How deep a cut on the new tire tread requires replacement?
4 Answers
If the tread is damaged, holes penetrating the crown with a diameter not exceeding 6mm can be normally repaired and used. Below is relevant information: 1. 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 instance requires replacement. If you frequently drive on poor road conditions causing severe tire wear, early replacement is necessary. 2. This means that if no issues occur with the tire (such as excessive patches, sidewall punctures, etc.), replacement is required when the tire has been in service for four years even if the mileage hasn't reached 80,000km. Similarly, if the mileage reaches 80,000km before four years, replacement is also recommended.
I just got new tires not long ago, but I noticed a scratch on the tread and I'm quite worried. Generally speaking, if the depth of a tread scratch exceeds 3 to 4 millimeters, or if you can see the fine mesh-like material inside—that's the internal structure of the tire—then it must be replaced as soon as possible. Small scratches may seem harmless, but when driving on highways or in rainy conditions, uneven tire pressure can easily lead to a blowout, which is a huge risk. I suggest using a coin to test it first: if the bottom of the coin gets stuck in the scratch, then the depth exceeds the limit. Don’t just save those few hundred bucks—getting new tires to ensure safety is what really matters. Every time I wash my car, I check the condition of the tires—early detection and early action can prevent regrets when something goes wrong. If you’re really unsure, go to a professional repair shop for an inspection—they have the right tools to make an accurate judgment. Also, try to avoid puddles or gravel roads during daily driving to reduce the chance of scratches.
If a newly bought tire gets a deep enough scratch on the tread, it really needs to be replaced. Having worked on many cars before, my experience tells me that if the scratch exceeds the thickness of a fingernail—about 4 millimeters—it's a red flag. Once the outer rubber protective layer is breached, the inner cord fabric is exposed, allowing water and dust to seep in and corrode the interior, significantly weakening the tire's strength. Checking is simple: feel the edges of the scratch with your fingers—if they feel sharp or raised, it's deep; or look for discoloration or blackening of the scratch, which indicates internal damage. Don't gamble with safety—deep scratches can lead to skidding or even blowouts at high speeds. I make it a habit to pop the hood and inspect the tires regularly; good habits can extend your car's lifespan. Replacing a tire isn't cheap, but it's far less costly than an accident.
New car's tire got scratched? If the front tread groove depth exceeds 5mm, I'd definitely replace it. When tire rubber wears to this extent, its pressure resistance deteriorates, creating multiple driving hazards. In my driving experience, I always prioritize safety with such issues: deep tread cuts make tires prone to deformation over potholes, leading to air leaks. Better address it promptly - spend some money for peace of mind. Don't wait until it becomes a major problem requiring costly repairs. Recommend regularly measuring groove depth with tools to ensure it stays within safe limits.
