How many kilometers should tires generally be replaced?

[CamillaFitz]

Under normal circumstances, tires need to be replaced every four years or approximately every 80,000 kilometers. Tires are a crucial component of a vehicle, directly impacting driving stability and safety. How often tires should be replaced depends on specific conditions: If the vehicle is primarily driven on smooth urban roads with minimal usage and no tire damage, replacement can be done at around 80,000 kilometers or six years. For vehicles frequently driven on highways or rough terrain, tires should be replaced more often, typically every 30,000 to 50,000 kilometers or every four years. If significant tire wear, cracks, or bulges are observed, immediate replacement is necessary. The criteria for tire replacement mainly include the following: Time and mileage: This is the basis for most car owners to replace tires. For a typical private car driven mostly on smooth urban roads with occasional highway trips, the tire lifespan is relatively longer, and replacement can be done at around 80,000 kilometers or six years. Since tires are primarily made of rubber, prolonged exposure to air causes aging. Generally, after five years, tires begin to age, manifesting as hardened surfaces and cracks. Any external impact can cause these cracks to expand, leading to air leaks and potential blowouts. Therefore, even with minimal usage, tires should be replaced on time. Tire wear and abnormalities: If the remaining tread groove depth reaches or falls below 1.6 mm (indicated by wear markers in the longitudinal grooves), the tire must be replaced as its wet traction is significantly reduced, increasing the risk of hydroplaning. Regularly check tire pressure, as it is critical for tire performance. Tire pressure should neither be too high nor too low. Excessive pressure reduces tire grip, negatively affecting vehicle handling. Insufficient pressure can cause wave-like deformation, increasing the risk of blowouts. Always check tire pressure when the tires are cold for accurate readings. When purchasing new tires, always check the production date, as tires have a shelf life. Normally, unused tires have a three-year shelf life. Avoid buying tires older than three years, as prolonged storage can lead to aging.

[DelGeorge]

I've been driving for over a decade and changed seven sets of tires. The most reliable advice is to check the tread wear indicators. Every tire has small raised bars in the grooves—when they become flush with the tread, it's time to replace them. Last time, I noticed fine cracks on the sidewall and immediately replaced the tires even though they had only run 50,000 kilometers. It's best to use a coin to measure tread depth monthly—if you can see the entire head of the coin, it means about 60% of the tread is worn and you should prepare for replacement. Those who frequently drive on highways need to inspect their tires more often, as a blowout is no joke. Remember to replace all four tires at the same time; don't just change the front ones to save money, as this can cause the rear to skid during rainy turns.

[WalkerAnn]

Tire lifespan depends on driving habits and road conditions. I drive on suburban mountain roads daily, and the tread is typically half-worn by 50,000 km. With gentle city driving, they can last up to 70,000 km. But never judge by mileage alone! My neighbor's car sat outdoors for three years with only 30,000 km, yet the sidewalls were completely cracked. Always have mechanics check tire pressure during maintenance - underinflation increases wear by 30%. Don't cheap out on no-name brands when replacing tires; my advice is to choose ones with 3C certification. A useful tip: rotate front and rear tires seasonally - this evens out wear and can extend usage by six months.

[VonLeo]

Tires don't necessarily need to be replaced at fixed mileage intervals. The replacement cycles for my two cars are completely different: the commuter Accord got new tires at 60,000 km, while the off-road vehicle used for road trips needed replacement at just 40,000 km. Here's a trick: turn the steering wheel to full lock, reach in and feel the inner edge of the tire - if you detect exposed steel wires, replace them immediately. For vehicles frequently driven on gravel roads, beware of small stones embedded in the tread - these hidden hazards accelerate wear. In summer, avoid overinflating tires as high temperatures accelerate aging. Never hesitate when you spot tire bulges - they can blow out at any moment. Some cars come with TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) - never ignore its warnings.