How long can tires sit in a garage?

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 long do tires last sitting in a garage?

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.

Is it OK to store tires in garage?

Place the tires in a cool, dry location. A basement or climate-controlled space works best whereas a standard garage, shed or attic often see a wide range of hot and cold temperatures as well as precipitation and humidity.

Do tires dry rot in garage?

Tire rot is caused by ambient heat, UV radiation (which has a similar effect on your face), ozone in the atmosphere, road salt and time. These factors are mostly worse if your car lives outside, but even garage queens can't sit on one set of tires forever.

How long can tires sit without being driven?

If you're not looking to store your vehicle indefinitely, which involves different procedures and prep work, experts recommend vehicles be driven every two to three weeks.

Top 10 Tips For Storing Your Tires

Are tires still good after sitting?

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.

What happens to tires if they sit too long?

Tires will be prone to deteriorate, lose air pressure, and develop flat spots.

How long does it take for tires to dry rot in a garage?

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.

Do tires rot if not used?

Resins in the tire compound are designed to protect the rubber, but only if it's actively engaged and in motion. The longer a vehicle sits unused, the more likely dry rot will develop. This is especially true if the tires are outside and exposed to fluctuating temperatures and direct sunlight.

How long do tires last before they dry rot?

4. Dry rot – If your tires show any signs of dry rot, a.k.a. sidewall cracking, it's time to replace them. All tires that are 5-6+ years old are at risk for dry rot, but it may happen sooner or could happen a little later. Click here to learn more about dry rot.

Do tires rot in storage?

Tires are kept moist by oils and resins that are mixed in with the rubber during the manufacturing process. These oils and resins are only activated when a tire is in motion. Therefore, tires that are immobile for an extended period of time (such as stored tires) are more prone to developing dry rotting.

How old can tires be and still be safe?

Most auto manufacturers recommend replacing tires over six years old regardless of tread depth. Some tire manufacturers like Michelin and Continental give a 10-year limit. As rubber compounds age, they deteriorate and become weaker like other rubber and plastic components on your car.

What temperature should tires be stored at?

Keep the tires stored indoors in a cool area, below 77 degrees, and away from direct sunlight. Tires should also be stored in an area with low humidity as humidity can cause condensation to form on the tires. Tires need to be kept dry during storage.

What happens to tires when a car sits for 2 years?

The tires can go flat.

But when a car is left to sit, they can become warped, flat and deflated. Definitely check your tires' air pressure before you resume driving. Bubbles may even appear in the tire and could cause a blowout while driving at high speeds.

Do unused tires expire?

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.

What can I spray on my tires to prevent dry rot?

BLAK is a once-a-year treatment that protects surfaces from UV and ozone exposure, prevents dry rot, and is suitable for motorcycles and golf carts. BLAK is a tire protectant that restores deep black color and shine on external surfaces that are at risk of fading.

Is it OK to store tires in a shed?

Carefully Choose Climate-Controlled Storage Space

Covering a tire will not necessarily protect it from the elements outside. The best option is to store the tire inside in a climate-controlled environment such as a garage, basement, or shed.

Is it safe to store tires in your house?

Store your tires in a clean, cool, and dry location, preferably indoors. Storing your tires indoors is better than keeping them outside, since there is less temperature and humidity variation indoors than there is outside.

How long does it take for tires to get flat spots from sitting?

If you're wondering how long before tires get flat spots, the answer may surprise you. According to Edmunds, leaving a car parked for as little as one month may be enough time to develop severe tire spotting.

Can tires get flat spots from sitting too long?

From rolling tires to flat spots

It's especially likely to occur when the tires experience a dramatic swing in ambient temperatures, the car is parked overnight in cold temperatures, or the vehicle is in storage for a long time. Another factor is tire pressure, and whether the tires are underinflated or overloaded.

Are 15 year old tires safe?

Discount Tire recommends that you replace your tires after 6 years of age, regardless of tread depth. For your safety, we will not service a tire that exceeds 10 years of age. You can find your tire's age in its DOT Identification Number, which you'll find stamped on the tire's sidewall.

How do you tell if your tires are too old?

At what temperature do tires fail?

Most experts consider 195 degrees Fahrenheit as the “line in the sand” when it comes to tire temperature: Beyond that point, the temperature will start impacting tire life. At 250 degrees, a tire will start to lose structural strength, could begin experiencing tread reversion and the tire will begin to lose strength.

What temperature do tires crack?

Driving the vehicle, when the temperature is below -7°C (20°F), may result in surface cracks in the tread area of the tire.