Tire age is so important. However, many people think that as long as their tires pass inspection or have not yet created any major issues, they are safe and fine to drive with. When tires get old, though, they get worn out and become a safety risk. Why? Let’s learn how!
Tire Age – How Old Is Too Old?
There is no exact answer to the common question about tire age – how old is too old? Car manufacturers, tire makers, and some auto repair shops differ on the maximum age tires should have. Some state that after six years of use, tires should be replaced. Others will tell you that properly maintained tires can last more like ten years as long as you get yearly tire inspections annually after the fifth year of use. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has no specific guidelines on tire aging and defers to the recommendations of car makers and tire manufacturers.
Of course, there are other factors that will determine a tire’s lifespan, too. Things like tire maintenance, weather and climate, driving habits, type of driving and roads, tire pressure, storage and type of tire do matter.
Does Tire Age Matter? Yes!
So you probably know now that old tires are dangerous, but why? What happens to tires that should be replaced, but are not? Cracks. Cracks in a tire’s rubber appear over time both internally and on the tire’s surface. This can lead to the steel belts in the tread separating from the rest of the tire. When this occurs, combined with poor or absent maintenance and driving in heat, the process is accelerated as is the risk of accidents caused by tire blowouts and flats.
There have been several instances recorded where tires over six years of age have experienced tread and belt separations. The end result was usually loss-of-control and rollover crashes.
NHTSA research has found that tires age more quickly in warmer climates.
Tire Maintenance and Care
When it comes to tire maintenance and care, you’ll want to think about proper inflation, rotation, tread and repairs or damage. Multiple factors will contribute to how quickly your tire wears out. Routine maintenance with a trusted repair shop can help maintain your tire pressure, rotate your tires, check tread wear, and do regular inspections on their overall condition. This will keep your tires lasting longer and keep you safer when driving!
Tire Services and Tips
- Don’t buy used tires. Tires can be expensive, especially with mounting and balancing costs, and it is tempting for some people to save money by buying used tires. However, buying used tires means giving up any true knowledge about their past, their maintenance and their driving conditions. You could find the actual age, but that’s about it. Not the whole story …
- Choose a repair shop that has a good reputation and quality tires for sale.
- Make sure those new tires are fresh tires. New tires could have been sitting around unused for a while.
- If you suspect something is wrong with your tires, have them checked.
- Learn how to find the age of your tire.
Schedule an appointment today so we can check the age and condition of your tires. Our main goal is to make sure you are safe on the road. Tires are an important safety feature of your vehicle – keeping them young, fresh and strong is always our goal for you!
