What is the maximum lifespan of car tires?
2 Answers
The wear and tear of car tires vary, leading to different lifespans. Generally, the service life of tires ranges from 4 to 6 years or 60,000 to 100,000 kilometers. Tires with tread depth below 1.6mm should be replaced immediately. The lifespan is also related to the material of the tire. Since tires are made of rubber, which oxidizes in the air, causing it to harden and lose grip over time. Tire usage precautions: 1. Avoid parking near curbs to prevent tire compression: Many drivers tend to park with tires pressed against curbs or park sideways on road shoulders. This puts significant pressure on the tires, especially on the sidewalls, which can lead to cracks, particularly in summer when tire conditions are less stable. 2. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight: Tires should be shielded from intense sunlight. Since tires are primarily made of rubber, which can soften and age under high temperatures, it's crucial to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during hot summer months. This can accelerate aging and may cause the tires to expand and crack, reducing their lifespan. 3. Avoid turning the steering wheel while stationary: Turning the wheel while the car is stationary causes wear to concentrate on a single contact patch, leading to localized severe wear and shortening the tire's lifespan. Instead, drivers should turn the wheel while the car is moving to ensure even and all-around normal wear from the road surface.
As a frequent driver, I remember that time when I forgot to replace my tires after 8 years of use. As a result, I skidded while turning on a rainy day, but luckily didn't hit anything. Since then, I've been extra cautious about tire aging. It's generally recommended not to use tires for more than 6 years, as the rubber material naturally hardens and cracks, especially in areas with lots of sunlight where aging accelerates. Personally, I check the tire sidewalls every six months, looking for the last four digits of the DOT code which indicate the year and week of production. If the tires are over 5 years old, I start preparing to replace them. For safety, avoid high-speed driving before getting new tires. When parking, try to keep the car in a garage to minimize sun exposure—this can buy you a few extra months, but replacement is ultimately the most reliable solution. Regularly checking tire pressure and wear patterns can also prevent sudden dangers, since road accidents are no joke.
