Should Worn Tires Be Replaced?
2 Answers
Whether worn tires should be replaced depends on specific conditions. The criteria for replacement are: the service life of car tires is four years or 80,000 kilometers, whichever comes first. 1. If there are more than five damages, early replacement is required; 2. If there is damage on the side, even one instance necessitates replacement; 3. If the car frequently travels on poor road conditions and the tires are severely worn, early replacement is needed. Tires are one of the essential components of a car, directly in contact with the road surface, working together with the car's suspension to mitigate the impact during driving, ensuring good ride comfort and smooth driving; maintaining excellent adhesion between the wheels and the road surface; improving the car's traction, braking, and off-road capability; and bearing the car's weight. The critical role tires play in vehicles is increasingly recognized.
Seeing fellow car enthusiasts asking whether to replace worn tires, I think this is something that must be taken seriously, especially when it comes to driving safety. Having driven for over a decade, I've encountered several situations where tires were worn out but not replaced in time. Once on the highway, I had to brake hard and almost rear-ended another car because the tread was completely smooth, drastically reducing grip. Now, during every maintenance check, I inspect the tires by inserting a small coin into the tread—if the head of the national emblem isn't visible, it's time for new tires. Generally, if the tread depth is less than 1.6mm, it should be replaced immediately. Otherwise, not only is hydroplaning more likely in the rain, but braking distance can also more than double, increasing the risk of losing control. I've made it a habit to check every two months. Spending a few hundred bucks on new tires is far better than dealing with an accident—safety is not something to take lightly! By the way, if the wear is uneven, it might indicate incorrect tire pressure or suspension issues, which should also be fixed as soon as possible. In short, replacing them early brings peace of mind—don't wait until an accident happens and regret it.
