How often should family car tires be replaced?
2 Answers
Family car tires are generally replaced every 5 years or 60,000 kilometers. Regarding tire lifespan, tire manufacturers do not provide a definitive statement, but it is commonly recommended to use tires for three to five years or a mileage of 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers, after which the tires should be inspected and replaced based on their mileage or wear condition. The service life of car tires is closely related to the vehicle's operating environment and driving habits. Owners should pay attention to the tire wear indicators. When the tire wear reaches 1.6 millimeters, it is necessary to replace the tires promptly to avoid abnormalities during use that could affect driving safety. When tires need replacement, the following conditions should be considered: Tire sidewalls have wear limit indicators. When the tire reaches this wear limit, it should be replaced immediately. If the tire is damaged, showing cracks, bulges on the tread, or uneven wear, it also needs timely replacement. Additionally, if a tire has been repaired multiple times during its use, it should be replaced promptly. Since tires are made of rubber, they will experience varying degrees of aging over time. If tires have been in use for an extended period, they should be regularly inspected by professionals. Car tire maintenance methods: Regularly check tire pressure; remove debris from the tread grooves; inspect tire wear and replace tires as needed based on wear conditions; perform tire rotation—rotating tires ensures even wear across all four tires and prevents excessive wear.
Having driven for so many years, I know you can't be careless with tires. There's no strict rule for when to replace tires on regular family cars—it mainly depends on tread depth and aging. If the tread wears down to less than 1.6mm, you must replace them, otherwise they can easily skid in the rain. I've seen several accidents caused by this. Even if there's little wear, tires should be replaced every 6 years or so because the rubber naturally ages and hardens, making them prone to blowouts at high speeds—extremely dangerous. I recommend checking the tread every 5,000 km by inserting a coin. If the coin's edge completely covers the tread, it's time to replace them. Also, watch for sidewall cracks or bulges. Avoiding sudden braking can extend tire life. Safety first—don't wait for an accident to regret it. At least visually inspect them every six months.
