Can tires be used after five or six years of storage?
2 Answers
Tires stored for five or six years are not recommended for use. Below are relevant introductions about tires: 1. Prone to blowouts: Generally, tires older than five years are not advised for use. Even if the tires appear new, it's best not to use them for safety reasons. The main material of tires is rubber, and a significant characteristic of rubber is that it ages. After aging, the surface of the tire hardens and develops cracks, making it highly susceptible to blowouts upon impact from external forces. 2. Storage requirements: Tires should be stored in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and rain, and not overly ventilated. Additionally, keep them away from heat sources, oils, and acid or alkali compounds. It's advisable to rotate the tires periodically to change the stress points and prevent deformation.
For tires that have been sitting around for five or six years, I'd say they're most likely unusable. The rubber itself deteriorates over time, becoming hard and brittle. Even if they look fine on the surface, a close inspection will reveal small cracks. Storing them in a dark, dry place might help, but exposure to sunlight or damp conditions accelerates aging. The risk of a blowout is significant, especially at high speeds where sudden failure can be extremely dangerous. I recommend checking the manufacturing date—there's a code on the sidewall indicating the production year. After sitting for so long, even if the tread depth seems acceptable, it's not worth the risk. Replace them if needed. Safe driving is paramount, and regularly checking tire condition should be a necessary habit. Don't wait for a problem to arise before regretting it.
