How Often Should New Car Tires Be Replaced?
3 Answers
New car tires generally need to be replaced every 4 to 5 years or after driving 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers. Once this time frame or mileage is reached, the rubber in the tires begins to age, increasing the risk of damage or blowouts if they continue to be used. Factors that can shorten tire lifespan include: 1. Overinflation or underinflation—both can damage tires and affect vehicle performance; 2. Frequent acceleration and hard braking while driving, which accelerates tire wear—thus, it's advisable to slow down in complex road conditions; 3. Prolonged overloading or uneven loading of the vehicle, which places extra stress on the tires and speeds up tread wear.
My experience with changing tires started with my own car. New cars generally need tire replacement after 4 to 6 years, but this isn't fixed—it depends on your driving habits and road conditions. For example, since I commute daily in the city, my tires wear out slowly, but if you frequently drive on highways or rough rural roads, you might need to replace them in as little as 3 years. Tires have small raised wear indicators; if the tread depth falls below 1.6mm, it's time to change them, otherwise, they can be dangerously slippery in the rain. I recommend checking them every 10,000 kilometers or every six months—listen for unusual tire noise, and look for bulges or cracks. Also, tires age quickly; if left outdoors under prolonged sun exposure, the rubber can become brittle. Safety comes first—don’t wait for a blowout to act. Developing this habit can save you a lot of hassle.
When I first got my new car, I didn’t pay attention to the tires for the first two years, and by the third year during a long trip, I noticed severe bumpiness. Generally, new car tires last about five years, but it depends on whether you frequently brake hard or carry heavy loads. I have a friend who often hauls cargo, and his tires need replacing every two years. A simple trick is to insert a 1-yuan coin into the tread—if the entire edge of the coin is visible, the tread depth is insufficient, and it’s time for a change. Don’t forget about tire pressure; too high or too low will accelerate wear. I usually ask the mechanic to check it during routine visits—easy and hassle-free. Regular maintenance is much cheaper than emergency tire replacements, and I’ve been using this approach ever since.
