What is the lifespan of car tires?
2 Answers
Car tires typically have a lifespan of 5 to 6 years. After exceeding this period, numerous small cracks will appear on the tires. This phenomenon not only affects the comfort level of the tires (quietness) but also significantly reduces their grip performance, posing certain risks during driving. Tires are circular elastic rubber products mounted on various vehicles or machinery for ground contact and rolling. They are often used under complex and harsh conditions, enduring various deformations, loads, forces, and high/low-temperature effects during operation. Therefore, tires must possess high load-bearing capacity, traction performance, and cushioning performance, along with excellent wear resistance and flex resistance, as well as low rolling resistance and heat generation.
Last time a friend asked me how many years tires can last, I told him that the recommended service life for tires is usually 5 to 6 years. This is mainly because the rubber can age and become brittle, and even if the tread is still deep, the tire may crack and affect safety. You can check the DOT code on the sidewall of the tire—the last four digits indicate the manufacturing date. For example, "2018" means the tire was produced in the 20th week of 2018. I've seen many cars with deeply cracked tires still on the road, which led to blowouts and accidents on highways—it's really dangerous. Regularly checking and maintaining the correct tire pressure is also crucial, as improper tire pressure can accelerate wear. I recommend visually inspecting your tires every six months for cracks, misalignment, or abnormal wear, and replacing them promptly if needed—don't take the risk.
