Do I Need to Replace Tires at 70,000 Kilometers?
2 Answers
Tires generally have a service life of about 3 years or 80,000 kilometers, but this is not absolute. The wear and tear of tires are greatly influenced by road conditions. Smooth roads extend tire life, while bumpy or gravel roads will definitely reduce it. Here are methods to determine if tires need replacement: 1. Tread Depth Check: The condition of tire treads directly affects traction and vehicle stability. If the tread is too thin or worn out, it can lead to longer braking distances and increased risk of skidding in rainy conditions. Regularly check the tread depth. Typically, each tire has a tread wear indicator; if the tread wears down to this mark, it's time to replace the tire, meaning the tread depth is less than 1.6 mm. 2. Rubber Aging Check: The most common sign of rubber aging is cracking or fine cracks on the tire surface, known as tire cracking. Tire rubber requires a certain hardness, achieved through a manufacturing process called vulcanization. Vulcanized rubber increases hardness but will age over time. Therefore, tires generally have a lifespan of about 3 years.
Reaching 70,000 kilometers doesn’t automatically mean it’s time to change your tires—it’s more about their condition. Since I drive frequently, I always check my tires as soon as I hit this mileage. Measuring tread depth is key: insert a coin into the grooves; if the entire coin is visible, the wear is severe, and the standard is to replace them if they’re below 1.6 mm. Last time at 70,000 km, my tires weren’t just worn smooth but also had small cracks on the sidewalls, a clear sign of aging over the years. If you often drive on gravel roads or brake hard, wear accelerates faster. I recommend using a flashlight to inspect the tire surface—too many cracks increase the risk of a blowout. Safety comes first. Regular maintenance saves headaches; don’t wait for a rainy-day skid to regret it. The cost is low, but your life is priceless.
