Where is the tire wear standard?
3 Answers
Tire wear standard is indicated at the remaining tread groove depth of 1.6 millimeters, serving as a warning. When the tire wears down to this wear indicator mark, it should be discontinued for use. Tires are circular elastic rubber products mounted on various vehicles or machinery for ground rolling. Typically installed on metal rims, they support the vehicle body, cushion external impacts, ensure contact with the road surface, and maintain the vehicle's driving performance. Operating under complex and demanding conditions, tires endure various deformations, loads, forces, and extreme temperatures during use. Therefore, they must possess high load-bearing capacity, traction performance, and cushioning properties, along with excellent wear resistance and flex resistance, as well as low rolling resistance and heat generation.
When I first started driving, I didn't know where to check for tire wear. Later, I learned that the main thing to look at is the tread depth. The national standard requires tire replacement when the tread depth is below 1.6mm - too shallow and the tires can't grip the road properly, increasing the risk of skidding accidents. During inspection, look for those small wear indicator bars in the tire grooves; when they become flush with the tread surface, it's a warning sign. I usually use a simple method: insert a one-yuan coin into the groove - if you can see the entire chrysanthemum pattern on the coin, it means the depth is insufficient and replacement is necessary. Remember to check regularly, at least once a month, especially before long highway trips. Low tire pressure accelerates wear, so avoid overloading or sudden braking - these practices help extend tire life, saving money while ensuring safety.
Back when I drove a taxi, passengers often asked me about tire maintenance. The wear indicators are actually built into those grooves on the tread. If the tread depth is less than 1.6mm, your braking distance doubles in rainy weather - that's a major risk. I make it a habit to check every 5,000km by running my finger along the grooves to feel for those raised wear indicator blocks. Once they become visible, it's time to replace them. Don't delay changing tires - get them checked at a professional shop and have a wheel alignment done to prevent uneven wear. Tires typically last 3-5 years; older ones lose elasticity and get damaged more easily on rough roads. Regularly clean out trapped stones to prevent cuts. This approach saves money and gives peace of mind.
