Is it OK to buy 5 year old tires?

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 your tires be when you buy them?

Many automakers, including Ford, Nissan and Mercedes-Benz, tell owners to replace tires six years after their production date, regardless of tread life. Tire manufacturers such as Continental and Michelin say a tire can last up to 10 years provided you get annual tire inspections after the fifth year.

Can tires last more than 5 years?

No matter the tread depth, if a tire is more than six years old, you should start thinking about replacement. That's because the rubber compounds in a tire deteriorate over time, resulting in dry rot. Dry rot makes your tires more susceptible to blowouts and tread separation.

Is 6 years too old for a tire?

Generally, a tire over 6 years old will not be as safe or effective as it was new. However, factors like temperature exposure, care, storage, and use can increase or decrease the amount of time a tire can be used before being retired. The DOT tire age designation will tell you when a tire was manufactured.

Do tires expire if not used?

It wouldn't be surprising to know that, yes, tires do degrade over time. In general, the original tires your vehicle came with should last you about 6-10 years or 50,000 miles. After this period, it's recommended to replace them with a new set. Even when tires are not in use, they do tend to degrade as time goes on.

Why old tyres are dangerous, and how to tell the age of your tyre

Are 7 year old tires still good?

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 long can tires be stored?

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.

Can you use 10 year old tires?

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. However, some admit that a tire can be operable up to 10 years if you check it for issues annually after the 5^th year.

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 long do used tires last?

Normally, used tires last 2-5 years if bought in adequate condition. A 2-year-old tire with no damage, patches, uneven wear, and with about 8/32” tread left, may last for good 5 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 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 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.

When should you replace tires?

When the tread is worn down, tires lose traction during braking and won't grip the road well when driving in the rain, ice and snow. But even if there's plenty of tread left, tires should be replaced if they're too old, at least every six years.

Are 12 year old tyres safe?

Together with other organisations in the tyre and automotive industries, we advise that all tyres (including spare tyres) made more than ten years ago should be removed from service and replaced with new tyres.

Are 20 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.

Can you drive on 8 year old tires?

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.

How long do tires last before they dry rot?

Tires can dry rot in as little as two years. When taken care of properly, most tires have a six-year lifetime with a maximum of ten years. Dry rotting typically happens when tires are in direct sunlight or stored wet environment.

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.

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.

Why you should never buy used tires?

Most manufacturers suggest you should not buy used tires because of the known safety issues. Even minor damages can cause serious problems, including tread separation and sidewall blowout.

What is a good price for 4 tires?

According to recent reviews, Angie's List members report paying an average cost of $637 to replace four tires, with a range of $525 to $725. According to CostHelper, a standard, all-season tire costs between $50 and $200 each with an average price of $80 to $150.