How often should tubeless tires be replaced?
4 Answers
Electric vehicle tubeless tires generally have a service life of three years. Below is extended information about the service life of electric vehicle tubeless tires: Wear condition: Tubeless tires usually have two wear indicators: one is a small triangular symbol; the other is a 1.6 mm high mark protruding from the tire groove. Once the wear on the tubeless tire reaches these indicators, the tire needs to be replaced. Radial ply: If the radial ply is damaged, the structural integrity of the entire tire cannot be guaranteed, and the tire may burst at any time. Cuts: The deepest side cut should not exceed 4 millimeters. Bulges: If bulges appear on the side of the tire, it should be replaced immediately.
I've been driving for over ten years and have plenty of experience with tire replacement. Vacuum tires generally need to be replaced every five to six years, even if the tread depth is still good, because aging is a concern. When driving, always take a quick look at the sidewalls for cracks—just like checking for wrinkles on your skin. My experience with a tire blowout on the highway was due to aging, so now I measure tread depth every six months by inserting a coin into the tread grooves and replace them immediately if they wear down to the safety line. In humid southern regions, extra caution is needed because damp garages can cause rubber to deteriorate. When washing your car on weekends, check the tire pressure as well—if it's off, adjust it promptly. Doing this can extend tire life by a year or so. Don’t believe those who say you can drive 100,000 kilometers before changing tires—safety is far more important than saving money.
Unlike engine oil which has a fixed mileage interval, tires don't have a set replacement schedule. Since I often drive on rough construction sites, I basically need to replace them every two to three years. To check wear, feel the small raised blocks on the tread - if they're flush with the tread surface, replacement is mandatory. Don't hesitate to replace tires that have been patched more than three times. Sidewall bulges are even more dangerous, as they can blow out with just slight pressure. My car is parked outdoors, and the summer sun causes rapid rubber deterioration. If you frequently take your family on highways, I recommend investing in a set of quality quiet tires every four to five years - they offer better noise reduction and safety. Last time I met a taxi driver who said they only replace tires after 300,000 kilometers for their premium rides - never follow this example, your life is more important.
My experience is that tires should be considered for retirement by their fifth birthday. You can check tread depth by inserting a one-yuan coin—if the top of the national emblem is visible, it means the tread is worn down. City commuter cars might take six or seven years to reach the wear line, but rubber aging is the bigger concern. Tiny cracks indicate it's time to retire them. Last time, my car's front left tire scraped against a curb, causing a sidewall crack, and the repair shop said it couldn't be patched—only replaced. When replacing tires, it's best to swap them in pairs to maintain consistent grip. Winter snow tires harden over time, so their performance should be reassessed every few years. Remember, tires generally have a shelf life of five years, and using them beyond that carries significant risks.
