
The service life of a tire is generally around 2-3 years or 60,000-100,000 kilometers. Tires should be replaced immediately when the tread depth reaches 1.6mm (minimum wear). Tires that have exceeded their warranty period (especially spare tires, which typically have a lifespan of about 3 years) will have significantly reduced overall performance. Introduction to Automotive Tires: Automotive tires are one of the critical components of a vehicle. They directly contact the road surface and, together with the vehicle's suspension system, help to absorb shocks during driving, ensuring good ride comfort and smoothness. They also ensure excellent adhesion between the wheels and the road surface, improving the vehicle's traction, braking, and off-road capabilities while bearing the vehicle's weight. The important role tires play in vehicles is increasingly being recognized. Classification of Automotive Tires: Tires can be categorized into approximately 8 types based on vehicle type: PC (Passenger Car tires), LT (Light Truck tires), TB (Truck and Bus tires), AG (Agricultural Vehicle tires), OTR (Off-The-Road tires for construction vehicles), ID (Industrial Vehicle tires), AC (Aircraft tires), and MC (Motorcycle tires).

I've been driving for many years and have replaced quite a few tires. The criteria for scrapping mainly focus on several aspects. Wear is crucial - when the tread patterns wear down to expose the wear indicators, it's time for new tires. Otherwise, they can easily skid in rainy conditions or during emergency braking, and insufficient grip is very dangerous. Aging is also important; rubber will crack over time, especially when there are deep cracks or numerous fine cracks on the tire sidewalls, indicating weakened tire structure. A single bump could lead to a blowout. Damage like bulges or cuts is an immediate signal for scrapping - don't hesitate. Tire lifespan generally ranges from five to ten years, depending on usage intensity and environment. More highway driving leads to faster wear. Remember, safety comes first. Regular inspections can prevent accidents, and the money saved on repairs is better spent on replacing tires in advance. Before every highway trip, I always take a quick look at the tire condition to ensure safety.

As a novice driver, I initially didn't know when to replace tires, but my friend taught me a few key points. When tires are severely worn, the tread pattern becomes shallow; if it's below the legal limit of 1.6mm, the tire must be scrapped as it can easily lose control in rainy conditions. Visible aging cracks, especially on the sidewalls, indicate the tire is too old to be used. Common damages like bulges require immediate replacement without delay. Time is also a factor - tires that have been used for five or six years need attention even if they look fine, as natural rubber degradation affects performance. Usage environment matters too - for instance, winter/snow tires wear faster and require more frequent replacement. I've learned simple methods to check tires, like inserting a coin into the tread to measure depth. For safety's sake, don't skimp on this expense.

Tire retirement standards are primarily determined by wear, aging, and damage. Excessive wear leads to flattened treads, poor grip, and increased accident risks. Aging causes rubber cracking, weakening structural integrity. Damage such as bulges or cuts necessitates immediate replacement to avoid high-speed hazards. Time-wise, tires begin aging after five years and should be replaced within ten years. Safety first—regular inspections prevent risks.


