How many kilometers should a car run before changing tires?
3 Answers
Car tire replacement time depends on various factors such as tire brand, quality, driving conditions, and driving style. Generally, tires should be replaced between 50,000 to 80,000 kilometers. However, the following five situations also require tire replacement during use: 1. Tires must be discontinued when worn to the wear limit indicator (i.e., tread pattern depth below 1.6 millimeters). 2. Tire aging (for example, if there are numerous small cracks at the bottom of the tread grooves or on the tire sidewalls, the tire should be replaced promptly, whether it's new or old). 3. Tires with deformed treads or damaged bead areas, tires damaged by running underinflated causing sidewall crushing, or tires corroded by chemicals should not continue to be used. 4. Bulging tires must not continue to be used. 5. Any other damage that affects tire safety should also prompt discontinuation of use.
I've been driving long distances for many years, and tire replacement shouldn't solely depend on mileage. Each tire has a different designed lifespan, generally most tires can last around 60,000 to 90,000 kilometers, but this is highly variable. Aggressive driving habits like frequent hard braking or driving on rough roads with many potholes will accelerate wear. During every maintenance check, I use a coin to measure tread depth - if the coin embeds and the tread edge disappears, it means there's less than 1.6mm left and replacement is due. Never compromise on safety - thin tires increase risks of hydroplaning or blowouts, especially dangerous when driving fast on rainy highways. My advice is regardless of mileage, inspect tires at least every six months, and replace immediately if you notice multiple cracks or abnormal noises.
I'm the type of cost-conscious car owner who prioritizes value for money when replacing tires. Mileage is just a reference point, and it's generally more economical to replace them between 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers. Worn-out tires accelerate tread wear and increase fuel consumption. In the long run, investing in a new set of tires can save money and enhance safety. Tire quality affects lifespan—premium brands might last up to 90,000 km, but rough roads or heavy loads may require earlier replacement. Once I delayed until 100,000 km, only to damage the suspension system, costing more in repairs. For regular city driving, the most practical approach is monitoring tread depth and scheduling regular inspections.
