How often should you change tires on your car?

When should you throw away your winter tires? Signs of wear

The winter season is already in full force, and the police have the right to issue a fine to the driver for driving on summer tires. But many car owners still do not drive with peace of mind, since this season they had to install not the best tires for their own safety, but those that were left in the garage. The rise in prices for winter tires turned out to be unexpectedly rapid, so not all drivers were able to purchase a new set to replace the already very old one. Many did not even think about replacement, because the old tires are not yet bald. We need to figure out when is the best time to get rid of winter stingrays. Some will talk about the 6 mm tread, others will grin and tell you that you can safely drive until there are cracks in the cord. Where to look for the truth in these opinions? In fact, even manufacturers are confused about this issue and cannot give a clear and simple answer.

Michelin claims that winter tires retain their properties up to a tread depth of 5 mm. Many Korean manufacturers allow you to reach up to 4 mm. The Chinese don’t give any recommendations at all, so you might think that you can lick the rubber until it becomes slick. But tire production technologies are the same everywhere, why do data on tire wear vary so much from manufacturer to manufacturer? The answer to this question should be sought in folk experience. It is specific facts that will help you understand exactly when it is worth throwing away winter tires and buying new ones. Today we will look at several important recommendations and approach this issue from different angles. If you realize that the installed tires are no longer suitable for use, you should take action and replace the tires this winter, without waiting for trouble. It's cheaper than dealing with the consequences of poor braking in modern traffic conditions.

What is the maximum age for winter tires?

Many owners of cars with low mileage ask the question: after how many years of operation is it better to change winter tires? Manufacturers may tell you all sorts of ridiculous things. For example, the same Michelin says that 5 years after production, rubber loses its properties. But this is not entirely correct. If you bought a cheap Chinese tire, then 5 years is really enough to use it, after which it is better to throw it away and buy a new one. But with good tires things are different.

Here are some tire age criteria:

with normal storage and optimal use on good roads, winter tires can be used for about 8 years, often they reach this age even without minor damage;
it is worth taking into account the external condition, monitoring it every year, tires can crack, the tread layer can peel off from the base material, the side parts can be deformed;
at a tire fitting, it is important to ask a specialist to inspect the tires before installation, so that the specialist can give his opinion on how the wheels are mounted and balanced on your car;
It is worth taking into account the manufacturers’ recommendations, if any, but the end of the factory expiration date does not always mean that the tires will no longer be able to serve normally;
look at the release date of the tire - it happens that a person bought tires 5 years ago, but it was produced 8 years ago (this can be seen by the markings on the side of the tire).

The age of tires is given too much attention these days. If you haven't driven the tires much, they will remain in good condition. But in Russia it is very rare when the tires on a car last up to 8 years of use. Most often, in the 3-4 year, potholes and problem roads render the tires unusable. Therefore, talking about age at 8 years old makes no sense. Few drivers will be able to drive so carefully as not to damage the product in any way during operation.

Is Tread Height Another Myth for Boosting Sales?

There is a certain caste of drivers who generally drive on tires for one season, and then get rid of the tires and buy new ones. This causes misunderstandings. In fact, it is quite safe to roll up the tread of winter tires up to 5 mm. Then this tire can still be rolled in cold seasons, but without snow and ice - up to 2 mm of tread remaining. The exception is Chinese tires of the low price segment, which are really better to throw away after one season.

Here are some more facts about tread height:

many manufacturers put special marks on their tires - these are partitions or a scale with numbers that show exactly when you need to change winter tires or throw them away;
the height for different tire models may differ; for many types of sports tires, the initial tread height does not exceed 6 mm; special recommendations apply for it;
You can continue to use tires normally only if the tread is worn evenly; uneven wear immediately indicates that the tire needs to be thrown away;
studded tires have other indicators of wear, you need to look at the presence of studs, since if metal parts are completely lost, the rubber loses its properties and cannot serve well;
Many drivers make the mistake of buying budget tires and rolling them up to 2mm, this is suitable for summer tires, but in winter you need good protection and optimal braking quality.

