How many kilometers do winter tires need to be replaced?
4 Answers
Winter tires need to be replaced after driving 50,000 to 60,000 kilometers, and the specific situation should be judged according to the degree of tire damage. The tread material of winter tires is softer, and the silica-mixed rubber compound can contact the smooth ice surface more closely, generating greater friction than all-season tires, improving the vehicle's handling and safety on smooth ice surfaces. Winter tires are specifically designed for winter conditions, such as snowy and icy climates and areas with lower temperatures. Their tread patterns usually use cross-Z-shaped siping technology, which can improve braking performance on snow and ice, shorten braking distances, and provide ideal traction.
Regarding the mileage for replacing winter tires, I drove a taxi for six years, covering 70-80 kilometers daily on icy and snowy roads. There's actually no fixed mileage for replacing winter tires; the key is to check the tread depth. We drivers often use the coin test method: insert a 1-yuan coin into the tread, and if you can see the peony pattern on the edge of the coin, it means the tread depth is less than 4mm and it's time to replace them. From my experience, under normal use, after three to four winters or roughly 30,000 kilometers, you should start checking. Don't forget that tires also have a shelf life; even if they haven't been used much, tires older than six years from the production date should be replaced as the rubber hardens and cracks. Veteran drivers in Northeast China all know that worn-out winter tires can't stop the car effectively. Last year, I saw a rear-end collision caused by shallow treads.
When I lived in Toronto, I noticed that locals place great importance on the condition of winter tires. The general recommendation here is to inspect and replace them every 50,000 kilometers, but it really depends on usage intensity. My neighbor's pickup truck runs about 5,000 kilometers on snowy roads each year, so he basically replaces them every three years. There's a triangular mark on the tire sidewall pointing to the wear indicator block—when the tread wears down to this point, immediate replacement is necessary. What many people overlook is the storage method. If the tires are stacked and pressed during summer storage, they can deform by the next year, affecting traction. Our fleet has a habit of using a professional tread depth gauge before each winter to ensure every tire has a depth of over 6 millimeters. Some new tires come with only 4 millimeters of tread depth from the factory, so it's important to check the specifications when purchasing.
As a vehicle inspector, I've handled thousands of sets of tires. When it comes to replacing winter tires, mileage isn't the only factor to consider. There are three main aspects to evaluate: first, tread depth - replace immediately if it's below 3mm; second, age - rubber becomes brittle after five years; third, damage - sidewall bulges or cuts require immediate replacement. The general standard is to inspect after about 40,000 kilometers, but actual wear varies significantly. For those driving on steep mountain roads, tires might wear out by 30,000 kilometers. I recommend self-checking every 5,000 kilometers: insert a toothpick into the main groove - if the depth is less than half the toothpick's length, it's time to change tires. Winter driving safety primarily depends on tire traction, so don't skimp on this.
