At what level of aging should tires not be used?
3 Answers
Tires must be replaced when they develop numerous small cracks and the tread wear indicators reach a height of 1.6 millimeters. Continuing to drive with such tires poses safety hazards. More information about tires is as follows: 1. The general shelf life of car tires is three years. Since tires are primarily made of rubber, and rubber has a shelf life of three years, tires should be replaced every three years. 2. Tires are usually mounted on metal wheels to support the vehicle body, absorb external shocks, maintain contact with the road surface, and ensure the vehicle's driving performance. 3. Tires often operate under complex and demanding conditions, enduring various deformations, loads, forces, and extreme temperatures during use. Therefore, they must possess high load-bearing capacity, traction performance, and shock absorption. Additionally, they need to exhibit high wear resistance and flexibility, along with low rolling resistance and heat generation. Half of the world's rubber consumption is used for tire production, highlighting the significant demand for rubber in tire manufacturing.
As a veteran long-haul driver, I believe tire aging issues require attention to detail. When tread depth falls below 1.6mm, replacement is mandatory - that's the safety red line. You can check it with a simple coin test: insert it into the tread grooves, and if the coin's edge becomes fully visible, it indicates severe wear. Cracks are another major concern; small fissures or deep grooves on the sidewalls, especially in high temperatures, can lead to blowouts. Aging isn't just about mileage - tires over six years old deserve special attention as oxidized rubber compounds harden, deform, and lose elasticity. During rainy conditions, worn tires significantly reduce traction, creating dangerous skid risks. I recommend thorough inspections every six months, including tire pressure and overall condition. Prolonged parking under direct sunlight accelerates aging, so garage storage is ideal. Prevention always outweighs consequences - skimping on tire maintenance simply isn't worth the risk.
When taking my child out, I pay special attention to tire conditions due to the high risk of aging. Key indicators are remaining tread depth and the appearance of cracks. If the tread is as shallow as a smooth surface, reduced grip can make the tires slippery on wet roads. To check tread depth, use professional tools or a simple method: take a ruler, and if it measures down to 1.6mm, the tire should be scrapped. Sidewall cracks are even more critical—small fissures can expand and lead to a sudden blowout. Typically, tire lifespan is around five years, but it depends on driving habits: urban driving with less mileage might stretch it to seven years, but frequent long-distance trips warrant earlier replacement. Climate also plays a big role—for example, summer heat or coastal salty winds can accelerate cracking. I inspect my tires weekly, and if I spot issues, I confirm them at a repair shop. Safety comes first—don’t wait for an accident to happen.
