Knowing when to change tires is also important for safe driving. In this article, we’ll show you how to replace a tire and its life, the risk of overdue replacement, and how to extend the life of your tires!
How long are tire replacements and life expectancy?
It is a good idea to know the “life” of a tire to determine if it is time to replace it. In general, the following four points can be used to determine if a tire is about to be replaced.
Tire groove
It is said that it is about 8mm in a new article, but when this groove becomes 1.6mm, it becomes the same height as the convex called the slip sign between the grooves. Rather than riding up to the 1.6mm limit, it would be better to replace it when it becomes the same height.
Tire condition
It is made of a special rubber with weather resistance, but it will definitely deteriorate. If it is cracked or damaged, replace it as soon as possible because it may affect safe driving.
Tire expiration date
Although the expiration date of the tire varies depending on the manufacturer, it is generally about 10 years. Even if the grooves are not reduced and there are no cracks, replace them with “10 years from manufacture” as a guide.
Mileage
Even if none of the above applies, it is recommended that you replace it at 30,000 km as a guide. The reason is that it is said that “1km is reduced by 5,000km”. Since the new article is about 8mm, it is assumed that it will be around 2mm after running 30,000km.
What is the effect on the car caused by passing the tire replacement time?
Driving on tires that have passed the replacement period will cause various risks and disadvantages. Here are some examples.
Burst
Bursting may occur when running on tires that are heavily cracked, scratched or worn. Be careful because bursting during high-speed driving can lead to a major accident.
Slip
If you are running on tires with no grooves, the “hydroplaning phenomenon” is called a layer of water between the ground and the tires, causing the tires to float. It is dangerous because not only will it be difficult to operate the steering wheel, but the brakes will not work.
Increased braking distance
The braking distance is the distance from braking to stopping. Tires without grooves have reduced gripping force (frictional force).
The risk of traffic accidents increases because rainy days are many stop times longer than new tires.
Fuel economy deteriorates
Worn tires will increase the braking distance and make it less operable when turning, and will also increase fuel resistance by increasing the area where the tires are in contact with the ground, resulting in poor fuel economy.
Driving and maintenance methods that extend tire replacement time
If you want to extend the replacement period, and want to extend the life of your tires, try the following driving and maintenance methods.
Avoid “steep”
Avoid sudden operations such as sudden starting and sudden braking except in an emergency. Also, avoid turning the tires while the vehicle is stopped, as this will shorten the life of the tires.
Air pressure
If the tire pressure is not correct, the contact surface will increase and wear will be more likely. Even if it is inserted too much, it will cause adverse effects such as poor steering operation. If there are any scratches or cracks, there is a risk of explosion, so check once a month to keep the normal value.
Unload unnecessary luggage
If you are carrying golf bags, camping equipment, or other luggage that is rarely used despite its weight, it is recommended that you take it off the car each time, even if it is troublesome.
The larger the load, the easier it will be to wear.
Rotation
If the car is FF (front wheel drive), the front tires will be reduced, and if the car is FR (rear wheel drive), the rear tires will be reduced. Rotate regularly for about 5,000 to 10,000 km so that the four pieces wear well.
Alignment
If you straighten the steering wheel, it will be biased to the left or right, it is likely that the alignment (wheel alignment) is incorrect. As it is, there is only 5 mm of the outer groove but only 2 mm of the inner groove, so uneven wear will progress and shorten the life of the tire.
