Under normal circumstances, how often should tires be replaced?
2 Answers
If a car travels 20,000 kilometers annually, the tires should be replaced every 3 years; if a car travels 10,000 kilometers annually, the tires should be replaced every 4 to 5 years. Below are methods to determine whether tires need replacement: 1. Check if the tread wear is close to the wear indicator. Generally, the wear mark height for passenger car tires is 1.6 millimeters. When the tread depth wears down to 1.6 millimeters, the tires need to be replaced. 2. Check the tire production date to confirm if it has expired. The production date of the tire is located on the sidewall, represented by a 4-digit number. The last two digits indicate the production year, and the first two digits indicate the production week. The typical service life of a tire is around 5 years. If it exceeds 5 years, the tire is considered expired and needs replacement. 3. Inspect the tires for any abnormal phenomena such as cracks or bulges. Tire damage includes tread cracks, tread bulges, missing tread rubber, severe sidewall wear, or multiple punctures by foreign objects. If the damage is severe, the tires should be replaced promptly.
I've been driving for over ten years, and when it comes to tire replacement, it mainly depends on the actual condition. Under normal use, tires should be thoroughly inspected after three or four years, especially if there are cracks on the sidewalls or signs that the tread is almost worn flat. Even if they look fine, aged tires can easily skid, which is particularly dangerous in the rain. However, it also depends on the brand quality—the Michelin tires I last replaced lasted five and a half years before retiring. Usually, I use a coin to check the tread depth; if the national emblem is visible, it's time to change them. When parking, avoid constantly rubbing against the curb to prevent early damage to the sidewalls. It's best to have a mechanic inspect them carefully during annual maintenance—safety first.
