How often should tires generally be replaced?
2 Answers
Generally, tires should be replaced after running 50,000 to 80,000 kilometers. In practice, there are many factors that affect tire lifespan, so early replacement is recommended. Tires are circular elastic rubber products assembled on various vehicles or machinery that roll on the ground. Tires are often used under complex and demanding conditions, enduring various deformations, loads, forces, and high and low temperature effects during driving. Therefore, they must have high load-bearing performance, traction performance, and cushioning performance. Tires should be replaced under the following circumstances: when the outer tire wear indicator is visible; when the tire has deep cracks such as cuts, breaks, or exposed cord layers, or bulges indicating internal damage; or when the tire frequently leaks air or cannot be repaired due to the size, location, or other damage of the cut.
I also struggled with this issue when I first started driving. Whether to change tires depends not just on time, but also on mileage and usage conditions. Generally, you should consider replacing them after about 5 to 6 years or 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers. However, during my daily commute, I found that driving habits have a significant impact: frequent hard braking or high-speed cornering accelerates tire wear, potentially requiring replacement before even 50,000 kilometers. Safety is the top priority. I regularly check the tread depth of my tires using a one-yuan coin—if the copper wire is exposed, it's time to change them immediately, otherwise, they can easily skid in rainy conditions, increasing the risk of accidents. Aged rubber is also hazardous, especially in extreme heat or freezing weather, as it's prone to blowouts. I recommend checking tire pressure and rotating their positions every three months; this extends their lifespan, saving money and ensuring peace of mind. Don’t wait until an accident happens to regret it.