Can tires still be used after six years?

[DeMalachi]

If the aging degree of 6-year-old tires is not severe, with few surface cracks and not much wear, they can still be used. Here are the methods to determine tire wear: 1. Check the tire wear indicators: The grooves of the tire tread are equipped with wear indicators. When the tread depth has worn down to the same level as the raised indicator rubber, it means the tire needs to be replaced. 2. Bulging phenomenon: If the tread bulges, it indicates localized rubber deterioration or uneven pressure. At this point, the tire may explode at any time, making continued driving very dangerous, so it should be replaced promptly. 3. Tread aging and cracking: If the tire shows this phenomenon, it means the aging is very severe, and dense cracks will appear around the tread and wheel hub.

[MacPhoebe]

I think extra caution is needed with tires after six years of use. Rubber aging is a natural process – over time they harden, develop cracks, and lose grip, especially becoming slippery on wet roads. Safety factors are paramount, never take chances. During inspection, first check tread depth; if below 1.6mm or if too much of a coin's top is visible during the coin test, it's time for replacement. Also examine the surface for hairline cracks or bulges. Environment matters too – hotter climates accelerate aging. I recommend developing regular maintenance habits to promptly identify risks and replace tires, avoiding potential accidents during high-speed driving. Protecting yourself and passengers comes first. Spending a few minutes checking tire condition during each maintenance can significantly reduce accident risks.

[MacLiam]

Experienced drivers might think that six-year-old tires can still be used under certain conditions, but my experience tells me it's better not to take the risk. For example, the tread on my old car's tires still looked decent after six years, but upon closer inspection with my hands, I noticed fine cracks, and the steering wheel vibrated noticeably at high speeds. Here's a simple self-test: Insert a one-yuan coin vertically into the tread groove—if less than half of the coin's top is exposed, the tread depth is good. Also, check the sidewalls for scratches or bulges. Extra caution is needed when driving in the rain, as new tires provide significantly better grip and reduced noise. Safety is more important than saving money; timely replacement boosts driving confidence and eliminates worries. Set a rule to inspect your tires every six months to prevent issues.

[Clay]

From an economic perspective, replacing tires after six years is costly but cost-effective. A new set of tires costs a few hundred dollars, while failure of aged tires may lead to blowouts with repair costs exceeding a thousand dollars or even greater accident losses. If the tread depth and surface cracks are still acceptable, you can temporarily make do, but frequent driving or long-distance trips increase the risk. Assess your driving habits: city commuting is manageable, but immediate replacement is recommended for highway driving. Under cost-benefit analysis, safety comes first—don’t delay until an accident brings regret.