Be careful with tread height issues on car tires. It is worthwhile to better evaluate the tires before each installation. Otherwise, during operation, troubles are possible that will bring very serious costs. It is enough to get into a small accident with an expensive car so that even insurance payments are not enough to cover the damage. And there are more and more such cars on the roads.

When else should you throw away your winter tires?

Very often, accidents occur in winter precisely because of low-quality tires. The problem of cheap and worn-out tires is a whole winter epidemic for Russian roads. Our compatriots often use dubious Chinese tires, push them to the very last line and actively try to save money on this aspect of car operation. But such savings are definitely not worth it, and those who have at least once had a winter accident will prove this to you.

You should throw away your tires if you notice the following features:

during tire fitting, the specialist drew your attention to cuts, punctures and other troubles that could create obstacles to the normal operation of the tires on the car;
while inspecting the tires before the season, you noticed hernias and other damage to the side part, this means that the wheel was subject to impacts and could not withstand the increased load on the cord;
there are large patches on the side or working part of the rubber - vulcanization, unfortunately, will not be able to withstand high pressure for long, so it is better to solve this problem immediately after detection;
small cracks are visible on the upper part of the tread, which means that the properties of the rubber have completely deteriorated, such a tire will not be able to brake normally even on asphalt;
damage or cracks are visible on the mounting part of the rubber - such a tire simply will not pass the tire fitting process, it will not be able to maintain the required pressure and will generally tear during installation.

If you notice such troubles, you should prepare to buy new tires. Even an inexpensive set of tires will be much better than worn-out luxury tires. Therefore, find something that suits your budget and get better winter performance of your car. Otherwise, problems during the season will not be avoided. Even if a damaged old tire survives installation, it is unlikely to serve you well in the future. Such rubber should be disposed of as soon as possible, without waiting for problems.

Is it possible to replace just a couple of wheels in winter?

Replacing an incomplete set is a fairly popular feature of preparing for the season in Russia. Considering the surprises on the road in the form of deep potholes at the beginning of the spring season, many drivers break 1-2 wheels and are forced to throw them away. The remaining tires may be in excellent condition, but you need to purchase others to go with them. It is often not possible to find wheels with the same tread, and experts advise installing only an evenly worn set.

Tips in this case will be as follows:

expert opinions are indeed valid, but only for all-wheel drive vehicles with permanent 4WD, otherwise you can safely put more worn tires on the rear axle;
it is best to buy a new pair of the same wheels with the same tread pattern, this will ensure normal interaction between the two axles and will not lead to problems in the movement of the car;
It is impossible to put wheels with different degrees of wear on one axle, this will lead to significant problems in the operation of the car, skidding on any surface, uneven transmission of torque;
completely different tread patterns are also unacceptable; you need to select at least tires from the same series with the same rubber composition and similar tread pattern;
When replacing a pair of tires, you should not buy used products from advertisements on various sites on the Internet, such a purchase may turn out to be problematic, you will simply waste time.

In general, you should abandon the idea of buying used tires. The problem is that in Russia tires are rolled almost to the end of the tread; rarely the owner will sell tires in good condition. Stories about how the car was sold but the tires remained are the most popular in this area. It is better to fork out for new tires and get decent quality of car operation. Otherwise, you cannot be sure that your trip will be safe.

We invite you to watch a video about worn-out and worn-out tires:

Let's sum it up

It is worth remembering that the quality of tires is the key to your safety on the road. There are known cases when good tires with a working tread saved the lives of people on the road, diverting them from imminent serious accidents. This safety factor should not be neglected. It is better to use high-quality tire options presented in sellers’ catalogs. This will help you prepare your car for winter to avoid problems in the future. Please note that high-quality tires are not always expensive products from well-known brands. You can find good solutions in the budget segment.

If you see that winter tires are no longer good enough to last another season, just buy new ones. This will help you eliminate troubles in operation and completely protect yourself from ridiculous situations on the road. When buying tires, pay attention to the tread height, reviews, quality of the rubber itself, manufacturer and other factors. This will help you choose exactly the option that satisfies you in terms of reliability, price and properties. What criteria do you use to reject winter tires?

How often should tires be changed?

Sooner or later, this question begins to worry any motorist, and everyone answers it in their own way. Are there any clear rules about this? Let's try to figure it out.

