What Are the Criteria for Replacing Car Tires?
2 Answers
The criteria for replacing car tires include: the tire rubber aging to the critical point of deterioration, the tire being worn down to the wear indicator, bulging on the tire sidewall, deformation or bulging on the tread, the tire leaking and being irreparable, unexplained noises during driving, uneven wear, misalignment, and abnormal wear. Lifespan of Car Tires: The lifespan of car tires is generally 3-5 years or a mileage of 60,000-80,000 kilometers under normal driving conditions. However, depending on the driver's habits, road conditions, and parking environment, the lifespan of car tires may vary. Hazards of Using Expired Tires: Expired tires suffer from rubber aging, making them prone to cracking, reduced flexibility, and severely diminished heat dissipation. This not only drastically reduces comfort but also significantly impairs acceleration and braking performance. High-speed driving with expired tires carries the risk of a blowout. Therefore, expired tires must be replaced, even if the wear has not yet reached the wear indicator. Method for Replacing Tires: Park the car, turn off the engine, and engage the handbrake to prevent sliding. Loosen the bolts in a diagonal sequence. Jack up the vehicle to a certain height. Remove the bolts and take off the old tire. Install the new tire and tighten the anti-theft bolts in a diagonal sequence. Lower the vehicle and tighten the bolts and nuts. Precautions for Tire Replacement: Choose tires of the same specifications, replace the valve stem at the same time, pay attention to the installation direction and inflation, check the tire pressure, perform a four-wheel alignment after replacement, slightly loosen the fixing bolts before using the jack to partially lift the vehicle, and select tires with guaranteed quality.
I drive a compact car for daily commuting, and when changing tires, I need to pay attention to both wear and aging criteria. For wear, a tread depth below 1.6mm is the red line—insert a 1-yuan coin into the groove, and if the text is clearly visible, it's time to replace them immediately. For older cars that have been driven for several years, tires over 5 years old tend to harden and crack easily. I once experienced a high-speed skid due to small cracks. Inspections should be frequent—visually check the tire condition every 5,000 km, and replace them immediately if there are bulges or sidewall damage. Driving habits also have a big impact; for example, I brake hard, which accelerates wear. Seasons matter too—switch back to standard tires after winter snow tires are no longer needed to ensure proper grip. Safety comes first—don’t delay to save money. Regular maintenance keeps driving safer and more reassuring.
