How to Determine When to Replace Tires?

[SanAllie]

Any brand of tires will have a wear indicator at the bottom of the tread grooves. The height of the wear indicator for general passenger car tires is typically 1.6 millimeters. The service life of tires is usually around 5 years. Beyond this period, tires begin to age. Aging manifests as surface hardening, followed by the appearance of cracks.

[PaisleyDella]

As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I believe judging when to replace tires requires multi-angle inspection. The most common method is checking tread wear - insert a penny into the groove; if Lincoln's head is completely visible, the tread is too thin and replacement is mandatory. Secondly, examine the surface for cracks or bulges, especially on sidewalls - any cuts could cause high-speed blowouts with enormous risks. Third, severe steering wheel vibration or unusually loud tire noise while driving may indicate imbalance or uneven wear. Remember tires have lifespan too - typically 5-6 years before becoming brittle. I conduct special inspections every Lunar New Year to ensure family trip safety. Finally, watch for wear indicators (those small raised bars on tires) - if flush with tread surface, replace immediately to avoid rainy-day brake failure, which is extremely hazardous.