinflated tires or aggressive cornering.
Center wear: The middle of your tire tread wears faster than the edges. This could be due to overinflated tires.
Cupping/scalloping: This should look like dips in your tire tread (almost like a wave). This can be caused by worn shock absorbers or struts and unbalanced wheels.
Feathering: The tread ribs may feel smooth on one side and sharp on the other when you run your hand over them. This is often due to wheel misalignment.
When you notice uneven wear on your tires, it should prompt you to do the following repairs or maintenance:
Alignment: Feathering patterns on your tires often mean that your tire alignment needs recalibration.
Vehicle suspension: Cupping or scalloping patterns could suggest worn shocks, struts or suspension bushings.
Rotate tires: Uneven wear patterns on your front and rear tires should be rotated.
Remember that even minor wear should be monitored closely. Once wear starts, it can become more severe in a short period, leading to poor vehicle handling and shorter stopping distances.
While your tire tread may be fine, your tires themselves can become unsafe due to age. Rubber hardens over time, which increases the risk of cracking and blowouts. Let's take a look:
A DOT date code can be found on your tire sidewall and is typically a four-digit code. The last four digits indicate the week and year the tires were manufactured. For example, 4519 means the tire was made in the 45th week of 2019. Beyond your four tires, check your spare tire as well. It could be a lot older than you expect and should be replaced as well.
CAA recommends replacing your tires every 6 to 10 years from their manufacture date, even if the tread looks good. If you live in an area with extremely hot temperatures, UV rays can also accelerate the aging of your tires, prompting more frequent replacements.
Aging tires are equally as dangerous as poor tire tread wear:
Rubber can harden and lose traction on the road.
Sidewalls can crack and develop sidewall bulges.
Have a greater risk of blowouts and poor braking performance.
Tire damage can be both visible and invisible:
Visible signs of damage can look like:
Sidewall bubbles and bulges: If you notice bulges and bubbles, it could mean you have a belt failure, which needs to be replaced immediately.
Cuts, gashes or pierced objects: These can cause air leaks or sudden blowouts.
Cracks or dry rot: Caused by UV exposure and aging.
Exposed cords or steel belts: This is dangerous and must be replaced immediately.
Chunking or torn tread blocks: This is common for winter tires and it reduces tread traction.
Invisible signs of damage can manifest from:
Impact damage: Hitting potholes and curbs can weaken the internal structure of the tire.
Bent rims: Caused by impacts, these can cause low air leaks and cabin vibrations that reduce comfort.
Bead/seal leaks: This can create air loss over time, which will reduce your vehicle’s handling.
Unrepairable punctures: These can be in your sidewall, shoulders or due to large holes that can’t be repaired.
Even if your tread looks okay, your vehicle may still give you clues that something is wrong:
Handling and traction changes include:
Longer braking distances, especially in wet or icy conditions.
Reduced cornering grip or sliding at lower speeds than normal.
Hydroplaning more easily.
Poor winter traction on roads.
Vehicle feedback and sensory cues include:
Steering wheel vibration.
Your vehicle is pulling to one side.
Increased road noise or “whine” from your vehicle.
You feel every bump on the road.
Your dashboard TPMS alerts keep popping up.
According to Transport Canada, winter tires outperform all-season tires in temperatures of 7 °C or below. When purchasing winter tires, look for the 3PMSF symbol to ensure the tires meet severe snow traction guidelines.
In Quebec, all drivers are legally required to fit winter tires on their car from December 1st to March 15th. In British Columbia, winter tires are required for certain roadways. Changing your tires each season can improve your stopping distance, traction and even your fuel efficiency!
Every tire has a load index, which is the maximum weight it can carry and a speed rating, which is the maximum safe speed it can travel. Using tires below the recommended rating for your vehicle can cause blowouts, overheating and poor handling, especially when towing. Always check your owner’s manual and replace tires with ones that meet or exceed this recommended rating.
Aim to rotate your tires every 8,000 km to 10,000 km, based on your driving style, local climate and vehicle type. Make sure your old tires are recycled correctly. You can do so at auto body shops, which will handle proper recycling methods.
Need help telling if your tires should be replaced? Get in touch with BrokerLink today. We are auto experts, which means that we can answer a wide range of questions, including how to tell if you need new tires. As seen above, there are many tests and inspections that can be performed to help you determine if your tires are at the end of their life. Tire maintenance is of the utmost importance if you want to ensure safe driving year-round.
As a full-service insurance brokerage, BrokerLink can help you find a car insurance policy that meets your needs. Our licensed insurance advisors are experts in all types of auto insurance, including accident benefits coverage and much more. We can also help with other tasks like renewing car insurance. Learn more about BrokerLink’s unbeatable car insurance services by reaching out today. We can be reached by phone, email, or in person at any one of our 200+ insurance offices across Canada.
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The average lifespan for a car tire is ten years, though it ultimately varies based on the model of tire, as well as how the tire is cared for. Regular maintenance can increase the lifespan of a car tire.
The answer to this question also varies, depending on the make and model of vehicle, as well as the type of vehicle. For example, tires for SUVs or pickup trucks may be more expensive than those for sedans or minivans. For this reason, tires can set you back anywhere between $50 and $350 per tire.
Car insurance will not cover general wear and tire to your tires. However, if you have comprehensive insurance and your tire was damaged due to an insured peril, like theft, vandalism, fire, or water, then you can file a claim with your insurance provider, and they may issue a payout to pay for the cost of replacing or repairing the damaged tire. Find answers to common car insurance claims questions, like Can you cancel a car insurance claim? and How many car insurance claims per year?
Experts do not recommend mixing and matching tire models. Thus, if one or two tires need to be replaced, you are likely better off replacing all four tires with the same model of tire. This will help prevent uneven tread wear and other issues, like oversteering.
Tires should be replaced as soon as the tread depth reaches 1/16 of an inch for all-season tires or 5/32 of an inch for winter tires.
The decision is yours to make, though buying used tires is typically riskier than buying new tires. Since you don’t know the whole history of the tires, such as whether they have been properly inflated and loaded in the past, you run the risk of the used tires wearing out much faster. If you are interested in purchasing used tires, we recommend having them inspected by a professional and performing several tests on them yourself. You can also ask about taking them for a test drive to check the vibration.
If you have any questions, contact one of our local branches.
