How many kilometers can you drive when the tire wears to the safety line?
2 Answers
Tires worn to the safety line are not recommended for continued driving, and they should be replaced promptly. The lifespan of a tire is influenced by many factors, including vehicle type, load capacity, driving habits, and road conditions. Therefore, tires are equipped with wear indicators to assess their remaining life, which is a cost-effective and appropriate method for determining tire longevity. Continuing to drive on tires worn to the safety line can lead to blowouts due to insufficient tread depth (or no tread), as well as the inability of the thinned sidewalls to withstand the high pressure and heat generated during driving. The safety line on a tire serves as a maximum wear warning. If the remaining groove depth of the tire tread reaches or falls below 1.6 millimeters (indicated by markers in the longitudinal grooves of the tire tread), the tire must be replaced because its water drainage capability is significantly reduced, making driving on wet surfaces particularly hazardous. Precautions for using car tires: Monitor tire pressure, as both overinflation and underinflation can shorten tire lifespan. Underinflation increases tire deformation, leading to cracks in the sidewalls and excessive flexing, which generates heat, accelerates rubber aging, and causes fatigue or breakage of the cord layers. Regularly check wheel alignment, as it significantly impacts tire lifespan, particularly toe-in and camber angles. Excessive camber accelerates shoulder wear (uneven wear), while incorrect toe-in mainly accelerates wear on the inner or outer edges of the tire. Adopt careful driving practices: choose smooth road surfaces, avoid sharp objects like stones, glass, or metal that could puncture or cut the tires, and steer clear of chemical spills that may adhere to and corrode the tires. When driving on roads with significant curvature, try to stay centered to reduce uneven tire wear caused by excessive load on one side.
How many kilometers can you drive after the tire wears to the safety line? That's a great question, and I have to remind you to be very careful from a safety perspective. The safety line indicates that only 1.6 mm of tread depth remains, at which point grip and braking performance drop sharply. Driving in this condition is extremely dangerous, as a blowout could occur at any time, leading to an accident. I strongly advise against taking the risk and recommend replacing the tires immediately. A friend once tried driving a few dozen kilometers to buy groceries, only to have the tire burst halfway. The repair costs ended up being higher than buying new tires, not to mention the safety hazard. The remaining mileage varies by driver—you might get away with 100+ kilometers of gentle city driving, but the risk is too high on highways or in rainy conditions. For the safety of you and your family, I’d urge you to stop using the tires as soon as you notice the wear and head straight to a repair shop for replacements. Remember, regular tire inspections can help avoid this risk altogether.
