How to Determine When to Replace Tires?
2 Answers
Methods to determine when to replace tires are: 1. Check the wear indicators. Tires have small raised platforms in the tread grooves or triangular symbols marked on both sides of the tire. Once the tread wears down to these indicators, the tire should be replaced or retreaded. 2. Examine tire uneven wear. If the center of the tire is severely worn while the sides are not, or if one side is significantly more worn than the other, the tire needs to be replaced as soon as any side reaches the wear indicator. 3. Inspect the tire sidewalls. If there are bulges or cracks on the sidewalls, it indicates that the tire cords may be broken or severely aged. To prevent blowouts while driving, it is recommended to replace the tire immediately. 4. Assess the degree of tire aging. If the tire shows signs of aging, such as numerous small cracks in the tread grooves or sidewalls that are close to damaging the tire body, replacement is necessary. Severely aged tires are prone to blowouts under high temperatures.
I usually rely on my tires for safety while driving. Last week, I noticed the steering wheel kept vibrating, so I immediately checked the tires and found the tread was as shallow as a worn-out floor. I promptly replaced them. Actually, judging when to replace tires is quite simple: First, check the tread depth by inserting a one-yuan coin into the tread. If you can see the entire top of the coin, the depth is insufficient, and it's time to replace them. Next, look at the production date—there's a four-digit code on the sidewall of the tire. The first two digits represent the week, and the last two represent the year. If it's been over six years, it's best to replace them. Also, check for bulges or cracks, and pay attention to excessive noise or pulling while driving, as these are warning signs. Old tires are prone to blowouts, so I inspect them myself before every seasonal change. Don’t skimp on safety—especially before long trips, always double-check.
