Tires: How to Know When to Change Them and Choose the Right Size Without Overspending

In Argentina, vehicle safety hinges on more than just the appearance of tires. While the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 millimeters, as mandated by national regulations, drivers and experts emphasize that this is merely a baseline. The real concern for safety, particularly in varied driving conditions like rain or sustained highway speeds, begins to diminish well before reaching this legal limit.

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When that tire reaches that depth, it has reached the legal minimum and must be replaced.

La Nación, a prominent Argentine publication, highlights that the tread wear indicators, small elevations within the main grooves, are key to identifying when the minimum is reached. However, the publication stresses that waiting until these indicators are flush with the tread is not ideal. Many specialists advise paying closer attention when the tread approaches 3 millimeters, a more prudent threshold for ensuring adequate grip and water evacuation.

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That value should be understood as a legal border and not necessarily as the ideal point to wait for replacement.

Beyond tread depth, the article underscores the importance of physical inspection. Cuts, cracks, bulges on the sidewalls, or unusual vibrations are critical warning signs that compromise the tire's structural integrity. Even seemingly minor impacts with curbs or potholes can cause internal damage not immediately visible. Furthermore, irregular wear patterns, whether due to underinflation, overinflation, or alignment issues, indicate underlying problems that must be addressed to prevent premature wear on new tires.

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many specialists recommend paying attention when the depth approaches 3 millimeters, especially if the vehicle is used frequently on routes or highways.