
Normal all-season tires that meet international production standards can generally run up to 113,000 kilometers under normal driving conditions and road surfaces. Even lower-quality tires can theoretically last around 100,000 kilometers. With good driving habits and high-quality tires, it's possible to extend their lifespan by tens of thousands of kilometers. Below is additional information: Tire shelf life: Although there are no specific national regulations on the shelf life of car tires, the rubber in tires typically has a shelf life of 3–5 years. Even if the tires have never been used, after this period, the rubber and cords will age, the steel wires will rust, and small cracks will appear on the tire surface, weakening the tire's strength. When purchasing tires, consumers should carefully check the production date marked on the tire, usually represented by a 4-digit code on the sidewall. For example, '2315' indicates the 23rd week of 2015, meaning the tire was produced in June 2015, helping to avoid buying retreaded tires. If there are differences in the rubber material between the tread and sidewall, it may indicate a retreaded tire. As rubber products, tires age over time even when unused, posing potential safety hazards. Tires with a production date older than 3 years should be purchased with caution, and those older than 5 years should be avoided. Ideally, choose tires produced within the last 3 years, preferably from the current or previous year, with the closer the production date, the better.

I've changed tires several times, and generally, new tires can last about 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers, depending on your driving habits and tire quality. For someone like me who drives in the city every day, tire wear is slower. If you frequently drive on highways or rough roads, wear will be faster. Big brands like Michelin and Goodyear are indeed more wear-resistant. The tire sidewall shows a treadwear index, and the higher the number, the more durable the tire. During each maintenance check, remember to look for bulges or cracks on the tires and feel the tread depth. If it's down to 1.6 mm, it's time to replace them immediately. In summer, don't inflate the tire pressure too high, and slow down when encountering potholes. These small habits can help your tires last a few thousand kilometers longer.

From a safety perspective, the lifespan of new tires is actually quite variable. It's common for regular passenger car tires to last between 50,000 to 70,000 kilometers, but mileage alone shouldn't be your only consideration. Rubber naturally degrades over time—even if the tread appears deep, tires older than 5 years lose elasticity and grip, becoming particularly slippery in wet conditions. I've seen tires with only 30,000 kilometers but 7 years of use, covered in fine cracks—they definitely needed replacement. It's advisable to check tire pressure every two months, maintaining the manufacturer's recommended levels, and to get a wheel alignment if you notice significant uneven wear.

Tire lifespan primarily depends on three key indicators: tire material, driving habits, and road conditions. Performance tires with softer compounds might wear out by 30,000 km, while durable models like the one I use can last over 80,000 km. Front tires on front-wheel-drive vehicles wear twice as fast as rear tires, so remember to rotate them every 20,000 km. Vehicles with heavy loads or frequent full capacity wear tires faster, and mountainous terrain with many slopes can also lead to premature tire retirement. Here's a handy tip: insert a 1-yuan coin into the tread grooves - if you can see the entire anti-counterfeiting text circle, it's time to replace the tires.


