At what level of tire aging is replacement necessary?
2 Answers
Tires need to be replaced when the surface tread pattern has worn away. As rubber products, tires are prone to aging during use, commonly manifested as cracks appearing on the surface. This condition affects tire comfort, reduces grip performance, and compromises driving safety. Tires are circular elastic rubber products mounted on metal rims, designed to support the vehicle body, absorb external shocks, maintain contact with the road surface, and ensure driving performance. Based on their construction, tires can be categorized into tube-type and tubeless tires; according to working pressure, they are classified as high-pressure, low-pressure, and ultra-low-pressure tires.
Severely aged tires should be replaced promptly. With years of driving experience, I've found that key aging indicators include tread wear depth and sidewall cracks. When the tread depth falls below 1.6mm, traction significantly decreases, making the vehicle prone to skidding during rainy turns. Mesh-like or deep cracks on sidewalls indicate rubber brittleness, risking high-speed blowouts. Tires older than six years should be replaced regardless of wear, as natural rubber hardening increases accident risks. I inspect tires biannually using the coin test: if the national emblem on a 1-yuan coin is fully visible, it's time for replacement. Neglecting aging can lead to loss of control, especially during emergency braking. Timely action ensures driving safety.
