When Should Car Tires Be Replaced?
2 Answers
Car tires should be replaced every 3 to 5 years, but this timeframe is not fixed and depends on specific driving conditions. For normal driving, tire replacement can be categorized by time or mileage. Time-based replacement is necessary because tires are made of rubber and will degrade after a certain period, typically around 5 years. Thus, when a tire's manufacturing date reaches 5 years, it should be replaced promptly. Mileage-based replacement is required as the tire tread gradually wears down during driving. When the wear reaches a certain level, the tire needs to be replaced. Tires are circular elastic rubber products mounted on vehicles or machinery to roll on the ground, usually installed on metal rims. They support the vehicle body, absorb external shocks, maintain contact with the road surface, and ensure driving performance.
As a seasoned driver with over 20 years of experience, I believe tire replacement should never be taken lightly. The key factor is wear level - when the tread depth falls below the legal minimum of 1.6mm, new tires must be installed immediately. Otherwise, the risk of skidding increases significantly during rainy conditions or highway driving, elevating accident risks. Additionally, tire aging poses hidden dangers. Typically after 5-6 years of use, small cracks appear on the surface, especially in the sidewall area. I conduct tire inspections every six months, using a depth gauge for measurement and visual examination. For frequent drivers or those encountering poor road conditions (like my regular trips on suburban dirt roads), wear accelerates faster, potentially requiring replacement every 30,000-40,000 kilometers. Don't wait for a blowout to regret - safety should always come first. Regular maintenance like maintaining proper tire pressure can extend tire lifespan, but never exceed recommended usage periods.