When should you replace your tires with new ones?

As a rule, tires are changed every 50-70 thousand km, but this period may vary depending on driving style and many other factors. To independently determine the moment when old tires have become unusable, you should rely on the following rules:

According to the Russian Federation Traffic Regulations, the operation of a vehicle is prohibited if “passenger car tires have a residual tread depth of less than 1.6 mm, trucks – 1 mm, buses – 2 mm, motorcycles and mopeds – 0.8 mm.” The minimum tread height for winter tires is 4 mm.
The tread may wear unevenly, in which case the part that is considered to be the most worn is considered to be the most worn. Typically, such a problem indicates a malfunction in the car’s chassis, and it is better to check this with a car service or tire shop.

Note! You can protect yourself from uneven wear by rotating your tires from time to time.

The hotter the climate in which the car is used, the faster the tires wear out, as heated rubber becomes softer.
Try placing a ruble coin on the protector - its edge thickness is 1.5 mm. The tread height must be no less than this value.
Rely on the wear indicator, which may be marked on the tire as a lettering or protrusion in the tread grooves.

Note! For vehicles with four-wheel drive, it is better to change all four tires, since differences in wheel sizes (caused by uneven tread wear) can lead to serious damage.

When is it legally necessary to change your tires to winter ones?

Since 2015, there has been a law in force according to which all car owners are required to change tires on time to those appropriate for the season. From December 1 to February 28, winter ones should be installed, and from June 1 to August 31, summer ones.

There is no regulation for changing tires in the off-season.

Violation is punishable by a fine of 500 rubles, as for using a vehicle that does not meet technical standards.

In case of repeated violation, no additional measures are taken against the driver. By the way, the same fine threatens those who drive with the tread worn down to a height of 1.5 mm or more.

What markings should be on winter tires?

According to the new law, winter tires with the following designations: “MS”, “M+S”, “M&S”, as well as with a pictogram of a snowflake and three ice peaks are considered acceptable.

You can read more about tire markings in the article “Deciphering tire symbols.”

At what temperature should you change tires for winter ones from a safety point of view?

There is no clear opinion on this matter, but various experts point to approximately the same figures.

When the average daily temperature drops below +7 o C, it's time to switch to winter tires. Above +7 o C – it’s time to get the summer one.

The main factors leading to rapid tire wear

The car is forced to carry a load that exceeds its capabilities. Don't forget that tires have a load index, which determines the weight they can support.
Sharp braking or acceleration creates additional stress.
Errors in wheel installation. It is especially dangerous if a wheel imbalance has been created, since in this case the car’s handling suffers.
Lack or excess air pressure in the tire. You need to check this not by eye, but with a pressure gauge. If the pressure is insufficient, you will have to deal not only with an increased rate of tire wear, but also with increased fuel consumption. Excessive pressure causes a deterioration in shock-absorbing properties, which can lead to serious damage.
Bad roads. There is nothing to add here.

Conclusion

The maximum service life of a tire, no matter how high-quality it is, does not exceed 10 years. However, it is also better not to reach this deadline. Remember that high-quality tires provide depreciation and controllability of the car, so you should not neglect their timely replacement.

How long do winter tires really last - expert opinion

Compared to summer tires, winter tires are softer and therefore last less. Its durability is influenced by various factors. Humidity, low temperatures, and chemicals on the road are not the only ones. Protectors can become brittle and hard while still in storage if stored improperly or for a long time. According to experts, the aging process is most affected by ozone, which penetrates from the atmosphere into the pores of rubber.

Good tires are the key to safety when driving on snow and ice, so every driver should have a clear idea of when to change tires.

Year of manufacture and signs of wear of winter tires

Despite the declared resource, it is important to constantly monitor the condition of the rubber. The main indicator is the jumpers on the surface of the tires, the wear of which indicates the end of their service life.

You can use a special depth gauge to measure the tread depth. For winter season tires, normal values are at least 4 mm. The focus should also be on deformations, cuts, and bumps that occur after impacts.

Initially, you should focus on the date of manufacture of the product, which is usually applied to the side surface of the tread.

It should be remembered that the performance characteristics of a tire are noticeably reduced during long-term storage without the use of special protective equipment. It is better to give preference to products with the latest release date.

