How to Know When to Replace Tires?
2 Answers
Methods to determine whether tires need replacement: 1. Check if the tread wear is close to the wear indicator. Any brand of tire will have a wear mark at the bottom of the tread grooves. Generally, the wear mark height for passenger car tires is 1.6 millimeters, which is also the legally mandated minimum groove depth. 2. Check the tire production date to confirm if it has expired. The production date is located on the side of the tire and consists of a 4-digit number. The last two digits indicate the production year, and the first two digits indicate the week of production. The typical lifespan of a tire is around 5 years. Beyond this period, the tire begins to age. 3. Inspect the tire for cracks, bulges, or other abnormal conditions. Cracks occur due to natural aging or external impacts, resulting in surface fissures. If the crack length exceeds 6 millimeters or the tire's internal fabric becomes visible, the tire needs replacement. Special attention should be paid to bulges, as they pose an immediate risk of a blowout. Bulges occur when the tire's sidewall cords break due to strong external impacts. Continuing to drive with such damage significantly increases the risk of a blowout, so replacement is strongly recommended.
As a seasoned driver, I pay special attention to tire safety since it directly impacts the risk of road accidents. To determine when tires need replacement, first check the tread depth: insert a coin into the groove; if the top of the coin is fully exposed, it means the depth is below the safe standard of 1.6mm, and replacement is mandatory. Second, inspect for cracks and bulges: especially on the sidewalls, as small cracks can escalate into major issues, significantly increasing risks on wet or snowy roads. Third, observe wear uniformity: if one side wears faster than the other, it may indicate misalignment, leading to premature tire failure. Also, keep track of time: tires should generally be replaced every five to six years, regardless of mileage. I conduct simple monthly checks myself, such as feeling the smoothness of the tread or listening for unusual noises while driving. If any issues are detected, I immediately visit a professional shop for new tires to prevent high-speed blowouts and serious accidents.
