When Should You Replace Lawn Mower & Golf Cart Tires? 7 Warning Signs to Watch For

Tires don’t always fail dramatically. In most cases, performance slowly degrades—until traction, safety, or turf quality becomes a problem.

At Antego Tire & Wheel, we help customers replace lawn mower and golf cart tires every day. If you’re wondering whether it’s time to upgrade, these seven warning signs will help you decide.

1. Loss of Traction on Grass or Slopes

If your equipment starts:

Sliding on wet grass
Struggling on inclines
Spinning during turns

Your tires are likely worn beyond effective grip. Even if tread looks acceptable, rubber hardens with age and loses traction.

2. Uneven or Bald Tread Wear

Check for:

Smooth or flattened tread blocks
Uneven wear from side to side
Cupping or scalloping

Uneven wear can cause:

Poor handling
Increased turf damage
Vibration during operation

Once tread depth is compromised, replacement is the safest option.

3. Cracks, Dry Rot, or Sidewall Damage

Rubber breaks down over time, especially when exposed to:

Sunlight
Ozone
Temperature swings

Sidewall cracking or dry rot is a clear sign the tire is nearing failure—even if it still holds air.

4. Frequent Air Pressure Loss

If you’re constantly reinflating tires, it may be due to:

Micro-cracks in the rubber
Bead deterioration
Internal tire damage

Chronic air loss increases downtime and risks sudden failure during use.

5. Excessive Vibration or Rough Ride

Worn tires can cause:

Shaking at low speeds
Uneven rolling
Poor steering response

This vibration puts extra stress on:

Wheel bearings
Axles
Suspension components

Replacing tires early can prevent more expensive repairs later.

6. Damage to Turf or Finished Surfaces

Old or hardened tires are more likely to:

Tear grass during turns
Leave ruts
Scalp turf

If your lawn or course quality is suffering, tire replacement is often the fix.

7. Tires Are More Than 5–7 Years Old

Even if tread looks fine, rubber ages.

Most lawn and golf cart tires should be replaced after:

5–7 years, depending on use and storage

Date codes on tire sidewalls can help determine age.

Replace Just the Tire—or Upgrade to Assemblies?

If your wheels are rusted, bent, or outdated, replacing the entire tire and wheel assembly may be the smarter move.

Benefits of Tire & Wheel Assemblies

Faster installation
No mounting equipment required
Guaranteed fitment
Valve stems installed
Balanced setup

Antego offers pre-mounted assemblies for lawn mowers, golf carts, and utility equipment.

Why Choose Antego Tire & Wheel?

Antego focuses exclusively on specialty tire applications, not automotive tires.

What Sets Antego Apart

Lawn & garden tire expertise
Golf cart–specific fitments
Commercial-grade options
Dealer and fleet support
Fast, reliable shipping

Whether you’re replacing one tire or outfitting an entire fleet, Antego has you covered.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait for Tire Failure

Worn tires reduce traction, increase turf damage, and compromise safety. Replacing them before failure keeps equipment running smoothly during peak season.

Browse Antego’s full selection of lawn mower tires, golf cart tires, and tire & wheel assemblies to stay ahead of downtime.