As you change to new tires, they need a short break-in period to reach optimal performance. Read how to break in new tires.
When you install new tires, they require a short break-in period to achieve optimal performance and safety. Discover how to break in new tires properly so you can enjoy the best performance and peace of mind on the road.
New tires are similar to a new pair of high-performance shoes—they take a little time to feel completely right. During the first few hundred miles, your tires are settling in, a process that is crucial because breaking in new tires directly influences your overall road safety.
What does breaking in tires mean
Generally, breaking in new tires takes about 300–500 miles (roughly 500–800 kilometers) of careful driving—equivalent to just more than a tank of gas. The goal of this process is to allow the tire components to settle in effectively for optimum traction and reliability. Although brand-new tires have maximum tread depth, they may initially seem less responsive until they have been properly broken in. For instance, new tires may exhibit a slight “tread squirm” as you steer. This temporary adjustment is normal and will subside after the first few hundred miles.
One factor contributing to the initial feel of new tires is the release lubricant applied during the tire manufacturing process. This lubricant prevents the tires from sticking to their molds but leaves a thin film on the tire surface that reduces traction until it wears off. Approximately 300 miles (around 480 kilometers) of gentle acceleration, cornering, and braking will remove this lubricant, allowing all tire components to work together seamlessly. Additionally, new tires may retain antioxidants used to protect the freshly manufactured materials—both elements gradually wear off as you break in new tires.
It’s especially important to break in studded tires. Ensuring that the studs are well established within the tire during the break-in period solidifies their position in the tire, and helps maintain their stability and reliability over the tire’s lifetime.
How to break in new tires
It takes time for new tires to reach their maximum performance. Here are some expert tips to follow while breaking in new tires:
- Avoid sudden braking and acceleration. New tires do not yet offer optimal traction. During the break-in period, avoid rapid acceleration or harsh braking and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you while your new tires adjust.
- Pay attention to your driving speed. While safe driving is key at all times, be especially mindful of your speed while breaking in new tires.
- Check your tire pressure. Maintaining the correct tire pressure is essential for safety and performance. Regularly monitor and adjust your tire pressure as needed during their break-in phase to prolong the service life of your tires.
- Retorque lug nuts. After installing new tires, confirm that your lug nuts remain secure. Check and retorque them after about 30–60 miles (or 50–100 kilometers) of driving to ensure they haven’t loosened as the tires settle.
How tread depth influences tire safety
Tire tread depth plays a vital role in vehicle performance and overall safety, impacting traction, stability, braking distance, hydroplaning resistance, noise levels, and more. Regularly checking your tread depth and replacing worn tires significantly enhances your vehicle's handling and safety. Brand new tires start at their maximum tread depth; as you accumulate miles, tread wear will naturally occur.
Nokian Tyres products incorporate our patented Driving Safety Indicator (DSI) tool to help you effortlessly monitor tread depth. This innovative indicator displays a series of numbers within the tire’s tread that represent the remaining tread depth—these numbers gradually fade as the tire wears. This clear visual cue helps you know exactly when it’s time to replace your tires. As a best practice, always consider replacing your tires as the tread depth reaches 4/32 of an inch.
For winter tires that face severe road conditions, you may consider replacing earlier than a regular all-season tire. Nokian Tyres winter tires also have a snowflake symbol in addition to our DSI inscription called the Winter Safety Indicator. Once the snowflake wears away, that indicates to drivers that the winter tire tread depth is too low to be considered safe for winter driving.
Visit your local Nokian Tyres dealer when it is time to change to new tires.
Please remember that it is the driver’s responsibility to ensure their tires are safe and suitable for their vehicle and to follow the vehicle’s manufacturer´s guidelines for proper use and maintenance. Consult your closest Nokian Tyres dealer or your vehicle’s manufacturer for specific advice.
