How many kilometers should tires generally be replaced?
2 Answers
Tires are generally replaced every 3 years or approximately 60,000 kilometers. The specific replacement time depends on the tread depth and the degree of rubber aging. Tires need to be replaced when the tread depth is less than 1.6 mm or when numerous fine cracks appear in the tire rubber. Tread wear approaching the wear indicator: Any brand of tire will have a wear indicator at the bottom of the tread grooves. The wear indicator height for passenger car tires is generally 1.6 mm (this is also the legally mandated minimum groove depth), while for load-bearing tires, the wear indicator height is 2.4 mm. Bulging or deformation: Bulging or deformation of a tire is a very dangerous situation. If such issues are found, it is best to take the tire to a professional repair shop for inspection and handling immediately. In most cases, replacement of the tire is recommended. These issues indicate that the internal metal coils of the tire have been deformed or broken, and continuing to drive with such tires poses a high risk of a blowout.
Tire replacement shouldn't solely depend on mileage; it's mainly about wear and aging. Normally, tires can last 60,000-80,000 km on city roads – my last set was changed at 70,000 km. For those driving on rough roads daily, replacement might be needed at 40,000-50,000 km. Here's a simple trick: insert a 1-yuan coin into the tread groove. If you can see the top of the national emblem, it means the wear exceeds 1.6 mm and it's time to change. Even with low mileage, tires over five years old harden and crack, especially for vehicles frequently exposed to sunlight. When replacing, it's advisable to change all four tires together, or at least a pair on the same axle to prevent alignment issues. Regular attention to tire pressure and avoiding curbs can significantly extend tire life.
