How to Check the Wear Level of Car Tires?
2 Answers
There are two methods to check the wear level of car tires. Here are the details: 1. Run your finger along the tire ribs, and you'll feel small raised blocks at intervals. These blocks are the tire wear indicators, corresponding to the TWI (Tire Wear Indicator) marks on the tire shoulder. The height of these blocks is 1.6mm. The Tire Wear Indicator (TWI) is a sign indicating that the tire tread has reached its wear limit. It is located at the bottom of the tread grooves, slightly raised by 1.6mm above the groove base. 2. Inspect the tread patterns and the sidewall of the tire. If cracks are widely visible, it indicates severe tire aging. In such cases, even if the tire hasn't been driven for long distances or used for an extended period, it still needs to be replaced promptly. Otherwise, aged tires with weakened sidewalls are prone to blowouts at high speeds due to increased temperature.
As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I always take a quick glance at my tires when refueling each week - wear is easy to spot. The method is simple: those small raised rubber blocks in the tread grooves are wear indicators. Once they become flush with the tread surface, it's time to replace the tires. Alternatively, insert a one-yuan coin into the groove - if you can see too much of the coin's edge, the wear is excessive. This usually happens due to underinflation or aggressive driving habits. Worn tires are prone to skidding in rain and increase braking distance. I once nearly rear-ended someone on the highway because of this. For safety, I recommend monthly checks - don't wait for an accident to regret it. Honestly, new tires cost just a few hundred yuan, but can save you major repair bills. Developing good habits means driving longer with greater peace of mind.
