Is it necessary to change tires at 60,000 kilometers?
4 Answers
Tires must be replaced at 60,000 kilometers, as their service life is generally 4 to 6 years or 60,000 to 100,000 kilometers. Tire usage duration: Since the main raw material of tires is rubber, natural aging occurs over time, mainly manifested as the tires hardening and the sidewalls becoming covered with small cracks. Typically, natural aging takes 4-5 years or a mileage of 60,000-80,000 kilometers. This means tires should be replaced promptly after 5 years or when the mileage reaches 60,000 kilometers to prevent the risk of tire blowouts. Tire usage precautions: Stay away from curbs to avoid squeezing the tires; avoid direct sunlight, as rubber can age and soften under high temperatures, potentially causing the tires to expand and crack, naturally reducing their lifespan.
Last time I replaced my tires was at 60,000 kilometers. I used to think that changing them based on mileage was enough, but the inspection revealed significant wear. Actually, whether tires need replacement depends on the actual condition, such as the remaining tread depth. If you can see the entire pattern of a coin when inserting it into the tread, then it's basically time to change them. Also, check for cracks or bulges on the tire sidewalls—these conditions are especially dangerous when driving at high speeds. I have a habit of braking hard and often drive long distances, which accelerates wear. Additionally, pay attention to the tire's production date. If it's over five years old, even if there's no visible wear, aging becomes a concern. I recommend checking your tire condition regularly and not just focusing on the odometer. Safety is far more important than saving money.
Tire lifespan cannot be determined solely by mileage. I always insist on checking tire conditions every six months. The 60,000-kilometer mark is just a reference value; actual wear and driving environment should be the deciding factors. For someone like me who frequently drives on highways, prolonged heat exposure accelerates both aging and wear. During inspections, observe whether the tread wears evenly and if the groove depth falls below 1.6mm. Pay special attention to slight bulges or fine cracks on the sidewalls, as these may indicate potential blowout risks. Parking habits also matter – frequent exposure to sunlight accelerates rubber aging. I recommend having mechanics check tire conditions during regular maintenance. There's no need to replace tires strictly at 60,000 km, but don't hesitate when replacement is truly necessary.
Replacing tires at 60,000 kilometers is not a strict requirement; the key lies in the actual condition of the tires. I usually check three aspects: tread depth, crack condition, and wear uniformity. Insert a one-yuan coin into the groove—if the top of the national emblem is visible, it's time to replace them; sidewall cracks wider than two millimeters are dangerous; significant wear differences between the inner and outer edges indicate wheel alignment issues. My experience shows that tires last longer on city roads, while frequent driving on mountain roads or construction sites accelerates wear. High summer temperatures can speed up rubber aging, and long-term overloaded driving is also a tire killer. For safety, don't push it to 60,000 kilometers if you notice these issues.
