How Long Should Car Tires Be Used Before Replacement?
3 Answers
In the following four situations, car tires need to be replaced: 1. Service life: Some tires have a service life of 3 years, while others have a service life of 5 years from the date of production. Exceeding the service life requires replacement. 2. Wear indicators: If the tire wear reaches the position of the wear indicator, it is necessary to replace the new tire as soon as possible to ensure driving safety. 3. Actual mileage: Generally, the normal mileage is about 40,000-60,000 kilometers. Exceeding this mileage will greatly increase the risk of driving. In urban paved road conditions, due to the good driving environment, the upper limit of tire mileage can be appropriately referred to. However, in suburban unpaved roads, mountainous areas, and other harsh road conditions, the lower limit of tire mileage should be used as the standard for tire replacement. 4. Aging condition: How often car tires should be replaced also depends on whether there are any damages on the tread, shoulder, or sidewall. Once the tire shows signs of deformation or bulging, it indicates that the internal metal coils of the tire have been deformed or broken, and continuing to drive may lead to a high risk of tire blowout.
I remember when I first started driving, I thought tires could last for many years, but in reality, it's not just about time. After driving about 60,000 kilometers, I noticed the handling became worse and the braking distance increased. Upon checking, the tread depth was only 2 millimeters left, so I decisively replaced them. Rubber aging is also important; even if the tires haven't been used for over five years, they should be checked. I make it a habit to check the tire pressure every three months and use a coin to test the tread depth. If the pattern is no longer visible, it's time to plan for a replacement. Additionally, driving habits have a significant impact. Frequent high-speed driving leads to faster wear, requiring replacement every two to three years, while city driving at slower speeds can extend their lifespan. During inspections, don't overlook sidewall bulges or cuts, especially after rain, as they can make wet roads unsafe. Safety comes first—don't skimp on this expense. Replace tires promptly to ensure stable driving.
Don't take tire safety lightly when traveling with kids. I don't care how long you've been driving, only the actual condition matters. I insist on checking tire pressure and tread monthly, using a tread depth gauge or visual inspection - replace if depth falls below 1.6mm. Old tires (5+ years) become significantly riskier, especially dangerous in winter/snow when they lose traction. Recommend evaluation every 30-40k km or 3 years; if uneven wear appears, get wheel alignment service. Timely replacement prevents sudden blowouts - crucial for highway safety. Drive carefully by avoiding overloads and hard braking to extend tire lifespan - it's both safer and more economical.
