How Long Do Nissan Tires Last?

‍Does Nissan make tires?

When we ask how long Nissan tires last, the question does not deal directly with the manufacturer. Nissan includes stock tires on their vehicles, but they don't manufacture tires at all – so the length of the tire service does not reflect directly on Nissan at all.

Which are the longest-lasting tires for a Nissan?

Keep in mind that Nissan makes several vehicles, including the popular Rogue, Pathfinder, Altima, and Sentra. We can still make some recommendations. We use TireRack as an outstanding source for reviews on tires and rely on them for this question in part because they ask users to rate how long tires last in what they call their “Treadwear rating.” This treadwear rating reflects how well-tread holds up over time – and whether or not the tires hold their shape and comfort abilities.

In the very common category of an all-season crossover SUV tire for the Rogue, we have some good choices that are meant to last a while:

The Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 leads the pack for tread wear rating at 9.5. They also offer a substantial unlimited time, 70,000-mile tread wear warranty if the front and rear tires are the same sizes. They are also fairly reasonably priced at around $233 per tire.

Continental's CrossContact LX25 is also a great option with a 9.2 tread wear rating. The warranty is just slightly less than Pirelli's with a 6-year or 70,000-mile guarantee. Continental runs around $234 per tire.

Rounding out the top three is the Yokohama Geolandar GV G058. With a 9 tread wear rating and a decent five years or 60,000-mile warranty, these can go a long way for a few dollars less per tire at $223.

What can I do to make my Nissan tires last longer?

There are a few things you can do to make your tires last longer, and this is really regardless of vehicle:

Drive patiently

A few things readily contribute to premature tire wear: accelerating fast, speeding, and slowing down fast. Accelerating fast puts more pressure on the tread to make a proper grip. Going well over the speed limit on a regular basis tests the metal and nylon bands that hold a tire together in addition to causing additional wear. Slamming on the brakes also causes additional wear. Drive the way your insurance company would approve of: drive the speed limit, give a good following distance so you don't have to slow down quickly too often, and don't treat non-race tires like a race car. Your tires will thank you, and honestly, so will your gas tank and wallet.

Get them rotated

Tire rotation is the simple process of switching tires around on your vehicle to make them wear as evenly as possible. Tires that are not rotated can have uneven tread wear, especially on two-wheel-drive vehicles where all the power goes to the front or rear tires only. A tire rotation is often offered as part of routine maintenance like your oil change or fluid checks.

Keep them inflated

An inflated tire wears out more evenly. For proper inflation, look at the inside of your driver's side door jamb to see how many PSIs you should put in your tires. This will also help when saving money on gas – tire pressure is important!

Avoid bad roads

While you might not be able to help it, avoiding roads that have lots of potholes are bumps can be very helpful. Every major bump your vehicle takes from bad asphalt or gravel causes additional wear - and someday might lead to a sudden flat tire.

How do I know if I'm having a tire tread problem with my Nissan?

There are a few signs that will tell you if your tires are wearing out.

Tread depth test

While some folks just buy a tread depth gauge, others can use a penny to measure the depth of the tread on their tires. For reference with the actual tire gauge, the tread depth should measure at least 2/32”. If it's less than this, you are risking a blowout and should replace your tires soon.

The penny test is a little easier. You'll want to grab a penny, then place it in the treads of the tire with President Lincoln's head facing down. There should be enough tread remaining that you can't see the top of the President's head. Some might find this a little easier, though it doesn't tell you actual tread depth.

Issues starting and stopping

When your Nissan's tires are starting to get bald, you might find it harder to accelerate, especially in rain or snow. If you notice that you are sliding a bit more in wet conditions without ice, it's probably time to replace your tires.

Bumpy ride

This could be the result of suspension issues too – but a bumpy ride is an indicator that your tires are not wearing evenly. The “bumps” come from pitted spots on your tires and the slight difference in height between wheels.

Can tires develop problems while sitting?

If you haven't moved your Nissan in a while, the tires could start to deflate. If you don't drive them for over a month and leave them in some extreme conditions, the tire could develop flattened areas from where the tire rubber was kept on the ground for a long time.

This is uncommon, though. We would generally suggest checking your tires for cracks or a lack of inflation before leaving for the first time in a while though, especially if the weather is very hot or very cold.

Should I replace my tires after the warranty expires?

No, definitely not. You can keep tires on your vehicle until they no longer function as intended. While the warranty offers some protection for a specific time period, it's more of a guarantee that the tire treads will work as promised. There is a solid chance you'll never need to use the warranty on a new set of tires anyway.

Do I need specific tires for a Nissan?

Most Nissans do not require any particular kind of tires. The exception might be a higher-end sports car like a Nissan Skyline or GTR – which could certainly use some sports treads, but your average Rogue or Pathfinder SUV could have a tire ranging from winter to all-terrain or all season. The biggest difference you'll feel in tires is their ride comfort, and ability to grip on snow and ice – other than that, most any tires that fit your Nissan SUV, car, or truck could readily be used to drive it.