How Many Years Can Car Tires Be Used?
2 Answers
Under normal circumstances, the service life of tires can be determined by two standards: the usage time should not exceed 5 years; the mileage under comprehensive road conditions should not exceed 60,000 kilometers. This standard refers to general family cars. If you frequently drive on unpaved roads such as construction sites, you should replace the tires earlier. More detailed information is as follows: 1. If the tire is severely worn, the tread thickness is close to the wear mark, or if there are bulges, tread deformations that cannot be repaired, the tire should be replaced as soon as possible. 2. Tires with cracks must be replaced immediately. If the crack length is less than 6 millimeters and does not damage the internal cord material, it can be repaired in the shop and does not need immediate replacement. However, if the damage is too large or the sidewall is already damaged, a new tire should be replaced as soon as possible. If you feel it's a pity to discard the replaced tire, it can be repaired and used temporarily as a spare tire. 3. If the front tire is repaired, it must be swapped with the 'virgin' rear tire. Because once the front tire is in danger, the consequences are much more serious than a rear tire blowout. If the rear tire is damaged but not severely, it can be repaired directly.
As a veteran driver with 20 years of experience, let me share some insights on tire lifespan. Generally, tires last about 5 to 6 years, but don't just focus on the age—actual condition is key. Try to park away from direct sunlight and chemicals when possible. Walk around your car every week before driving to check for bulges or cracks. Last time I replaced my tires was when I noticed the tread grooves were nearly worn flat, and the grip had significantly deteriorated—I almost skidded during rainy-day braking. If you frequently drive long distances or in mountainous areas, the rubber degrades faster, possibly requiring replacement in 4 years. Never cheap out when replacing tires; choose ones with recent production dates and remember to replace the valve stems along with them.
