You might be thinking, "There's still tread left, so it's fine." In fact, the lifespan of a tire cannot be determined by tread depth alone. Tires are the most important part of your car, and they carry your life with them. It's too late to act once a problem occurs.
This time, we will explain the surprisingly unknown "three signs that it's time to change your tires" in an easy-to-understand manner from a professional perspective.
1. Rubber "cracking" is a danger signal
Tires are made of rubber, so they will inevitably deteriorate over time. Even if the mileage is low and there is plenty of tread left, ultraviolet rays and heat will remove the oil and harden the rubber. If this is left unattended, fine cracks will appear on the surface.
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Initial level: Faint cracks on the surface (just wait and see)
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Danger level: Deep cracks that reach the tire's internal structure (cord)
Deep cracks can be very dangerous and may cause the tire to burst while driving. Check the sides and the depths of the grooves, and if there are any noticeable cracks, we recommend replacing the tire immediately.
2. "Five years" is the estimated lifespan
Tire manufacturers and professionals recommend replacing tires after five years of use.
When the rubber hardens, the tires lose their original grip (ability to grip the road surface). This significantly reduces braking performance, especially on rainy days, and can lead to slippage accidents. The less frequently a car is driven, the more difficult it is to notice deterioration over time, so you need to be careful.
If it's more than 4-5 years old, it's time to consider replacing it, even if it still has grooves.
3. How to read the "slip sign"
Of course, you should also check the lifespan of your tire due to wear. If you look at the groove on the extension of the "▲" mark on the side of your tire, you will see that the bottom is raised in just one area. This is a "slip sign."
When the tread on a tire wears down and this slip sign appears (when the tread depth is 1.6mm or less), the tire is prohibited by law from being used (and the vehicle will not pass inspection). However, for safety reasons, it is best to replace the tire "before the slip sign appears (when there are about 3-4mm remaining)." This is because when the tread becomes shallow, water cannot drain out on rainy days, making the vehicle more susceptible to "hydroplaning," which can cause loss of control.
Summary: For a safe car life
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Are there any cracks in the rubber?
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Has it been more than five years since you last used it?
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Is there a slip sign?
Make it a habit to check these three points regularly.