The result of improper storage can be multiple microcracks, which during operation will lead to rapid wear and destruction of the tire material.

The need to replace winter tires is quite easy to determine visually. For example, if more than half of the total number of studs is lost, the tread is worn by 30%, it is definitely necessary to change the wheel.

Depending on the brand, for daily use it is recommended to renew winter tires once every four years.

Thus, the following signs indicate tire wear:

loss of 60% of spines;
pattern wear more than 30%;
tread depth less than 4 mm;
cuts, deformations;
bumps from blows.

Experts on service life

Depending on the manufacturer, tires can withstand from two to six seasons. At the same time, European brands are characterized by greater durability than Chinese or Russian ones. It depends on the technological process and the quality of materials. The main thing when purchasing is a careful inspection and assessment of the condition of the tread and its release date.

Manufacturers count the warranty period of their products from the date of manufacture of the tire. Most of them offer a five-year warranty.

In addition, manufacturing countries indicate the service life of their products, which is expressed in mileage figures:

European protectors – 50,000-60,000 km;
Russian – 20,000-40,000 km;
Chinese - 50,000-80,000 km.

Thus, different tires should last at least two seasons.

According to experts, winter tires lose their performance after just four years of use. After this they “glaze over”.

Experts from the German automobile club ADAC reasonably believe that after two years the cost of tires should decrease significantly. The domestic market offers products whose shelf life does not exceed 3-4 years.

Is it possible to increase the service life

Many experts advise not to have any illusions about the acceptable quality of cheap tires from dubious manufacturers. On the other hand, branded rubber lasts much longer without problems.

During operation, it is important to consider the following:

Carefully monitor the tread pattern and the condition of its surface. For example, if the outer edges wear more intensely, this indicates insufficient pressure.
Tire lip wear on only one side is a clear sign of improper wheel alignment. Uneven deformation of the rubber surface occurs with a predominantly aggressive driving style. If such manifestations are present, then adequate measures should be taken immediately to eliminate them. This will extend the life of the tread.
You cannot ignore scheduled technical inspections and maintenance. You should check your tire pressure at least twice a month. It is recommended to carry out wheel balancing every 15,000 km. The service life of winter tires is directly affected by the load. To increase it, you do not need to overload the car.
Winter tires should be stored in the summer at a temperature of 5 to 25 degrees Celsius. A cool, dry room is suitable for these purposes, since high humidity negatively affects the condition of the tires.
In addition, you need to avoid even the slightest contact of rubber with lubricants and aggressive automotive chemicals.
It is not recommended to store tires without rims in a vertical position for a long time. This may lead to deformation.
When storing intact wheels, you should regularly check the pressure and pump them up if necessary.

Following these simple rules will help increase the service life of winter tires.

Thus, with the right choice of optimal rubber, careful operation, proper care and storage, it can reliably serve for six or seven seasons.

Why summer tires need to be changed, even if they are not worn out yet

The above-zero temperature outside the window is slowly establishing itself not only during the day, but also at night, the gray tumors of dirty snow here and there are finally dissolving, and you are thinking about the fact that you can already change the tires on your car to summer ones. You take them out of the garage, brush away the cobwebs and dirt that has dried up since the fall, look at them and... think. Maybe it's time to change them?

The material was prepared in collaboration with NITTO TIRES.

The scenario is realistic, but most likely not too realistic. Those who throw summer wheels into an unheated garage or onto a balcony, scraping off the autumn dirt only before the spring tire service, rarely look at them at all and can ride on one set until it turns into “slicks” or the cords are exposed. Those who carefully care for their car also monitor the condition and storage conditions of the tires and, of course, remember that tread depth is by no means the only indicator of the tires’ suitability for use.

Formally - depth

From a purely legal point of view, the main limitation on the possibility of using tires is the technical regulation of the Customs Union “On the safety of wheeled vehicles”. It clearly states that the minimum remaining tread depth for passenger cars is 1.6 millimeters. In addition, tires with the same size, design, tread pattern and other basic characteristics must be installed on the same axle.

