Michelin Philippines - When to Change Your Car, Van or SUV Tires?

A Michelin Man figure on the shoulder of Michelin tires shows the location of the tread wear indicators situated in each of the main grooves of the tread.

These indicators are small raised areas at the bottom of the grooves of the tread pattern.

The Michelin Man

Wear indicators

If the surface of the rubber is at the level of these raised areas, the tire is most likely very close to the safe limit of 1.6 mm, or could even be below it! Use of worn-out tires increase the probability of tire failure. Wet conditions can cause the tire to lose traction suddenly. In most countries, it is illegal to drive with less than 1.6mm of remaining tread depth.

Taking care of your tires with the Michelin Safety and Saving tips will not only guarantee your safety, but also prolong your tire life.

Your tire can be seriously damaged if it impacts any solid object on the road e.g. kerb, pot hole, or a nail. There is a good chance that your tire can be repaired, but only an authorized tyre retailer or technician can tell you whether the tire can be repaired or has to be changed.

Puncture

Hump

Click here to know more about how to proceed on a tire check-up.

Note

Inspection by a professional is absolutely necessary because internal damage is not visible
while the tire is mounted.

But in one of the following situations, the tire definitely cannot be repaired:
1. Punctures to the sidewall
2. Bead wire visible or distorted
3. Separation of rubbers or fabrics
4. Creases in rubbers or fabrics
5. Damage by hydrocarbons or corrosive substances.
6. Chafing or mottling of internal rubbers by running under inflated.

The usable life of tires varies enormously and is impossible to predict. For this reason, Michelin recommends that all drivers pay attention to the external appearance of their tires, to any loss of inflation pressure or any abnormal occurrence (vibration, noise, lateral pull) which might demonstrate the need to replace them.

Moreover, in addition to regular inspections and tire pressure adjustment, Michelin also recommends that all tires (including those on spare wheels, trailers, caravans and camping cars), are inspected regularly by a tire specialist, who can assess whether they should continue in service. After five years or more of use, this inspection must be carried out at least once a year. Where necessary, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on replacement of original parts.

As a precaution, if the tires have not been replaced 10 years from their date of manufacture, Michelin recommends replacing them with new tires even if they appear to be in usable condition and have not worn down to the tread wear indicator.

Aged tire examples

When to change?

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