How many kilometers should car tires generally run before replacement?
2 Answers
Car tire replacement mileage needs to be determined based on actual conditions. Generally, they should be replaced every 40,000 to 50,000 kilometers. Every 10,000 kilometers, a four-wheel rotation should be performed to prevent uneven wear on one side of the tires. If the tires truly need replacement, it is essential to replace them promptly to enhance driving safety. When rotating car tires, for front-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive vehicles, the common method is diagonal rotation: the right front tire is swapped with the left rear tire, and the left front tire is swapped with the right rear tire. This method significantly helps prevent severe wear on one side of the car tires.
Tire replacement isn't just about mileage! Last time I changed tires, the mechanic taught me three key indicators: The most obvious is tread depth - insert a 1-yuan coin into the groove, if you can see the edge of the coin, it's time to replace. Then look for the small triangle marker on the tire sidewall - if worn to that point, replacement is mandatory. Finally consider usage time - even with low mileage, tire rubber ages and cracks after about five years. Like me commuting daily on highways, at 50,000 km I noticed increased road noise, and inspection revealed fine cracks in the drainage grooves. The mechanic said such wear makes wet road driving particularly dangerous, so I replaced them immediately. City commuter tires might last 70-80,000 km, but those frequently driven on rough roads need inspection at 40,000 km. Never wait until a blowout to regret it!
