How to Tell When Tires Need Replacement?
2 Answers
Methods to determine when tires need replacement: 1. Check the degree of tire wear. A simple method is to observe the markers in the longitudinal grooves of the tire tread. These markers indicate a height of 1.6 millimeters. When the remaining groove depth of the tire tread reaches or falls below 1.6 millimeters, it's time to replace the tires. 2. Consider the time or mileage. 3. Look for any abnormalities in the tires. Tires are round, elastic rubber products mounted on various vehicles or machinery, typically installed on metal rims. They support the vehicle body, cushion external impacts, ensure contact with the road surface, and maintain the vehicle's driving performance. Tires are often used under complex and demanding conditions, enduring various deformations, loads, forces, and temperature extremes during operation. Therefore, they must possess high load-bearing capacity, traction performance, and cushioning capabilities.
I've been driving for over a decade and tire safety is my top concern. When it's time to change tires, you should replace them once the tread wears down to the wear indicator—those small rubber blocks in the grooves. Once they're worn flat, the grip becomes dangerously compromised. Also, if you see cracks on the tire sidewalls, especially on older tires over four years old, where prolonged exposure to sun and weather causes the rubber to degrade, forming spiderweb-like cracks, it's time for a replacement. Never ignore bulges either—if the sidewall bulges, it means the internal cords are broken, and a blowout could happen anytime. I always walk around my car to inspect the tires before driving. If I find too many nails embedded or multiple patches, I recommend replacing them—a blowout on the highway is no joke. Tire lifespan also depends on mileage; generally, after about 50,000 kilometers of city driving, you should thoroughly check them. If the tread is worn shallow, braking distance increases, and the risk of hydroplaning in wet conditions rises.
