8 Essential Tire Facts You Should Know

8 Essential Tire Facts You Should Know. Compared to the engine, transmission, and electronic components, tires are one of the simplest parts of a car. Because they appear "tough and durable," many drivers tend to overlook their importance. However, this often leads to common misconceptions about tire maintenance. While tires may seem straightforward, their proper usage requires careful attention. Do you know these 8 Essential tire facts?

1. Do Cracks Mean Immediate Replacement?

If cracks on the tire are less than 6mm and do not damage the internal cord layers, they can be repaired rather than replaced. However, if the sidewall is damaged, replacing the tire immediately is necessary. If you feel it’s wasteful to discard an old tire, you can repair it and use it as a temporary spare.

2. Can Tires Last for 10 Years?

Tires should typically be replaced based on two key factors:

Usage time: Should not exceed 5 years.
Mileage: Should not exceed 60,000 km under normal road conditions.

For vehicles frequently driven on rough terrain, such as construction sites, tires may need replacement even earlier.

8 Essential Tire Facts You Should Know：There are many tires in the warehouse

3. Can You Replace Just One Tire?

For optimal performance, all four tires on a car should be of the same brand and specifications. If one tire needs replacement, it is best to replace all four. If budget constraints exist, at least replace both tires on the same axle to maintain balance and stability.

4. Should Tire Pressure Be Higher for Safety?

Just like bicycle tires, car tires require the right air pressure:

Underinflation: Causes sidewalls to flex excessively, leading to uneven wear and higher fuel consumption.
Overinflation: Makes tires more susceptible to impact damage and causes uneven wear patterns.

Always maintain the manufacturer-recommended tire pressure for safety and efficiency.

5. Should You Rotate Tires Regularly?

To prevent uneven wear and extend tire life, it is recommended to rotate tires every 10,000-20,000 km. This ensures even tread wear and enhances performance.

6. Is Wheel Balancing Necessary After Tire Replacement?

A wheel consists of a tire and a rim, and their mass distribution is never perfectly uniform. Unbalanced wheels can cause vibrations, uneven tire wear, and steering issues. After replacing tires, a wheel balancing test should be performed to add necessary weight adjustments for smooth driving.

The tires of a car spinning at high speed

7. Can Low Tire Pressure Prevent Blowouts?

Many believe that lowering tire pressure reduces the risk of blowouts, but in reality, low pressure increases the risk. When tire pressure is too low, the sidewalls flex excessively, generating excessive heat. This weakens the internal structure, leading to premature failure or blowouts.

8. Can Pet Urine Damage Tires?

Many pet owners worry that dog urine can corrode tires, but this is a misconception. Rubber does not react with pet urine, and the aging effect is negligible. Additionally, car rims have corrosion-resistant coatings, making them resistant even to strong acids and alkalis, let alone pet urine.

Final Thoughts

Tires may seem like a simple car component, but proper care and maintenance are crucial for safety, efficiency, and longevity. Understanding these 8 Essential tire facts helps avoid common mistakes and ensures a smoother, safer ride.

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