Do tires need to be replaced at 60,000 kilometers?
3 Answers
60,000 kilometers is the time to replace tires. The typical service life of tires is 4 to 6 years or 60,000 to 100,000 kilometers. Tires with tread depth below 1.6mm should be replaced immediately. Continued use may lead to risks such as tire blowouts or reduced grip causing skidding. Precautions for tire usage: 1. Avoid curbs to prevent tire compression: Tires can endure significant pressure, which may lead to ruptures, especially in summer when tires are less stable and more prone to bursting; 2. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight: Most commonly used tires contain a high proportion of rubber, which can age and soften under high temperatures. In summer, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight as it may also cause tires to expand and crack, reducing their lifespan; 3. Avoid turning the steering wheel while stationary: Doing so concentrates tire wear on the same contact patch, leading to localized severe wear and shortened service life.
I've been driving for many years, and regarding whether to change tires at 60,000 kilometers, I don't think mileage alone should be the deciding factor. Tire lifespan is heavily influenced by driving habits and road conditions. My last set of tires was worn out after just 50,000 kilometers because I frequently drove on mountain roads. Now, I check the tire treads every month by inserting a coin into the grooves—if the top of the national emblem is visible, the tread is too shallow. Additionally, if there are cracks or bulges on the tire sidewalls, forget about 60,000 kilometers; even if they're brand new, they need to be addressed. In fact, for tires older than three years, even with deep treads, you should carefully check for rubber aging. In my opinion, safety comes first. If you're unsure, take them to a shop and have a mechanic measure the tread depth with a tread gauge.
Whether tires need replacement depends on actual wear. I've seen tires in good condition after 80,000 kilometers, and others worn out at just 40,000. The most crucial factor is tread depth – replace if it's below 1.6mm. Here's a handy trick: insert a one-yuan coin into the tread; if the chrysanthemum pattern is fully visible, it's time to change. Modern tires have triangular markers on the sidewall – align them to see the wear limit indicator. Also, always check the tire's production date. Even with deep treads, tires older than 5 years should be used cautiously. Urban commuting and highway driving cause significantly different wear patterns. As a frequent long-distance driver, I check my tires monthly and get a wheel alignment if uneven wear is detected.
