Do tires need to be replaced after 4 years and 30,000 kilometers?
2 Answers
Tires need to be replaced after 4 years and 30,000 kilometers, as this duration and mileage mark the replacement threshold for tires. Tire replacement timing: Counting from the production date (marked on the tire sidewall), five years is the aging replacement period. If it exceeds five years, the tires should be replaced even if the tread wear has not reached the limit. Determining tire replacement based on wear level: If considering mileage for tire replacement, it can serve as a reference, but the primary factor is the wear level. Due to factors such as the vehicle's weight, daily light loads, full loads, and tire quality, the degree of tire wear can vary significantly even under the same mileage. If the mileage is hard to remember, a specialized tread depth gauge can be used to measure the wear level.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I've seen many tire issues; your situation of 4 years and 30,000 kilometers doesn't sound severe—the mileage is low, but tires tend to age over time. First, I recommend checking the tread depth. A simple method is to insert a coin into the groove—if the exposed part reveals the copper surface, it means the tread is below the safe limit of 1.6mm and should be replaced. Also, inspect the tire sidewalls for small cracks or bulges, which are common signs of aging; if they feel hard or have fine cracks, it's a warning sign. Additionally, check the tire's manufacturing date via the DOT code—tires older than 5 years pose higher risks. Frequent parking under direct sunlight or in areas with large temperature fluctuations accelerates aging. Safety-wise, aged tires are prone to slipping in wet conditions and have a higher risk of blowouts. It's best to perform a monthly self-check on tire pressure and appearance, ensuring they meet the recommended values. With low mileage, they might last another six months, but don't delay for safety's sake. In summary, wear isn't heavy, but time is the critical factor—get them checked early to avoid accidents.
