How Long Can You Drive with Worn Tire Treads?
2 Answers
Tires should not be driven when they are worn flat. Worn tire treads can lead to reduced grip and increased risk of skidding. At this point, the tires must be replaced as they no longer provide safe driving conditions. According to national standards, the wear limit for tread depth on passenger car radial tires is 1.6mm. When the tire tread wears down to this level, both the tire's water drainage capability and grip are significantly reduced. Additional information: 1. Hazards of worn tires: As the tread becomes shallower, water drainage is hindered, friction decreases, and the risk of skidding or rollover during normal driving or braking increases, potentially causing loss of vehicle control; braking distance lengthens; tires become more susceptible to punctures and blowouts. 2. Tire lifespan: The recommended lifespan for tires is 5 years or 80,000 kilometers. If either the time or mileage limit is reached, it is advisable to replace the tires. Tires older than this recommended lifespan begin to degrade and may deform or blow out if continued to be used.
I've been driving for over a decade, and the last thing I want to see is completely worn-out tire treads. Once the tread is gone, the grip drastically decreases, braking distance doubles on wet roads, and skidding accidents can happen anytime. Once during rainy weather, my friend's tires were so bald that he directly hit the roadside guardrail while turning. He was lucky to be unharmed, but the car repairs cost several thousand, much more expensive than buying new tires. Generally speaking, you absolutely shouldn't drive for more than a day with completely worn treads—it's too risky. I recommend using a coin to check the depth—if you can see the entire side of Lincoln's head, it's time to replace the tires immediately. Pay attention to tire pressure during regular driving to prevent premature wear, which can save a lot of hassle. Safety first—never delay repairs to save trouble, as the cost could be huge.
