How Often Should Passenger Car Tires Be Replaced Under Normal Circumstances?
2 Answers
Under normal circumstances, passenger car tires should be replaced every 5 years or after traveling 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers. Tires should also be replaced if: the tread depth is below the wear indicator (1.6mm), the tread has been punctured more than 4 times, the sidewall has been punctured or damaged, the tread puncture exceeds 4mm in diameter, or the shoulder has been punctured. Even after repairs, a tire should not be patched more than three times. There are various ways to classify tires, including by vehicle type, purpose, size, tread pattern, and construction. By vehicle type, tires can be roughly categorized into 8 types: PC (Passenger Car) tires, LT (Light Truck) tires, TB (Truck and Bus) tires, AG (Agricultural) tires, OTR (Off-The-Road) tires, ID (Industrial) tires, AC (Aircraft) tires, and MC (Motorcycle) tires.
For my personal car, I generally replace the tires every 5 to 6 years, or when the mileage reaches around 60,000 kilometers. I always pay close attention to tread wear and often use a one-yuan coin to check—if the tread depth is below the edge of the coin, it's time for a replacement, otherwise, driving in the rain can be dangerously slippery. I also make sure to monitor tire pressure, refilling it every three months to avoid abnormal wear and extend tire life. Of course, the actual timing for tire replacement varies by individual—for example, those who frequently drive on highways or mountain roads may need to replace tires more often. Regular tire rotation, swapping positions every 10,000 kilometers, also helps balance wear and saves money. In short, don’t delay too long, as prolonged aging hardens the rubber, significantly increasing the risk of a blowout.