Therefore, if in your budget plan for the coming months there is no surplus that can be spent on new tires, and the old ones meet this simple and quite uncomplicated requirement, then you can leave for another season on what you took out of winter storage. But for drivers who are attentive to themselves and those around them, not only the tread depth can be a reason to think about changing summer tires.

Really - one more thing

In everyday life, tires are exposed to much more negative factors than simple friction on the asphalt, which causes tread wear. Car overload, holes with sharp edges, speed bumps, temperature changes, salt and road reagents, gasoline, oil and other technical fluids spilled on the road, sunlight with its ultraviolet radiation and aggressive driving style - these are just some of the “problems” that occur in the path of the tires. And each of them may well affect their service life.

One of the telltale signs that a tire needs replacing can be vibration. If you feel it when driving, and balancing does not become a comprehensive solution, the problem may well be the tire. The reason for this can be either uneven wear or aging, leading to a change in the properties of the compound and slight deformation of the tire itself.

In addition, vibration can also be caused by defects visible to the naked eye. Damage to the sidewalls, swellings (so-called “hernias”), deep cuts (even healed) and all sorts of objects sticking out of the tire certainly do not contribute to its balancing, and therefore are a reason to visit not a tire shop, but a store.

An important circumstance regarding tread depth is its uniformity. If, for example, the tires are worn out on the outside, but the inside is like new, there are two bad news for the owner. Firstly, partially intact tread does not mean that such tires are “legal” - its depth must meet the requirements across the entire width. Secondly, uneven wear clearly indicates an urgent need to diagnose the suspension and visit a wheel alignment stand.

If the wheels are worn quite evenly and look decent, remember the years of your life together with them. If a certain tire (usually the front one) has constantly “won the lottery” of nails, screws and other sharp pieces of metal and broken glass, receiving regular follow-up treatment, there is reason to think about its suitability for further use. No, not because it is “unlucky”: a large number of damages inevitably leads to a violation of the original structure of the tire, and in this case it is impossible to guarantee the preservation of its properties. Of course, it’s worth taking into account the circumstances here: a couple of patches and quiet city use at permitted speeds will allow you to ride on such a wheel for a very long time. However, if the tire has already gone through 4-5 “operations”, and you often drive long distances, it is better not to skimp on your own peace of mind and safety.

A clear defect in aged wheels that can be noticed upon inspection is cracking. The notorious ultraviolet light, ozone, extreme temperatures and chemicals negatively affect the rubber compound from which the tires are made, and after a few years a network of small cracks may appear on them. They, of course, are not through and do not cause a loss of pressure, but they definitely pose a danger. Firstly, their depth is unknown and grows over time, with a good chance of reaching the cord. Of course, metal cord in modern tires is much less common than before, but polymer cord will also not be happy with the effects of water, salt and chemicals that have penetrated into it. Secondly, cracks are a mechanical violation of the tire structure, and they can easily lead to cord detachment or tire explosion - especially if the tire is used for long trips, where it heats up noticeably from movement.

The characteristics of specific tires are another factor that influences their possible service life. For example, sports tires have a softer compound, which provides better grip on warm roads. This directly affects their wear resistance: it is lower than that of “regular” tires. Of course, given these two introductions, the chances of encountering an aged sports tire that has not been worn down to the cord are slim. But the situation can be simulated.

For example, if you bought a car from an extremely active driver who upgraded it with a set of sports tires, but did not have time to distribute them on the asphalt before selling, and you yourself are not an equally zealous “driver”. In this case, you should take into account that the existing set of tires is more likely to “harden” and become cracked than to wear out - and it is the soft compound that will contribute to this. Aged “active” rubber, of course, is suitable for use, but has already lost the lion’s share of its properties, and therefore can fail at an unexpected moment.

Finally, one of the most important characteristics affecting the serviceability of tires is their age. We have already indirectly touched upon it in the above-mentioned factors, but there it was a companion to other negative influences. However, the aging of rubber itself inevitably leads to the loss of its original properties.

First, you need to understand that the starting point for the age of tires should be considered the date of their production, and not the date of purchase. Even new tires that have been in storage for 4-5 years are a very bad purchase, since over the years they have lost a good portion of the properties built into them by the manufacturer. If, for example, you bought two-year-old tires in a store, from the point of view of age, you should consider them just two years old, and not new - time cannot be fooled, and the aging process of rubber continues even when it is lying in warehouses and store shelves.

