Do all four tires need to be replaced at 60,000 kilometers?
3 Answers
It depends on individual driving habits and the duration of use. Although rear tires generally experience less wear, tires that have been used for a long time will age and become unsafe. Check the degree of tire wear: There is no officially certified accurate mileage for tire usage. However, based on the shared experiences of many car owners, generally after driving about 50,000 kilometers, the tread grooves of the tires should be nearly worn out. Additionally, the sidewalls may age and crack under prolonged stress fluctuations, leading to reduced grip and an increased risk of blowouts. Therefore, it is recommended to replace the tires. Judging by wear indicators: Many people may not notice the wear indicators on tires, which are currently the most authoritative standard for determining when tires need replacement. When the tire wear reaches the indicator mark, it means the tread depth is less than 1.6mm, significantly reducing the tire's ability to channel water. This makes driving in rainy or snowy conditions very dangerous.
I've been driving a private car for over a decade, and when it comes to tires reaching 60,000 kilometers, I believe the key is to assess the specific condition rather than insisting on a complete replacement as a blanket rule. First, check the tread depth using a coin from the car or a specialized gauge. If it can still cover the indicator line, such as the national emblem or date markings, it means the tread is deep enough to continue driving. Next, observe whether the wear is even. If the front and rear tires are wearing similarly, you can save a significant amount by only replacing the two more heavily worn tires. However, if there's noticeable uneven wear, like one side being thinner, it might indicate wheel alignment or tire pressure issues that need to be fixed as well. Safety should never be taken lightly. Before every long highway trip, I make it a habit to visit a shop to measure the tread depth with professional equipment, as shallow treads can dangerously increase braking distances. Tire aging is also crucial. After five to six years, tires are prone to cracking, and even if the mileage is low, they should be replaced at this point.
As a budget-conscious young person, when my car reaches 60,000 kilometers, I don't rush to replace all tires if funds are limited. First, I DIY check: crouch down to inspect tread patterns using a coin test—if the pattern isn't covered, it's time to replace; measuring depth below 1.6mm is unacceptable, as safety regulations mandate this. If wear is even, replacing just the two front or rear tires is the most cost-effective. From my experience with old cars, I know that rotating tires can extend overall lifespan—just swap front and rear positions every 10,000 kilometers. Tire brands make a big difference: cheap tires may last only 60,000 km, while premium ones like Michelin can go further. For peace of mind, I visually inspect for cracks and leaks every six months to avoid issues before long trips.
