At what tread depth in millimeters should tires be replaced?
3 Answers
Tires should be replaced when the tread depth falls below 2.5mm. Here are specific details about safe tire usage: 1. Driving changes: Deformed tires can cause the vehicle to deviate from its intended direction while driving, produce loud wheel noises, and lead to abnormal wear and other malfunctions. Once a tire becomes deformed, braking performance will deteriorate. 2. Internal changes: When tires exhibit deformation, cracking, or bulging, the internal structure layers of the tire undergo changes. This significantly reduces the tire's pressure resistance, load-bearing capacity, and speed tolerance. Continued use under such conditions poses a risk of tire blowouts.
I believe that when the tire tread depth is below 1.6mm, it must be replaced because this is a legal requirement in many places, such as China's traffic laws which specify this value. Having driven for over a decade, I've seen too many accidents caused by excessively worn tires—just think about it, on rainy days or highways, shallow tread significantly reduces grip, doubling the risk of skidding. I usually recommend not waiting until 1.6mm to take action; for safety, it's best to replace them at 3mm because the wear indicators become visible by then. The measurement method is simple: insert a one-yuan coin into the tread—if the top is exposed beyond the line, it's time to replace them. Don’t skimp or be lazy; it’s a matter of life and death. Regularly checking tire pressure and wear can extend your car's lifespan and save you money on fuel and repairs.
When the tire tread is too shallow, it's time for a replacement, with the standard being below 1.6 millimeters. I've measured it several times at home using a regular ruler or a coin—just insert the coin face down, and if more than half of it is exposed, it's time to change. At that depth, the tire's grip on wet roads is poor; I've experienced how the braking distance can increase by several meters, which is too dangerous. It's recommended to check every quarter, especially before long trips. When replacing tires, don't just look at the mileage; some areas wear out faster, like if you frequently drive on dirt roads. Regular maintenance can help avoid trouble on the road.
