Under What Circumstances Should Tires Be Replaced?
2 Answers
Tires need to be replaced under the following circumstances: 1. Tread wear reaches the limit: There are wear indicators in the grooves of car tires. For general household cars, the wear indicator is 1.6 millimeters. When the tire wear reaches this limit mark, the tire should no longer be used; 2. Bulging: If a tire bulge is found, it indicates that the cords at the bulging position have broken. Continued use may lead to a tire blowout, so the tire should be replaced promptly; 3. Tire aging: Observe the patterns on the tread and sidewall of the tire. If large areas of cracks appear, it indicates severe tire aging. Regardless of how long the tire has been used, it should be replaced immediately. Aged tires have weakened sidewall strength, and prolonged use may result in a blowout.
As a seasoned road tripper, I think it's great to share more about the right time to replace tires. Wear is the primary indicator—if the tread depth is below the 1.6mm wear indicator, wet traction significantly drops, and high-speed skidding becomes a risk, so replacement is a must. Check the tire sidewalls for cracks or bulges, as these indicate structural issues with a high risk of blowouts. Tires generally age and become brittle after 6 years, so even if the tread looks fine, they should be replaced. Don’t overlook damage, like a puncture that can’t be safely repaired—new tires are the only option. I recommend checking tires every season, using a coin to measure tread depth, maintaining proper pressure to prevent premature aging, and ensuring both safety and cost savings.
