Alexey Abrameytsev, Head of Customer Support at Cordiant (part of the Cordiant holding), shared tips with Rossiyskaya Gazeta on how to determine the need to replace tires without visiting a service center.
Tread wear directly affects traction. This is especially critical when maneuvering on slippery roads: handling deteriorates, the front axle may skid when turning, and ABS and ESP systems may activate more frequently.
The risk of hydroplaning increases. New tires are better at evacuating water. If you notice a loss of traction when driving through puddles or ruts filled with water, this is a clear sign that your tires need to be replaced.
Tire use is associated with constant loads, including from uneven road surfaces. Damage to the tire carcass may manifest itself as vibration that cannot be eliminated by wheel balancing. Using such tires is unsafe, as the vibration will increase over time, which may lead to tire failure.
On some types of tires, the noise-absorbing elements of the tread wear out as they wear, causing an increase in the hum. Assessing tread wear is the simplest diagnostic method. It is important to remember that for winter tires, the minimum remaining tread depth must be at least 4 mm, and for summer tires – 1.6 mm.
Various damage to the tread and sidewall increases the likelihood of tire failure. A large number of repairs (especially using repair harnesses, which are a temporary solution) is also a reason to replace tires for safety.
Over time, the properties of the rubber from which tires are made change. Tires usually retain their performance characteristics for 3-5 years from the date of manufacture, after which their grip and overall strength may decrease due to loss of elasticity. It is strongly recommended not to install tires older than 10 years on a car. The appearance of multiple small cracks on the tire surface also indicates the end of its service life.
