Do car tires go bad with age?

The Evidence Is Clear: Tires Should Have An Expiration Date.

Older tires are substantially more likely to fail than newer ones. This is because tires are made mostly of rubber, and rubber degrades with age. Sunlight, heat, ice, and general wear and tear can accelerate the breakdown of a tire.

How long do tires last by age?

Some automakers suggest that tires be replaced as soon as they turn six years old. Some tire experts contend that tires can last anywhere from six to ten years if they're stored and cared for properly. We recommend replacing tires aged 6-10 years, no matter how much tread remains.

Are tires still good after 10 years?

There is a general consensus that most tires should be inspected, if not replaced, at about six years and should be absolutely be swapped out after 10 years, regardless of how much tread they have left.

Do car tires deteriorate with age?

Heat, combined with oxygen, accelerates rubber aging with the process of thermo-oxidative degradation. According to NHTSA research data, tires last less time in hotter climates, and consequentially, they fail quicker, no matter whether they are ridden or stored.

Do tires fail from age?

Now you need to know your tires' birthday too! Because research indicates that tires more than six years old should be retired, regardless of their tread depth or their miles on the road. Here's why: As tires age and are exposed to heat, the rubber deteriorates.

Do car tires expire? (Tire Advice 2021)

Are 7 year old tires safe?

Old tires are dangerous, regardless of tread depth. While there's no federally sanctioned safety guidance on when a tire is too old to be safe, many carmakers recommend replacement at six years from the date of manufacture. Old tires have been the culprit in fatal accidents.

Are 30 year old tires safe?

Per BRMA, unused tires over six years old should never be put in service, and all tires should be replaced after 10 years from their date of manufacture. JATMA recommends inspection after five years and replacement after 10, regardless of treadwear and overall condition.

Is it OK to buy 2 year old tires?

Old “New” Rubber

The tread is good, and the manufacture stickers may still be on it. When tires reach a certain age the rubber begins to dry out and crack. That can make it unsafe for road use because it may run the risk of blowing out, falling apart, or lose traction during bad road conditions.

How long can tires be stored before they go bad?

Properly stored tires that are protected from the elements and not mounted on a wheel, age very slowly before they are mounted and put into service. In our experience, when tires are properly stored and cared for, most street tires have a useful life in service of between six to ten years.

How long will tires last if stored properly?

Tires can last for several years in storage if they are stored in the right conditions. However, many tire experts recommend replacing tires six years after their production date regardless of the tread. Old tires can be compromised in other ways when the rubber compound breaks down.

Are 12 year old tires safe?

But 12-year-old tires would exceed all age limits in the world of rubber radials. Most tiremakers say tires should be inspected after six years and replaced after 10, and several automakers recommend replacing tires after six years of use.

How often should you replace tires?

The NHTSA recommends that tires be replaced every six years regardless of the number of miles driven. Proper inflation is the Holy Grail of tire maintenance. Too much or too little air in your tires is guaranteed to cause you trouble and uneven or excessive wear over time.

Do tires harden as they age?

The lifespan of an average tire is six years, regardless of mileage. Once tires hit that age, the rubber compound begins to harden, and the rubber is more likely to crack. It also doesn't grip the road surface the way it did when it was new.

Do tires deteriorate in storage?

If you don't handle and store your tires properly, their characteristics can change. This can shorten their life. They can even deteriorate so badly in storage that they need to be replaced. But if you handle and store them correctly, they will deliver years of service – and you'll save money.

Should tires be stored flat or upright?

Make sure to store your tires away from things like electric motors, furnaces, switches, and sump pumps because they are sources of ozone. 5. If possible, store tires vertically rather than stacking horizontally to reduce stress and tire distortion. Also, place on a piece of clean wood and not directly on the ground.

How old should tires be when purchased?

though it could have new tread, it is still an old tire. Tire Rack's recommendation that a tire should be replaced ten years from the date of manufacture or six years from the date it is placed into service applies to spare tires, as well, so if your vehicle is six years old or older, it's probably…

Are 5 year old new tires safe?

Industry standards recommend that 10 years old tires are absolutely unsafe and should be removed from storage. However, early signs of deterioration start once tires cross the 5-year mark. As a result, manufacturers and mechanics warn against the use of 5-year-old unused tires.

How old should a new tire be when you purchase it?

Regardless of tread wear, many vehicle manufacturers generally recommend that you replace your tires after six years. Most tire manufacturers recommend that you replace your tires at 10 years. Check the manufacturer's recommendations on your specific tires.

Can tires last 15 years?

Only one producer, Avon, recommended anything close: seven years. Other brands—Bridgestone, Michelin, Dunlop, and Continental—agree that 10 years is the maximum lifespan for a properly maintained set of tires. That seems like a crazy number, but Ari decided to put his money where his motorcycle is.

Should all 4 tires be replaced at the same time?

It's always best to replace all 4 tires at the same time. This is because all 4 tires spin independently of one another, and different tread depths and/or styles can cause them to spin at different speeds. That could potentially damage the drive train, and possibly affect an indirect TPMS system if the vehicle has one.

Why do new car tires wear out so fast?

New tires or factory tires wear out quickly because car manufacturers use soft rubber for their tires. This soft rubber wears out much faster than aftermarket tires.

Should 8 year old tires be replaced?

The rubber trade association, as well as Michelin and Continental, said tires can be safely used for up to 10 years, provided the tread is not worn and there is no visible dry rot.

Can tires last 20 years?

Tires are reliable after their manufacture for about 6-years and can stretch it to 8 years provided you look after your tire and be aware of issues before it happens. A 20-year-old tire may not be safe cause tires deteriorate through the years as they make it mostly of rubber that will degrade, eventually.

Do factory tires wear out faster?

Factory tires are also known as OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) tires. The factories choose a soft rubber tire to be installed on most vehicles. As such, they wear out faster than standard tires.