Do Worn Tires Need Replacement?
1 Answers
Tires need replacement when worn. The service life of car tires is four years or 80,000 kilometers, whichever comes first. If there are more than 5 damages, early replacement is required. If there is damage on the sidewall, even just one, the tire needs to be replaced immediately. Frequent driving on poor road conditions causing severe tire wear also necessitates early replacement. Below are some situations when tires should no longer be used: 1. Worn tires: Tires have tread wear indicators, which are slightly raised marks located at the bottom of the tread grooves with a height of 1.6 mm (the legal minimum groove depth). If the tread rubber wears down to the same height as these raised indicators, the tires should be replaced immediately. Using worn tires on wet roads can lead to "hydroplaning," increasing the risk of losing control of the vehicle. This is because excessively worn treads cannot effectively channel water away from under the tire, potentially causing loss of control. 2. Damaged tires: Hitting curbs, falling into potholes, or punctures from nails can severely damage tires. While some damaged tires may be repairable, only professional repair shops are qualified to accurately determine whether a tire can be repaired or must be replaced. Generally, sidewall damage cannot be repaired, and for safety reasons, the tire must be replaced. 3. Aged tires: If you notice tread deformation or significant cracking, stop using these tires immediately and have them inspected by a professional repair shop to determine if they can still be used. 4. Bulging tires: Tire bulges are a high-risk factor for blowouts, especially on highways, making them extremely dangerous. Tires with bulges should be replaced promptly.
