How long do tires last after manufacture date?

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.

Does manufacture date of tires matter?

A large body of scientific evidence supports that most tires should be replaced six years from the date they are manufactured. This six-year expiration date begins from the day the tire was manufactured at the plant—not the date it was sold to a consumer or the date that it was installed on a vehicle.

Do tires really 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. How do you know how old your tires are?

Are tires still good after 5 years?

As a result, manufacturers and mechanics warn against the use of 5-year-old unused tires. That is because, after 5 years of staying on the shelf or in the trunk of your car, tires succumb to old age. Since the tire has not been driven, it lacks grease, making the rubber dry or brittle, with pieces flaking off.

Are tires still good after 6 years?

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.

Do car tires expire? (Tire Advice 2021)

Can I drive on 8 year old tires?

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.

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 sit and still be good?

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

How old should tires be when purchased?

Consumers should insist on replacement tires manufactured within months of the purchase date. And, regardless of tread depth, vehicle owners should replace their tires six years and older.

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.

Is it OK to use expired tires?

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.

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.

Do tires deteriorate over time?

Yes, tires do degrade over time. Original tires typically last six to ten years or 50,000 miles. They need to be replaced after this period. The tire will still begin to develop cracks even if it isn't used!

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 tires last 20 years?

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 get hard with 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.

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 often should you rotate your tires?

Namely, it's a best practice to rotate tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or so. This is a rule of thumb, however, and you'll want to double-check with your vehicle's owner's manual for more specific information.

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.

Do tires dry rot in garage?

Bad news: That pricey recommendation could well be right. 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.

Is it OK to store tires in a shed?

Many people choose to store tires in their unheated garage or shed. Temperature and moisture fluctuations make this environment less than ideal but if this is your only option, it's better than leaving them outdoors. It's okay to stack tires on top of each other.

Is it OK to store tires in the house?

The good news is that you can store tires safely in your home. The great indoors is the ideal place to store tires because it is cool and dry. Most of us also keep our homes climate-controlled throughout the year, so the rubber tires would not be exposed to major fluctuations in temperature or precipitation.

What are the red dots on my tires?

The red dot

They have high and low points because of where the belts are joined, and these points can cause vibrations when a tire is rolling. The red dot indicates the tire's high point. Most of the time, a wheel will also have a dot—either a drilled dot or a sticker to indicate its low point.

How often should you get an alignment?

For virtually all vehicles, it's necessary to get your wheels aligned periodically. Most car experts recommend scheduling an alignment every other oil change, or approximately every 6,000 miles.