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 go bad with age?

It may be tentative, but tires do have an expiration date. 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.

Can you use 20 year old tires?

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.

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.

Are 8 year old tires still good?

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.

Debunking The Tire Age Myth | The Shop Manual

Can you drive on 9 year old tires?

We recommend replacing tires aged 6-10 years, no matter how much tread remains. When it comes to replacing tires, things can be a little unpredictable. Mileage, condition and routine maintenance all contribute to the tire's safety and usability. You should replace them if you think they may have compromised integrity.

Is a 10 year old spare tire still good?

Most full-size spare tires are designed to last anywhere from seven to 10 years, according to John Paul. That said, drivers should never use a tire with visible damage, such as cracks in the sidewall, punctures, impact bulges or irregular tread wear – all of which are dangerous to drive on.

Can you drive a 15 year old tire?

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.

Can you drive on tires older than 10 years?

Some vehicle manufacturers recommend that tires be replaced every six years regardless of use. In addition, a number of tire manufacturers cite 10 years as the maximum service life for tires.

How long do tires last years?

On average, people drive between 12,000 to 15,000 miles a year, which means the average good quality all-season tire will last somewhere between three and five years, depending on maintenance, driving style and conditions, etc.

Are 7 year old tyres safe?

There is no definitive tyre age limit as to when you should replace your tyres but once your tyres reach 7-10 years old, you should keep a close eye on their condition and consider replacing them. Tyre ageing is commonly identified by small cracks, known as crazing, which appear in the tyre sidewall.

Do tires really expire?

Every tire has a birth date—the day it was manufactured—and an expiration date that is six years from that manufacture date. Most automobile manufacturers warn drivers to replace vehicle tires after six years. To wait any longer than that is a gamble with tire integrity and is risky for drivers.

Are 5 year old tyres OK?

Usually, the tyre tread wears down quicker than that. For older tyres, you can: Check for signs of cracking on the sidewalls of tyres 4 or 5 years old if your car's parked outside. Replace them if the cracking's severe.

How long can tires sit unused?

In general, tires can sit unused for 6-10 years. Though, after the six-year mark, an annual inspection will be necessary.

Are 4 year old tires still good?

Overall, the time limits for stored tires are much the same as for tires that are being used. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and official manufacturers suggest a tire is only 100% safe to use until it turns 5-6 years old.

How often should tires be replaced?

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.

How long does it take for tires to dry rot?

Dry rotting is more prevalent in tires that are stationary for a period of three months or more. This is because tires are kept moist by resins and oils within the rubber; these oils need downward pressure to be activated, and such pressure comes from coming into regular weighted contact with the road during driving.

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 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.

Does tire production date matter?

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.

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.

Can you save dry rotted tires?

Because dry rot cannot be repaired, it's important to reduce your tires' risk of developing cracks. The first step to preventing dry rot is to invest in new, high-quality tires each time you replace older tires. These tires are less likely to develop premature dry rot.

Should you replace tires that are cracking?

Once a crack is determined to be hazardous, it will be recommended that your tire(s) be replaced. If cracking is found throughout the surface and extends deep into the rubber, it's a sign that your tire's rubber compound is compromised – most of your tire's function is dependent on the integrity of the rubber compound.

How long should factory tires last?

Your tires should last 50,000 to 60,000 miles on average. But that really depends on the manufacturer. Some manufacturers build their tires to last up to 80,000 miles, while some design their tires to last as little as 30,000 miles. You can see how many miles to expect out of a tire by checking its treadwear rating.