What is the general service life of passenger car tires?
2 Answers
Passenger car tires typically have a service life of 3 to 5 years or approximately 60,000 to 100,000 kilometers. Generally, beyond this period, tires begin to age. The primary manifestations of tire aging include surface hardening followed by the appearance of cracks. Aged tires lose their proper elasticity, and continued use may lead to tread deformation, posing a risk of blowouts. Automotive tires are one of the crucial components of a vehicle, directly contacting the road surface and working in conjunction with the suspension system to absorb shocks during driving. They ensure good ride comfort and smooth driving performance while maintaining excellent adhesion between the wheels and the road surface, thereby enhancing the vehicle's traction, braking, and off-road capabilities.
I've been driving for ten years and have some experience with tires. The lifespan of car tires isn't fixed; it depends on usage. Most tire manufacturers recommend considering replacement after about five to six years. Beyond this period, even if the tread depth is good, extra caution is needed. I always keep an eye out for sidewall cracks—once I notice fine cracks resembling dry skin, it indicates the rubber has hardened with age. Living by the southern coast requires extra attention, as high temperatures and humidity accelerate aging. Once, while helping a neighbor check their tires, I found the tread depth was down to 1.6mm, and wet-weather grip had noticeably deteriorated. Only after replacing the tires did they realize the safety risks. Besides checking the age, ensuring the wear indicators are even is crucial. Rotating front and rear tires can extend their life, but never compromise safety to save money by using them beyond their recommended lifespan.
