How many kilometers can you drive when the tire wears to the safety line?
4 Answers
Tires should not be driven when they wear to the safety line because at this point, the tire's drainage and grip are very poor, which may lead to loss of control or skidding during driving. It is necessary to replace the tire promptly. The safety line is usually located at the bottom of the tire grooves as a wear indicator. Its purpose is to remind the owner that if the tire tread wears down to this position, the tire must be replaced. The following are precautions for car tire maintenance: Pay attention to tire pressure: Tire pressure is crucial for tires. Both overinflation and underinflation can shorten the tire's lifespan. Underinflation increases tire deformation, leading to cracks on the sidewalls and excessive flexing, which generates heat and accelerates rubber aging, fatigue of the cord layers, and cord breakage. Regularly check front-wheel alignment: Front-wheel alignment significantly affects tire lifespan, with toe-in and camber being the primary factors. Excessive camber mainly accelerates shoulder wear, while incorrect toe-in (too small or too large) primarily accelerates wear on the inner or outer edges of the tire. Be mindful of driving habits: Choose smooth roads while driving to avoid sharp objects like stones, glass, or metal that may puncture or damage the tires. Avoid chemical spills that could adhere to or corrode the tires. When driving on roads with significant curvature, try to stay centered to reduce uneven tire wear caused by increased load on one side.
Once the tire wears down to the safety indicator line, the tread depth is only about 1.6mm left—just like a shoe sole almost worn through. On wet or slippery roads, the grip is nearly zero, braking distance increases significantly, and the risk of a blowout skyrockets. I strongly recommend stopping immediately and not driving any further, as this is a matter of life and death. The remaining drivable distance entirely depends on driving habits and road conditions—smooth driving on good roads might last 50-100 kilometers, but one sharp turn or sudden brake could lead to disaster. I once witnessed a friend taking the risk, only to lose control and crash into a tree after just 30 kilometers, with repair costs far exceeding the price of new tires. For safety's sake, replace them without delay. Develop a habit of regular self-checks: use a coin to measure tread depth every two weeks and ensure proper tire pressure to detect issues early.
From a cost-saving perspective, driving on tires worn down to the safety line might seem like saving small money, but if a blowout leads to towing, repairs, or medical bills, the losses could be huge. I've done the math: you might get away with driving a few dozen kilometers, but on rough roads or highways, you might not even make it one kilometer. My advice is to stop driving immediately and get new tires. Opt for a reputable, durable brand—they last longer, offering peace of mind and safety. As a side note, regular tire rotation and avoiding overloading can also reduce wear. Don’t sacrifice bigger losses for minor savings now.
Veteran drivers, let's share some experience. When I was young, I often thought that tires could still run a few hundred kilometers even after reaching the wear indicator. Once I risked it and drove on them, but the tire blew out after only 40 kilometers, nearly sending me off the road. Since then, I've made it a rule: the moment I feel the wear indicator, I change the tire immediately without a second's delay. Tires are the feet of the car; when they're worn out, the car can't stand steady. Now I also teach my friends: use your thumb to measure the tread depth, and if it's below the standard, change it. The wear indicator is a lifeline; ignoring it is like gambling with your life. Usually, drive with less sudden braking to extend the tire's lifespan smoothly.
