Are Tires Within One Year Considered Stock Tires?
2 Answers
Are Tires Within One Year Considered Stock Tires? Here is the relevant introduction about stock tires: 1. Tires over one year old are considered stock tires. There is a set of numbers on the tire sidewall, and the last four digits of this set represent the manufacturing date. The first two digits indicate the week of the year, and the last two digits represent the year. By calculating, you can identify whether the tire is a stock tire. 2. Tires are rubber products, and their storage is affected by humidity and temperature. Rubber is sensitive to environmental temperature and humidity, and over time, aging can occur. The various chemical substances inside the tire require a certain period to be released and stabilized. Only after stabilization can the tire's wear resistance reach an ideal state, allowing for longer use and mileage. 3. Tires that have been in storage for three years are considered expired tires. The rubber of these tires has aged, leading to a significant decline in comfort, increased susceptibility to cracking, and reduced heat dissipation performance.
I generally don't consider tires within one year as strictly defined inventory tires, but it ultimately depends on storage conditions. Tire aging is primarily influenced by time, temperature, and humidity, as rubber materials undergo automatic oxidation. The key is to check the production date - the DOT code on the sidewall shows the week and year of manufacture. If produced in 2023 and purchased in 2024 (less than one year old), they're usually quite fresh. However, if stored in a high-temperature, high-humidity garage, aging may accelerate, leading to fine cracks on the tread and reduced grip. When replacing tires myself, I prefer to prioritize those within 6 months of production for maximum safety. Regular checks of tire pressure and appearance are also crucial, especially before long trips - never overlook these details. The storage environment matters greatly - keeping tires away from light and heat is optimal for extending their lifespan.
