
Tires have a service life of 5-6 years or need replacement after traveling 50,000-80,000 kilometers. You can observe the wear degree of the tread pattern on the tire surface. When the tread wear is below 1.6mm or aligned with the wear limit indicator, immediate replacement is required. If the tire is damaged, it's recommended to replace it immediately. Tires are the 'feet' of a car - safety comes first. Additional information: Importance of tires: Automotive tires are crucial components that directly contact the road surface, working with the suspension system to absorb shocks during driving, ensuring good ride comfort and smooth operation. Reminder: Tires have an expiration period. Once past their 'shelf life', even if they appear normal externally, the internal structure may have completely deteriorated. Continuing to use worn tires risks air leakage or even blowouts, which becomes particularly dangerous when driving at high speeds.

Tire replacement depends on the specific situation. When I drove a taxi and covered over 200 kilometers daily, I noticed severe tread wear even after just two years. The rule of thumb is to consider replacing tires after reaching 80,000 kilometers or around five years, especially if you frequently drive on highways—safety first. However, the key is to check the actual wear indicators. Each tire has small raised markers in the tread grooves; if they're worn flat, replacement is urgent. A handy trick is to insert a coin into the tread—if the top of the national emblem is visible, the tread is too thin. Also, remember to regularly inspect tires for bulges and cracks, as insufficient grip in rainy conditions can lead to skidding.

I'm particularly concerned about tire safety when my child sits in the back seat. Generally, it's recommended to replace tires every four to six years or 60,000 kilometers, but the actual timing depends on usage. Our family's grocery-getter car is driven infrequently, and we only replaced the tires last year in its seventh year because we noticed tiny cracks all over the sidewalls. As rubber naturally ages, its flexibility deteriorates, making it prone to cracking in winter and potentially bursting in summer. Tire pressure should also be checked regularly, with monthly measurements to ensure it stays within the standard range. By the way, many people overlook the spare tire—even if it hasn't been used, a spare tire older than five years should be replaced regardless of wear.

My experience with modified cars has taught me that tire performance is more important than lifespan. Typically, after 50,000 kilometers, the tread hardens, affecting braking distance, especially in rainy conditions. Personally, I noticed insufficient cornering grip after just over 30,000 kilometers on my own car. Paying attention to the tire's production date is also crucial—the four-digit code on the sidewall, such as 1823, indicates the 18th week of 2023. Tires older than five years are prone to aging. In regions with extreme weather, replacement should be even earlier—whether it's the icy conditions of Northeast China or the intense UV exposure in Hainan, both accelerate rubber degradation.


