Should Worn Tires Be Replaced?

[JaylaRose]

Tires should be replaced when worn. Here are the methods to determine whether tires need replacement: 1. Tread wear approaching the wear indicator: Any brand of tires will have a wear indicator at the bottom of the tread grooves. Generally, the height of the wear indicator for passenger car tires is 1.6 millimeters (this height is also the legally mandated minimum groove depth), while for load-bearing tires, it is 2.4 millimeters. 2. Tires showing damage such as cracks or bulges: During daily use, tires may be punctured by foreign objects or accidentally hit curbs, leading to damage. Damages include tread cracks, tread bulges, missing tread rubber, severe sidewall wear, and multiple punctures by foreign objects. Especially with bulges, there is a risk of sudden tire rupture at any time. Upon noticing such damages, owners should promptly visit a professional tire shop for inspection and replacement. 3. Tire age expiration: The typical service life of tires is around 5 years. Beyond this period, tires begin to age, primarily manifesting as surface hardening followed by cracking. Aged tires lose their elasticity, and continued use may lead to tread deformation, increasing the risk of a blowout.