Under What Circumstances Should Tires Be Replaced?
2 Answers
Tires should be replaced when they exhibit severe wear, significant aging, bulging or deformation, or obvious surface scratches. Severe Tire Wear: Each tire tread groove has a wear limit indicator, which is approximately 2mm thick. It is recommended to replace the tire when the tread thickness wears down to 4mm from the limit indicator, or about 6mm from the deepest part of the groove. Severe Tire Aging: Generally, tires should be replaced every 3-5 years or after 30,000-50,000 kilometers. Due to varying usage conditions, the decision to replace tires should be based on wear first and then age. If cracks appear extensively on the tread or sidewalls, even if the tires have only been used for a year, they should be replaced. Similarly, tires that have been in use for more than 5 years must be replaced even if wear is not significant. Tire Bulging or Deformation: Tires with bulges should not be used further, as continued use can lead to tire blowouts. Therefore, such tires should be replaced promptly. Additionally, tires that have been patched multiple times should not be used on highways, as high speeds increase the risk of blowouts. If a tire has been patched three or four times, it should not be used for extended periods. Obvious Surface Scratches on Tires: If the tread is punctured by a nail or other object, a puncture with a diameter of less than 6mm can be repaired, but those larger than 6mm require replacement. Stones often get lodged in the tread grooves or scratches, which not only create noise during driving and affect tire performance but can also lead to air leaks or blowouts.
After driving for so many years, I've accumulated quite a bit of experience when it comes to tire replacement. The primary reason for getting new tires is excessive wear – when the tread wears too shallow, below the safety limit (like 1.6 mm), the grip weakens, making the car prone to skidding in the rain. Aging is also common; if the tire surface cracks and feels stiff, it means the rubber has degraded, which affects stability at high speeds. Damage is another factor, such as multiple patches from nail punctures or sidewall bulges, which can lead to blowouts. Over time, performance declines, and you should be alert if the steering wheel shakes or feels unbalanced. I recommend checking tire pressure and wear every three months, using a coin to test tread depth. Generally, after driving 50,000–60,000 kilometers or over five years, it's time to consider replacement—don’t wait for an accident to regret it. Proper maintenance can extend tire life, but remember, safety is no small matter. Replace them in time to protect yourself and your family.
