How Often Should Front and Rear Car Tires Be Replaced?
2 Answers
Car front and rear tire replacement cycles are as follows: 1. Replacement time depends on circumstances: With good driving habits, tires generally need replacement every 3-5 years or after 60,000-80,000 kilometers. In more severe road conditions, such as frequent driving on gravel roads or situations involving constant traffic jams, sudden braking, and sharp turns, the replacement interval will be shorter. 2. Tire aging time: The main material of tires is rubber, which undergoes natural aging. This primarily manifests as hardening of the tire and small cracks appearing on the sidewalls. Natural aging typically occurs within 4-5 years. Tires should be promptly replaced after 5 years of use to prevent the risk of blowouts.
I've been driving for over 20 years, and there's no one-size-fits-all standard for tire replacement—it really depends on how the front and rear tires are used. The front tires bear more force during turns and braking, wearing out faster, so you should check the tread every 30,000 to 40,000 kilometers under normal driving conditions and replace them if it's too shallow. The rear tires have it easier but are more prone to aging; cracks in the rubber from prolonged parking can be even more dangerous. I make it a habit to measure the tread depth with a coin every six months—if it's under 2 millimeters, I replace them immediately, not waiting until they slip in the rain to regret it. Regularly swapping the front and rear tires can even out the wear, extending their life to 60,000 kilometers without issue. But overall, no matter the wear, you should replace the whole set after five years at most—safety is more important than anything. Especially when driving with kids, tire condition is directly tied to life and death, so check them often and don't skimp on this small expense.