Opinions vary regarding the maximum acceptable age for tire use. Some people advise changing them at least every 4 years, others give tires a life cycle of 6 years. Tire manufacturers are more “loyal to the consumer’s wallet.” We asked the specialists at Nitto Tire about the maximum service life of rubber, where they announced more “pleasant to the ear” figures.

Tire service life is 10 years from the date of production (during this period, tires ensure safe operation in the absence of damage and compliance with the required remaining tread depth). The warranty period is 5 years from the date of production of the tire, but no more than 2 years from the date of delivery of the tires to the consumer. Shelf life (storage under proper conditions, during which a tire that has not been in use retains its performance properties) is 5 years from the date of production of the tire.

As can be seen from the commentary, one set of tires can theoretically be driven for 10 years - provided that they have not deteriorated from external influences. But buying new, but four-year-old tires is, as we said, a bad idea, since even the manufacturer himself only provides for 5 years of proper (which is important) storage.

Look and think

Summarizing all of the above, here's a quick checklist to check if it's time to change your summer tires:

the tire must have uniform tread wear across its entire width;
the tire should not have large cracks, cuts, swelling or other defects;
the tire should not cause vibrations when driving;
the tire should not show signs of multiple repairs;
the tire should not have a network of small cracks, especially noticeable when pressed or bent;
tires have not reached the age limit recommended by the manufacturer.

Saving should be economical

To summarize, I would like to say exactly the phrase in the subtitle. After all, a one-time saving of several thousand rubles can result in a loss of tens or hundreds of thousands in the event of damage to a wheel while driving or unplanned repairs on the road. And even if we don’t mention these “horror stories”, the factors of losing time, nerves and a certain amount of money on new tires at the least opportune moment still remain in force. Therefore, every time you prepare summer tires for installation on a car, spend more time inspecting them and making a final decision.

Car tire service life - how to replace it on time?

Car tire service life - how to replace it on time?
1. Tire life - signs of its end.
2. Assessing the service life of car tires – should we trust the manufacturer?
3. The service life of car tires - can it be increased?

Car tires are one of the most important components of car wheels. The tire is an elastic shell that is installed on a disk rim. It is the tire that is in contact with the surface of the road surface and is intended to dampen small vibrations due to imperfect roads, as well as to compensate for discrepancies in wheel trajectories. According to history, the first tire was designed in 1846 by Robert Thomson. The first copies could not be called reliable. They often burst and tore. Over their almost two-century history, car tires have been constantly improved and modern examples are much superior to their ancestors, both in design and in service life. But nothing lasts forever, and car tires are no exception. Sooner or later they will serve their purpose and will need to be replaced.

1. Tire life - signs of its end.

The service life of car tires is the period during which the manufacturer guarantees the ability to use the tires for their intended purpose and bears full responsibility for any discrepancies in the performance characteristics and emerging defects of the product. Car tires, according to manufacturers, last up to ten years. But in practice, they have to be changed approximately every 5-6 years, and sometimes even more often, which depends on many factors.

1. For passenger cars (load capacity up to two tons) – 45 thousand kilometers.

2. For trucks (load capacity from two to four tons) – 60 thousand kilometers.

3. For trucks (load capacity from four tons) - from 65 to 70 thousand kilometers.

Good tires are the key to safe driving. But even the best rubber wears out over time and loses its integrity. Therefore, the driver should always monitor the degree of tire wear. You need to take care of both summer and winter tires. Sometimes the service life of tires may not even reach five years, which, as already noted, is due to many factors that we will consider further.

How can you determine in advance when your tires are approaching the end of their service life?

1. If the tire tread has worn down to the level of the jumpers between the tread, then the tires have served their purpose. The degree of wear can be determined by eye or using tools. To measure the tread height, use a ruler with a special depth gauge. For summer tires this parameter should be more than 1.6 mm, and for winter tires - more than 4 mm. If these parameters are less, you should think about replacing tires. If wear is uneven over the entire surface, measurements should be taken on the most worn area.

