When to Replace Tractor Tires - Firestone Commercial (2024)

When to Replace Tractor Tires

Regular maintenance of your farm equipment should include an inspection of your tires. This can help prevent costly downtime in season. If your tires are showing their age, or the tread is significantly worn, they can begin to impact how well your tractor performs in the field. In most soil conditions, worn out tires may cause a tractor to operate at a higher slip rate resulting in excess fuel consumption and more time spent in the field.

Three key things to look for to know if you should replace your tires.

When to Replace Tractor Tires - Firestone Commercial (1)

1. Exposed Body Plies and Belts

Agricultural tires are exposed to many objects or conditions that could create cuts and tears on the exterior rubber. If these cuts or tears do not expose the body plies or belts the tires can be used. Once a cut gets deep enough to expose the body plies or belts it needs to be replaced. The body plies and belts are what give the tire strength to contain the inflation pressure. If these components get damaged they could cause the tire to become unusable. Inspect the tire sidewalls and tread area regularly and if you see any body plies or belts it is time to replace that tire.

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2. Air Pressure

Agricultural tires are exposed to crop stubble when operating and some tires occasionally find objects like a hidden fencepost or deer antler in the field. If you notice a slow leak and it’s not from the valve stem, there could be punctures in the tire. Ignoring a leaking tire could result in the tire running under inflated (or over-deflected) which could cause damage to the body plies making the tire unusable.

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3. Tread Depth

The tread of a tire is what transmits the power from the tractor to the ground. As the tread depth decreases below 20% of its original depth, it may start losing traction in wet soil conditions. When a tractor starts operating at a higher slip rate, it takes longer to get a job done and use more fuel.

Replacing Your Tires

Tire maintenance is such an important part of keeping your equipment in good working order, operating at maximum efficiency, and minimizing downtime. You can useFirestone’s 7 Step Check Listto help you inspect your tires and help you determine if it is time to replace your tires.

If you’re not sure what type of new tire to purchase, start by reviewing our primer on Ag tire typeshere.

For assistance, you can always speak with a professional at anyFirestone Ag Certified Dealer.

When to Replace Tractor Tires - Firestone Commercial (2024)

FAQs

When should you replace tractor tires? ›

The industry says slippage should be in the 8-15% range with tires. Anything above that is excessive. A general rule of thumb is that when a tire gets below about 20% of its original tread depth, it may be time to start shopping for new tires depending on the use of the tractor.

How long should Firestone tires last? ›

A set of tires should last anywhere between 50,000 and 60,000 miles on average. The type of tires as well as factors like driving habits, weather conditions, and maintenance routine will all have an impact on tire longevity.

What are the dates on tractor tires? ›

Date Code

- First two numbers - This is the week your tire was made. - Last two numbers - This is the year your tire was made.

When must tires be replaced? ›

You should consider replacing your tires when the tread has worn down below the recommended depth of 2/32nds of an inch or they're over six years old. You might also need to replace your tires if you notice changes in how your tires perform.

When should you replace a tractor? ›

Another common reason you need to upgrade or replace your tractor is simply prolonged wear and tear. If you have a tractor with 12,000 hours on it, it may no longer be financially sound to repair.

How long are Firestone tires guaranteed for? ›

There is no free replacement period. Coverage extends up to 5 years from the date of purchase—proof of purchase date required. Without proof of purchase date, then 6 years from the date of tire manufacture.

How many miles can you put on Firestone tires? ›

Built to last by a trustworthy brand, these tires offer all-season performance at a great value. With deep sipes and a unique tread design, they provide excellent traction and handling all year long. *55,000 Mile Limited Warranty (CUV Intended Sizes), 65,000 Mile Limited Warranty (All Other Sizes).

How to tell the age of a Firestone tire? ›

For tires made since the year 2000, the tire date code is always the last four numbers in the series. The first two digits represent the week of the year the tires were made, and the last two digits indicate the year. For example, 1422 means the fourteenth week of 2022.

Are 7 year old tires still good? ›

Some automakers suggest that tires be replaced as soon as they turn six years old. Some tire experts contend that tires can last anywhere from six to ten years if they're stored and cared for properly. We recommend replacing tires aged 6-10 years, no matter how much tread remains.

What is the age limit for tires? ›

– “Tires degrade over time, even when they are not being used on the road. It is recommended that tires generally be replaced when they are six years or older." “[data] suggest strongly that six years is an appropriate and defensible service limit for tires.”

How do I know when to replace tractor tires? ›

Exposed Body Plies and Belts

Agricultural tires are exposed to many objects or conditions that could create cuts and tears on the exterior rubber. If these cuts or tears do not expose the body plies or belts the tires can be used. Once a cut gets deep enough to expose the body plies or belts it needs to be replaced.

How often do tractors need new tires? ›

Many agriculture farms use a tractor daily because tractors serve multiple purposes on a farm. Tractor tires, like car tires, need to be replaced every few years for the best overall performance.

How long do tractor tires last? ›

The lifespan of tractor tires typically ranges between three to six years. However, several signs can indicate that it's time for a replacement, including increased slippage, dryness and cracks, consistent wear and tear, bulges on the tire surface, and deflated tires.

What is the life expectancy of a tractor tire? ›

The lifespan of a tractor tire depends on a variety of factors, such as the type of terrain the tractor is used on, the amount of weight it carries and the frequency of use. In general, tractor tires can last anywhere from two to eight years, depending on the above factors.

How to tell if a tractor tire is bad? ›

Unusual vibrations, aging tires, and depth of tread are some of the things that will send you the signs of a tractor tire that is badly needing of replacement. Here are the things you should look out for: Cuts or bulges on the tire surface.

Should I replace 15 year old tires? ›

Discount Tire recommends that you replace your tires after 6 years of age, regardless of tread depth. For your safety, we will not service a tire that exceeds 10 years of age. You can find your tire's age in its DOT Identification Number, which you'll find stamped on the tire's sidewall.

How long do you depreciate tractor tires? ›

The ruling provides for the depreciation of new tires at the same rate as a new vehicle: three years for a tractor and its tires and five years for trailers and their tires. Tires on large straight trucks can be depreciated over five years.

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