How long does it take to change car tires?

Car tires must be replaced regularly. However, many people are still confused about when to change tires. Some use length of use and distance traveled as a benchmark. There is some truth to this, but it still cannot be used as a definite reference.

The condition of the tires must be ensured to be excellent. In direct contact with the road surface, tires greatly determine the vehicle's speed and safety.

When a tire is damaged, it must be replaced to ensure a safe and comfortable trip. This is ultimately the question. How long does it take for car tires to be replaced? 

Various References for Changing Car Tires

There are various references to car tire replacement periods circulating in the public. The first is based on the distance traveled and the second is based on the period of use.

Many believe that car tires need to be replaced every time they travel 100 thousand km. However, this is only a general average and cannot be used as a definite reference.

The temperature conditions of a region also determine. When used in hotter areas, tires erode more quickly. So, the lifespan in tropical and subtropical areas is definitely different. For this reason, many people believe that tires can be used for up to five years. When this time exceeds, it is recommended to replace it immediately.

Factors that Influence Tire Condition

You need to realize that tire durability depends on many factors. Here are some of them:

â— Factory

Each tire brand uses different materials, designs and technologies. This determines the difference in durability.

â— Driving Style

The way you drive has a big influence on tire life. Aggressive driving with hard braking will wear down the tires faster than a normal driving style.

â— Tire Maintenance

Awareness of continuing to care for your tires, such as cleaning them from dirt, rotating your tires, or maintaining good tire pressure, will prolong the service life of your tires. This also varies from tire to tire.

â— Vehicle Type

The type of vehicle also matters. Tires on vehicles with heavy loads such as trucks wear out more quickly than passenger car tires.

â— Road Conditions

Factors of the road traveled also determine the service life of the tire. If you frequently use it on potholes and hot roads, the tires will definitely be damaged more quickly.

See Tire Condition for Reference

These various factors affect tire life. Therefore, it is difficult to determine the condition of tires based only on the time and distance they have been used. It's better to see the condition directly as a benchmark for changing tires.

Look at the condition of the tires. Pay attention to whether it is bald, lumpy, or has cracks? If it's really bad, make a replacement immediately without paying attention to kilometers or usage time.

Then, pay attention to the thickness of the tire. As a reference, look at the Tread Wear Indicator (TWI) on the tire. This is a sign of the tire wear limit recommended by the tire manufacturer.

There are two TWI indicators on the tire, namely at the edge of the tire and in the middle of the tire tread. The TWI on the side of the tire is a small triangle in the area under the tire tread. Meanwhile, the TWI in the middle of the tire tread has the shape of a bulge that is not as high as the tire tread.

If the tire tread touches the TWI triangle on the side, the tire must be replaced. Likewise, if the tire groove depth is lower than 1.6 mm. Tire changes are mandatory. 

These things are more suitable as a reference for changing tires than the length and time of use.