Under What Circumstances Should Car Tires Be Replaced?
3 Answers
Car tires should be replaced under the following circumstances: 1. The tread has cracks or bulges; 2. Excessive number of repairs; 3. Severe scratches on the sidewall; 4. Severe wear on the shoulder or sidewall; 5. Deformed tread or damaged rim; 6. Severe aging or peeling; 7. Tread pattern below the wear indicator. Precautions for tire replacement include: 1. Check the expiration date—inventory should not exceed 3 years; 2. Inspect whether the joint between the tread and sidewall is smooth; 3. Avoid mixing tires of different structures and sizes. Tire maintenance methods are: 1. Regularly check tire pressure; 2. Monitor tire wear; 3. Pay attention to tire rotation.
I've been driving for nearly twenty years, and tire condition directly impacts driving safety. When checking tire treads, a depth of less than 1.6mm is dangerous—it significantly reduces grip in rain or snow, increasing the risk of skidding and accidents. Never ignore sidewall bulges or large cuts; they may indicate internal structural damage, posing a high risk of blowouts at high speeds. Over time, tires age and crack; even if the tread looks decent after five or six years, consider replacing them. I also recommend visually inspecting tires every three months. Uneven wear, like faster wear on one side, suggests potential alignment issues requiring adjustment. During seasonal changes, check and maintain tire pressure at the recommended level to prevent premature wear.
When it comes to changing tires, focus on cost-effectiveness—don’t be too stingy but also avoid waste. Replace them if the tread is worn flat or the depth is too low, otherwise driving with them will wear out the rims at a higher cost. Insert a coin into the tread groove; if a significant portion is exposed, it means the tire is nearly done. If there’s a bulge or small puncture, change it immediately to avoid more expensive repairs. Aged tires can crack, especially in summer heat, so addressing it early saves money and hassle. I also check for uneven wear—if one side wears faster, inspect the suspension system and fix it before getting new tires. Rotate the tires every 5,000 km or so to balance wear, which can extend their lifespan by 2–3 years. Avoid potholes to reduce impact and keep overall costs economical.
