How Many Years Should Tires Be Replaced?
2 Answers
Usually, brand-name tires can last for five years or 60,000 kilometers without issues, but it is generally recommended to rotate the front and rear tires after about 20,000 kilometers. Tire Replacement Criteria: From the perspective of tire age, tire rubber deteriorates over time. Often, after 3-4 years, the rubber may reach a critical point of degradation. Beyond this point, tires rapidly age and deteriorate, with a sharp decline in performance and a significant increase in the risk of blowouts. From the perspective of wear indicators: Every tire has wear indicators. This is currently the only authoritative standard for determining when tires need replacement. When the tire tread wears down to the wear indicator, it means the remaining tread depth is less than 1.6mm. At this point, the tire's water drainage performance no longer meets basic requirements, making driving in rainy conditions very dangerous. Even on dry roads, the excessively thin tread increases the risk of blowouts. The wear limit for tires is when the remaining tread depth reaches 1.6mm (when multiple tread grooves are present, the lowest value is taken).
The timing for replacing tires cannot be generalized. Having driven for over a decade, I've found that around five years is a common reference point, but this depends on usage frequency and wear conditions. For my daily city commuting, I typically inspect them every 40,000 to 50,000 kilometers. The key is checking the tread depth—insert a coin; if the tread wear indicators are no longer visible or the depth is below 1.6mm, braking in rainy conditions becomes hazardous. I also watch for cracks, bulges, or blisters on the tire surface, as these aging signs indicate potential internal damage. Tire pressure affects longevity too—I check it monthly, maintaining the manufacturer's recommended level, as underinflation accelerates wear. Environmental factors matter: in colder northern regions, tires age slower, while high temperatures in the south may speed up deterioration. Overall, I recommend a professional inspection every six months—safety first, don't wait for problems to arise before replacing them.