2. On the surface of some tires there are numbers of different depths. And you can judge the degree of wear by how many numbers are visible at the moment.

3. If the car has studded tires, then the need to replace it can be judged by how many studs are left on it (if less than half are left, it should be replaced).

4. Small cracks on the sidewalls of the tire indicate aging of the rubber and are harbingers of its imminent replacement. But deep cuts on the sidewalls are an alarming signal for immediate tire replacement.

5. Swollen sidewalls (so-called “hernias”) appear due to rupture of the cord layer threads and indicate the need to replace the tires (sometimes “hernias” occur on the inside of the wheel, so you should always be very careful in inspecting them).

If you find something like this, then it's time to think about replacing your tires. And to confirm your fears, the right thing to do would be to contact a specialist who will accurately diagnose the condition of the tires.

2. Assessing the service life of car tires – should we trust the manufacturer?

Car tires come in different types, depending on the season for which they are intended:

1. Summer.

Tires are made of different rubber for different seasons. Summer tires are made of harder rubber than winter or all-season tires. Therefore, their service life will also be longer. As for all-season tires, they are not recommended for use in regions where winter temperatures are well below zero , as they will not live up to your expectations and will not last very long.

According to manufacturers, the service life of car tires ranges from seven (for winter) to ten (for summer) years. But you should not blindly believe such statements. The fact is that the service life of car tires is influenced by many factors, including:

1. The driver's driving habits (for example, extreme driving enthusiasts wear out tires much faster than those who drive carefully).

2. The quality of the road surface, which in our country is far from ideal.

3. The service life of tires is greatly influenced by the quality of automobile rubber. Cheap Chinese tires will last much less than tires from well-known brands (the service life of Chinese tires is about two seasons, and branded tires are about seven). But a famous brand is not the key to success. After all, very often fakes are sold under the label of well-known brands, and they, a priori, cannot last very long (when purchasing, be sure to remember this aspect and choose wisely).

4. Various mechanical damage (for example, cuts, bumps after impacts, deformations due to emergency braking, road accidents, etc.).

How to determine the causes of tire wear? There are many reasons why car tires wear out. And this is not only the gradual wear of the tread when traveling on the road (in accordance with the mileage for which they are designed). It is not difficult to determine the causes of wear (this is done by looking at the surface of the tire and the tread pattern). Let's consider several options.

1. If the outer edges of the tire are worn an order of magnitude more than the central part, then the tires were underinflated. But if, on the contrary, the central part is more worn than the outer edges, then the pressure was excessive.

2. If the tread edges are worn on only one side, it means the wheel alignment angles have been compromised.

3. Uneven tire deformations indicate the driver's addiction to extreme driving with sharp braking.

To summarize, it is worth noting that manufacturers, when indicating the service life of their tires, are guided by ideal conditions. And each motorist must independently predict these terms for himself, paying attention to the aspects considered.

3. The service life of car tires - can it be increased?

The service life of tires is determined by their mode of use, storage conditions and other factors. But it is impossible to accurately calculate this value, since there are so many variables in this equation. In order for your car tires to last as long as possible, you need to regularly care for them and ensure that they do not become damaged.

Recommendations on how to extend the life of car tires:

1. It is necessary to do a timely technical inspection of the entire vehicle, including tires.

2. Inspect your car tires monthly and if you find any suspicious changes, contact a specialist service center.

3. Every month (or even more often) you need to check the pressure inside the wheels. And, if non-compliance with standards is found, eliminate it.

4. Every 15 thousand kilometers it is worth balancing the wheels.

5. Carefully inspect the surface of the tires for the presence of bumps and foreign objects after impacts and sudden movements on the roads.

6. If the wheels are changed, then it is necessary to maintain the original direction of their movement. Otherwise, additional wear on the tire surface will occur.

7. After repairing the steering drive or replacing the joints on the car, be sure to carefully check the wheel alignment angles, and also regularly monitor the clearances in the bearings and the presence of play in the steering.

8. Ensure proper seasonal storage of rubber in the warehouse.

By following these simple rules, you can be sure that the service life of your car tires will be as long as possible, and the process of driving a car will become more comfortable and safe.

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