Can a tire still be used if it has worn down to expose fine steel wires?
4 Answers
When a tire wears down to expose steel wires, it should no longer be driven on and needs to be replaced immediately. Here are the detailed explanations: Specific reasons: Once a tire has worn down to expose steel wires, its performance capabilities are essentially gone, and continuing to use it significantly increases safety risks. Relevant data shows that if a vehicle's tires are still used after the steel wires are exposed, the likelihood of accidents occurring on highways increases dramatically. Maintenance: Tires should be treated with care and caution. As the only component of a car that comes into contact with the road surface, tires play a crucial role in traffic movement. When any abnormalities are detected in the tires, prompt action should be taken, such as repairing or replacing the tires.
Tires with exposed steel wires must never be used again. I've seen many car owners ignore this issue, leading to tire blowout accidents. When a tire wears to this extent, it means the tread rubber is almost completely worn away, exposing the steel belt layer inside. This makes the tire thinner and weaker, prone to overheating and blowouts at high speeds, especially in rainy conditions or on curves, where grip is significantly reduced, and the risk of skidding is high. I recommend going to a professional repair shop immediately to replace the new tires—don't risk it to save a few hundred bucks. Develop a habit of checking tire pressure monthly to ensure it's normal and use a coin to test tread depth—if you can see the edge of the coin when inserted into the groove, it's time to replace the tire. Generally, tires last 4-6 years or 60,000-80,000 kilometers. Regular tire rotation can also extend their lifespan, ensuring safe driving.
From an economic perspective, it's really not worth continuing to use tires with exposed steel belts. Having driven for over a decade, I've encountered a similar situation: the tires were severely worn with fine steel wires showing, and I thought I could tough it out a bit longer. However, one long highway trip resulted in a blowout - not only did the repair cost over a thousand yuan, but it nearly caused an accident. While new tires may cost several hundred yuan, they're far more economical than the towing fees, repair costs, and potential personal injuries after a blowout. When tires wear to their limit, the exposed internal steel belts are prone to rusting or breaking, affecting the vehicle's overall stability. I recommend checking the tire wear indicators (the small raised blocks in the tread grooves) - if they're flush with the surface, it's time to replace the tires. Have technicians check during regular maintenance to prevent problems in advance, saving money and ensuring peace of mind.
Bro, change your tires immediately if the steel belts are showing! I used to drive the family's old car with bald tires exposing the steel belts, and it felt really unstable, especially on wet roads where the steering wheel would shake violently. I almost rear-ended someone once. The mechanic said it was extremely dangerous and insisted on new tires. Now I check regularly: make sure the tread depth is sufficient using simple methods like inserting a key – if you can see the metal part, it's time to replace them. Safety first, don't risk it to save a few bucks. New tires make driving much more stable.