Should Worn Tires Be Replaced?

[Madeleine]

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.

[LeLukas]

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.

[StLandon]

From a working-class perspective, tire replacement is an economic calculation. I'm quite frugal with car maintenance, but tires are one area where penny-pinching can cost you big. New tires average 300-400 yuan each, but worn tires can increase fuel consumption by 5%-10%, costing hundreds more in annual fuel costs. A mid-journey blowout could mean thousands in towing and repairs, plus higher insurance risks. I once pushed worn tires too far and damaged my suspension on a long trip - a 3,000+ yuan repair bill. Now I regularly check tread depth using the coin test or wear indicators, replacing when needed. Proactive replacement extends vehicle lifespan while improving safety and fuel efficiency - a smart investment. Don't wait for warning lights or unusual noises - that's too reactive.

[VanCaleb]

I think checking tire wear is quite simple and can be done at home. Just insert a dime into the tire tread—if the national emblem side is visible, it means the tread is too shallow and the tire needs replacing. Alternatively, look for small raised squares on the tire edge, which are wear indicators; when they become level with the tread surface, that's the limit. I take a quick look every month when inflating the tires. Replacing them when needed isn't costly, but it prevents dangerous situations like skidding during sharp turns. Safety first!

[SanAiden]

Speaking of tire wear, I learned a hard lesson once. My tires were completely bald but I still hadn't replaced them. One rainy day, I took a turn and the car slid sideways into a roadside tree. The front end was completely wrecked, and I was lucky to escape unharmed. The repairs cost me over 8,000 yuan, and I got a lecture from the traffic police. Since then, I've understood that wear affects not just braking but can also cause loss of control in emergencies. Now I make it a habit to check every six months, simply using a coin or a mobile app to measure the tread depth. If it's less than 1.6mm, I replace them immediately. Safety is no trivial matter—don't take chances!