When Should Car Tires Be Replaced?
2 Answers
Car tires should be replaced after approximately three years of use or around 40,000 kilometers of driving. Precautions for tire replacement: Choose tires of the same specifications; replace the valve stems simultaneously; pay attention to installation direction and inflation; check tire pressure; perform a four-wheel alignment after replacement; when removing the tire, slightly loosen the fixing bolts before using a jack to partially lift the vehicle; select tires with guaranteed quality. Tire replacement process: Loosen the bolts; lift the vehicle with a jack; remove the bolts fixing the wheel (counterclockwise to loosen, clockwise to tighten); take off the tire; install the new wheel.
I've been driving for many years, and the timing for tire replacement mainly depends on wear. There are wear indicator blocks in the tire treads; when the tread wears down to that level, it's time to replace them. Generally, a tread depth below 1.6mm is very dangerous. You can use a one-yuan coin to test it—if the coin's gear pattern is exposed beyond the rim, it means the tread is too thin. Tire cracks are also an important indicator, especially on the sidewalls, which signal aging. Prolonged exposure to sun and wind makes them brittle. Additionally, if a tire has a bulge, it might indicate internal damage and should be replaced immediately. I also consider mileage—typically, tires in city driving should be replaced after about 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers. Regularly checking tire pressure and rotating their positions can extend their lifespan, but safety comes first—don't hesitate to replace them. New tires help prevent blowouts. After all, when driving, life is far more important than money.
