At what millimeter of wear should motor vehicle tires be replaced?
3 Answers
Motor vehicle tires must be replaced when the tread depth wears down to 1.6 millimeters. Below are detailed instructions for tire replacement: 1. Replacement time depends on circumstances: For drivers with good driving habits, tires generally need to be replaced every 3-5 years or after driving 60,000-80,000 kilometers. If driving under harsh conditions, such as frequently traveling on gravel roads or in heavy traffic with frequent sudden braking and sharp turns, the replacement interval will be shorter. 2. Tire aging period: The main material of tires is rubber, which undergoes natural aging. This primarily manifests as the tires hardening and the sidewalls developing small cracks. The natural aging period is typically 4-5 years. Tires should be replaced promptly after 5 years to prevent the risk of blowouts. 3. Observe tire wear: If the tire wear is severe and the tread pattern is level with the wear indicators, the tires should be replaced. Otherwise, braking on wet or slippery roads will be more difficult, increasing the risk of losing control of the vehicle. Additionally, driving on excessively rough surfaces may lead to tire blowouts.
I think this topic is very important. As a driver who has experienced several tire blowouts, I must emphasize that the key to when to replace worn tires lies in safety. Many novice drivers overlook this, but according to regulations, tires must be replaced once the tread depth wears down to 1.6 millimeters, as this is the legal minimum safety limit. Any lower, and braking in rainy conditions becomes uncontrollable. Like the minor accident I had last time—it happened because I didn’t replace the tires in time, causing the car to skid on the highway and nearly crash. I recommend checking regularly: use a coin or depth gauge to measure the tread grooves. If it’s below 2 millimeters, go to a repair shop immediately—don’t wait for an accident. Tires aren’t just about depth; wear uniformity matters too. If one side is more worn than the other, it means the wheels are misaligned and need balancing. Replacing tires early can save a lot on insurance costs, but more importantly, it protects you and your family. Tires are like shoes for your car—if they’re worn through, your toes will show, and that’s extremely dangerous. Don’t skimp on this expense. During regular maintenance, ask the mechanic to check the tread depth—just a few minutes can prevent major trouble.
When it comes to tire wear and replacement depth, with over 20 years of driving experience, I generally recommend changing tires when the tread is down to 2-3mm. The legal minimum is 1.6mm, but don't wait until then to take action. I once drove an old car on mountain roads, and when the tires were worn to about 2mm, they noticeably slipped in the rain and made a lot of noise. After changing to new tires, the car felt much more stable. Checking them yourself is simple: insert a one-yuan coin into the tread groove. If the groove isn't deep enough and the coin's edge is exposed, it's time to replace them. Or you can buy a tire depth gauge for just a few bucks to measure anytime. Avoid hard braking or sharp turns in daily driving to extend tire life. Remember, tire pressure shouldn't be too high or too low, as it causes uneven wear and isn't worth the trouble. Changing tires earlier gives you peace of mind and saves on repair costs.
