How Often or After How Many Kilometers Should Tires Be Replaced?
4 Answers
Tires need to be replaced every four years, and it is recommended to replace them approximately every 80,000 kilometers. Precautions for tire replacement: The purchased tire specifications must first be consistent with the original tires equipped on the vehicle. The same axle should be equipped with tires of the same specifications, structure, manufacturer, and tread pattern. Tire replacement should comply with the manufacturer's recommendations: During replacement, the tire specifications must meet the vehicle manufacturer's requirements and recommendations. This means the load index of the replacement tire must be greater than or equal to that of the original tire, and the speed rating of the replacement tire must be greater than or equal to that of the original tire.
Tire replacement timing shouldn't be rigidly determined by mileage alone. With twenty years of driving experience, I primarily assess based on wear. Every tire has triangular wear indicators - when the groove depth reaches below 1.6mm, replacement is mandatory. Before my last long-distance trip, I noticed the front tires' inner edges were completely worn. A professional technician diagnosed it as misaligned wheel positioning. In rainy southern regions like ours, tires with poor drainage performance are especially prone to hydroplaning. For frequent highway drivers, I recommend inspections at 50,000 km, while city drivers might stretch to 60,000 km. However, note that tires older than five years will harden and crack regardless of tread depth. Once I discovered my sidewalls covered in craze cracks - the mechanic insisted on immediate replacement, warning they could blow out any moment.
I last changed my tires after running about 60,000 kilometers, but it mainly depends on the actual condition. Driving habits have a significant impact - people who frequently brake hard or make sharp turns will experience much faster tire wear. Every month, I make it a habit to check the tread depth using a coin. I insert a 1-yuan coin vertically into the tread grooves - if the entire national emblem pattern is visible, it's time to replace them. The tire production date is also important to check. There's a four-digit code on the sidewall, like 2321, which means the tire was produced in the 23rd week of 2021. Tires older than five years require special attention. During my last maintenance, the technician found a small bulge on the tire sidewall and said such damage requires immediate replacement, otherwise it's extremely dangerous at high speeds.
As someone who deals with tires every day, here are three key points to share: First, check the tread depth—the simplest method is to insert a one-yuan coin with the national emblem facing down into the groove; if the top of the emblem is visible, it's time to replace. Second, look for aging cracks, especially around the tire shoulders. Third, consider the number of patches—tires patched three times should be replaced even if they look new. City commuters might replace tires at 70,000-80,000 kilometers, while those frequently driving on mountain roads may wear them out by 50,000 kilometers. Some customers' tires show extensive cracking after four years with little use, requiring replacement as rubber hardens over time.
