How to Check Tire Wear Condition?
4 Answers
Methods to check tire wear: 1. Generally speaking, the normal service life of tires is 4 to 5 years. 2. Aging areas mostly appear from the edges such as the tire sidewalls or shoulders, prolonged exposure to sunlight and rain will cause small circular cracks on the rubber surface. 3. Tires will naturally wear out. 4. The lifespan of tires is also greatly related to whether they are used normally in daily conditions. Below is relevant information about tire wear: 1. The service life of car tires directly affects the safety of drivers and passengers. 2. Everyone knows how dangerous a tire blowout can be while driving. Aside from blowouts, severely worn tires can also lead to poor traction and increased skidding risks. Combined with rainy or snowy conditions where low temperatures cause icy roads, this poses serious threats to our safety. Therefore, all drivers should take this matter seriously.
I remember that throughout all these years of driving, checking tire wear is a cliché but super important task. A simple method is to insert a one-yuan coin into the tread grooves. If the tread can't cover the top of Tiananmen on the coin, it means the wear has exceeded the 1.6mm limit, and it's time to replace the tires immediately. There are also small raised wear indicators on the tire sidewalls—if they're worn flat, that's another signal. I've found that uneven wear shouldn’t be ignored either. For example, severe wear in the center of the tread indicates overinflation, while excessive wear on both shoulders suggests underinflation, which affects cornering stability. Regularly performing this check can improve fuel efficiency, and I also combine it with monthly pressure checks to prevent issues. Once, while driving to the countryside, my tires were so worn thin that they slipped on the road. Since then, I’ve never taken this lightly again.
As a car enthusiast, I often study details like tire wear. First, visually inspect the tread depth: most tires have TWI indicators, those small raised blocks—when they're flush, it's time to replace. The wear pattern is even more critical—excessive center wear usually indicates overinflation reducing the contact patch; shoulder wear often stems from underinflation or overloading; if only one side is worn, suspect misaligned wheel geometry. For DIY checks, use the coin test: insert a 50-cent coin vertically into the groove—if the top is visible, the tread life is spent. Also watch for cracks or bulges, signs of aging. Preventively, I rotate tires every 5,000 km to equalize wear and extend service life. Don't underestimate this practice—it provides early warnings for vehicle issues, avoiding major repairs.
I pay special attention to driving safety, so tire wear inspection is a must. Simply put, excessive wear reduces grip, making it prone to skidding or blowouts in rainy weather. The most basic method is to use a coin to measure tread depth: if the top of the coin isn't visible when inserted, it's within the safe range; otherwise, it's dangerous. I also check for abnormal bulges or cracks on the tread, as these indicate potential risks. Checking every three months is sufficient, and any issues found should be addressed immediately at a repair shop. Severe wear not only extends braking distance but also increases noise and fuel consumption. For the safety of my family, I've made it a habit to perform this check before long trips.
