Can new tires still be used after being stored for four or five years?
3 Answers
Tires that have been idle for more than four years should not be used. This is because the rubber in tires deteriorates over four years of inactivity, leading to poor performance and an increased risk of accidents. The function of tires: Tires are circular elastic rubber products mounted on various vehicles or machinery to roll on the ground. They are typically installed on metal rims to support the vehicle body, absorb external shocks, ensure contact with the road surface, and maintain driving performance. Tire application scope and manufacturing requirements: Tires are often used under complex and demanding conditions. During operation, they endure various deformations, loads, forces, and temperature extremes. Therefore, they must possess high load-bearing capacity, traction performance, and shock absorption. Additionally, they need to exhibit high wear resistance, flexibility, and low rolling resistance with minimal heat generation.
Can tires still be used after being stored for four or five years? As someone who frequently researches automotive parts, I think the risks are quite significant. Tires are primarily made of rubber, and even if they are brand new and unused, they will age over several years due to environmental factors. For example, high temperatures or prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause the rubber to harden and develop cracks, affecting elasticity and grip. The manufacturing date can be checked via the DOT code on the tire sidewall—for instance, "2420" represents the 24th week of 2020. After four or five years of storage, even if the tires appear fine externally, their internal structure may have degraded, increasing the risk of blowouts or loss of control while driving. I once helped a friend inspect stored tires and found tiny cracks, so I advised him to replace them. For safety, it's better not to take the risk with old tires—buying new ones is the wiser choice. Driving with reliable tires is always safer than risking an accident. Regularly replacing tires is a crucial step in ensuring a safe journey.
I've been commuting with an SUV for years and encountered similar issues. Once I bought new tires and stored them in the garage, thinking I could save money by using them four years later. However, shortly after installation, I noticed poor grip, and they slipped dangerously in the rain. The mechanic later found the rubber had hardened and cracked due to aging. Storage conditions matter—keeping them in a cool, dry place might help slightly, but prolonged storage still degrades them. In humid or hot southern regions, aging accelerates. Now I know better: if tires sit unused for over three years, it's safer to buy new ones. During routine maintenance, I always check tire conditions—never compromise safety for laziness or cost savings. Safe driving is no trivial matter, and these lessons have made me more cautious.
