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 get harder as they age?

When tires get old, the rubber loses is elasticity (gets hard) and then when the tire heats up, the tread tends to blow right off. This can cause you to lose control of the vehicle, and it almost always causes some damage to the vehicle.

Why do tires get hard with age?

Tire aging is an issue of oxidation. As rubber is exposed to oxygen, it dries out and becomes stiffer, leading to cracking. The issue is primarily about how the inner, “wedge” layers of rubber oxidize.

What happens to a tire as it ages?

As a tire ages, small cracks in the rubber begin to develop over time, appearing on the surface and inside the tire. This cracking can eventually cause the steel belts in the tread to separate from the rest of the tire. Tread separation can also happen to defective, underinflated and poorly maintained tires.

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.

DO TIRES EXPIRE ???

Do tires deteriorate over time?

The rubber compounds in a tire deteriorate with time, regardless of the condition of the tread. For some people, old tires might never be an issue.

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.

Are tires safe 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.

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.

Why do tires go hard?

A tires service time expires because of the rubber aging, as the material is always exposed to oxygen that makes the particles become harder and less flexible. As a result, the rubber starts to crack outside and inside, which may cause tread or steel cord separation and complete tire failure.

How long can tires sit on a car?

Deterioration. While most manufacturers recommend that you replace your tires within six years, letting your vehicle sit for too long is one way to ensure early tire deterioration. Even if you're not actively driving on the road, your tires are still bearing the full weight of your stationary vehicle.

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.

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.

How many miles do tires last?

Tires typically last around 50,000 miles, but this will depend on your driving habits and where you live. If you frequently drive on unpaved roads or you have a lead foot, your tires may need to be replaced sooner.

Are 25 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.

Do tires go bad in storage?

When properly stored in a climate controlled warehouse, tires have an almost unlimited shelf life, and once they're on the road, proper care can add many years to a tire's life. "In general, we see six years of service with no more than 10 years of total life since manufacture."

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.

How old should tires be when you buy them?

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…

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.

How do I know if I need new tires?

Take a penny and place Lincoln's head in one of the grooves of the tire tread. If you can see all of Lincoln's head, it's time to replace the tire. If the penny goes in enough that the tire tread is at least as deep as Lincoln's forehead, your tires are generally considered safe and do not need replacing.

When should tires be rotated?

During rotation, each tire and wheel is removed from your vehicle and moved to a different position to ensure that all tires wear evenly and last longer. Tires should be rotated every six months or 6,000 to 8,000 miles.

Should I replace all 4 tires?

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.

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.