Car enthusiasts know well that the factors related to tires and accessories are crucial, especially tires that constantly make contact with the road surface and bear weight. Therefore, we must choose tires that meet safety standards and regularly check them to ensure optimal driving performance.

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Car Owners Should Know! When Should You Buy New Tires?

There is no fixed rule for when to change tires. Bridgestone, a popular tire and accessory company in Japan, recommends focusing on tread depth and tire condition. The tread should have a minimum depth of at least 1.6 millimeters, and the tire surface should be free of abnormalities. The age of the tire is less critical, but if you want a rough estimate, tires should be replaced every 3-5 years. Even if the tires are still functional, if they become hard and brittle, their grip on the road will significantly decrease.

Tips for Choosing Tires that Meet Your Needs

1. Choose Tires Suitable for Your Usage

For those driving on smooth roads, opt for tires with fine tread patterns and narrow, closely spaced grooves for better road grip and water drainage. However, if you frequently encounter rough roads, choose tires with larger tread patterns and wider grooves to help prevent mud and stones from getting stuck.

2. Appropriate Tire Size

When changing tires, choose the same brand, model, and size for all four tires. It's important to replace all four at once rather than in pairs, as this helps the driver maintain better control of the vehicle.

  • Small cars (up to 1,500 cc) should use tire sizes 185/60 R15 or 195/55 R15.
  • Medium cars (up to 2,000 cc) should use tire size 215/50 R17.
  • Diesel pickup trucks (2.5-3.0 liters) should use tire sizes 215/65 R16 or 265/60 R18.

3. Tread Patterns

  • Non-directional Tread: Tread patterns on the left and right sides face opposite directions. These tires are quiet and suitable for everyday driving.
  • Directional Tread: Tread patterns rotate in the same direction, providing good road grip and stability, ideal for rainy conditions.
  • Asymmetric Tread: The inner and outer tread patterns differ. The inner tread effectively channels water, while the outer tread enhances grip.

4. Check Tire Age

Check the production date on the tire sidewall, indicated as WW/YY, which stands for the week and year of manufacture. If you need to use second-hand tires, inspect them carefully.

5. Check Prices and Tire Warranty

To get the best tires and accessories, check the unique features of each brand, whether they suit your needs, and review the warranty provided by the manufacturer in case of damage under specific conditions.


How to Care for Your Beloved Tires to Extend Their Lifespan

  • Regularly check tire pressure at least once a month.
  • It's recommended to frequently rotate your tires to ensure even wear and prolong their lifespan. If you don't rotate them, the front tires will wear out faster than the rear tires.
  • Watch for signs such as tread depth.
  • Drive smoothly, including careful gear shifting, braking, accelerating, and cornering, to prevent premature tire wear.
  • Be mindful of road conditions while driving, such as potholes and rough surfaces.
  • Ensure proper and regular wheel alignment.
  • Check tire tread regularly each year to prevent uneven wear.


As you can see,tires and accessories all have a limited lifespan and need to be replaced based on usage. Each replacement comes with costs, but it’s essential to acknowledge that every drive will be safer. Therefore, users should choose the best tires that offer the most value for their usage. If you plan to change your tires, consider comparing prices to get the best deal and order your tires and accessories at the best prices on Shopee Thailand.