How Many Years Should Tires Be Used Before Replacement?
2 Answers
Usage time should not exceed 5 years; mileage under comprehensive road conditions should not exceed 60,000 kilometers. Below is relevant information about tires: 1. Tire Introduction: Automotive tires are one of the important components of a vehicle. They directly contact the road surface and work together with the vehicle suspension to mitigate impacts during driving, ensuring good ride comfort and smooth driving. They also ensure good adhesion between the wheels and the road surface, improve traction, braking, and off-road capability, and bear the weight of the vehicle. The important role tires play in vehicles is increasingly recognized. 2. Factors Affecting Tire Lifespan: Tire pressure is critical to tire life. Both excessive and insufficient pressure can shorten its lifespan. Insufficient pressure increases tire body deformation, leading to cracks on the tire side and causing flexing movements that generate excessive heat, accelerating rubber aging, fatigue of the cord fabric layer, and cord breakage. Insufficient pressure also increases the tire's contact area with the road, accelerating shoulder wear. Excessive pressure causes the tire cords to undergo excessive stretching and deformation, reducing the tire body's elasticity and increasing the load on the vehicle during driving. In case of impact, internal cracks and blowouts may occur. Additionally, excessive pressure accelerates tread wear and reduces puncture resistance.
As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I believe the timing for tire replacement is crucial. Generally, tires should be considered for replacement after 5 to 6 years of use, as aged rubber is prone to cracking and deformation, increasing the risk of blowouts on highways. I've personally experienced this—my car was parked outdoors exposed to wind and sun, and the rubber hardened in just over 3 years, with fine cracks appearing during tread inspection. Besides age, mileage is also a factor. For someone like me who drives less in the city, I check tread depth every 30,000 km or so. If it's below 1.6mm, it's time to replace them immediately. Don’t forget the impact of climate—southern regions with heavy rainfall see reduced tire grip on wet roads, making older tires more likely to skid. I recommend getting into the habit of regularly glancing at the tire treads; developing good habits is far more cost-effective and hassle-free than dealing with repairs later. Safety should always come first.
