How Many Kilometers Should Family Car Tires Be Replaced?
2 Answers
For family cars, tires should be replaced approximately every 80,000 kilometers based on mileage, or every 5-6 years based on time. Methods to determine if tires need replacement: Tread wear close to the wear indicator. Any brand of tire will have a wear indicator set at the bottom of the tread grooves. Generally, the height of the wear indicator for passenger car tires is 1.6 millimeters (this height is also the legally mandated minimum groove depth for tires), while the wear indicator height for load-bearing tires is 2.4 millimeters. Factors affecting tire lifespan: Tire manufacturing date. The shorter the time since manufacturing, the stronger the rubber's wear resistance. Generally, tires wear faster after 3 years. Vehicle alignment parameters. Tires with good four-wheel alignment wear evenly, thus increasing their lifespan. Tire brand. Different brands of tires wear at different rates.
As a parent who drives with children, I pay special attention to tire safety. The standard mileage for replacing family car tires is not fixed, typically ranging between 50,000 to 80,000 kilometers, but this depends on the usage environment. For example, living in the city with frequent stop-and-go traffic, my tires wear out faster and need replacement before 60,000 kilometers; if you drive more on highways, you might stretch it to 70,000. Never rely solely on mileage—tire aging is more critical. Even if you've only driven 40,000 kilometers, replace tires older than 5 years, as the rubber becomes brittle. Check tire pressure monthly to ensure it's normal, and if the tread depth is below 1.6 millimeters, act promptly. Otherwise, braking distance increases, and an accident isn’t worth the risk. Safety first—getting a professional check at a repair shop is always a good idea.
