How many kilometers should car tires be driven before needing replacement?
2 Answers
Car tires generally need to be replaced after driving approximately 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers. The following are situations where tires need to be replaced in advance: Tire punctures or cracks: Once a tire is punctured, it damages the internal wire structure, significantly increasing the risk of a tire blowout, requiring immediate tire replacement. Tire sidewall bulges: This indicates that the internal wire mesh on the tire sidewall has completely broken, severely compromising the safety of the vehicle. Irregular tire usage: For vehicles that have just been on the racetrack or frequently undergo rapid acceleration and braking, causing abnormal localized tire wear, it is advisable to replace the tires for safety reasons. Tire underinflation: Prolonged driving with underinflated tires can lead to severe tread indentations due to continuous compression.
I usually drive to and from work, and tire replacement is quite important. Generally, tires should be checked after running 50,000 to 70,000 kilometers, but relying solely on mileage isn't accurate enough. I make it a habit to measure the tread depth with a coin every six months—if it's below 1.6 mm, it's time to replace them, otherwise, they can easily skid in the rain. Once, I delayed replacement until 80,000 kilometers, and the tire blew out on the highway, costing me thousands in repairs and causing a lot of inconvenience. Now, I regularly get a wheel alignment to avoid uneven wear. If you drive mostly in the city, the tires wear out faster and may need replacement at 50,000 kilometers; for mostly highway driving, they might last up to 70,000. In short, don't skimp on safety to save money—have a technician check them during annual maintenance for peace of mind.
