How Long Are Tires Considered Stock?
3 Answers
Tires older than one year are considered stock. There is a set of numbers on the tire sidewall, where the last four digits represent the manufacturing date—the first two digits indicate the week of the year, and the last two digits represent the year. Tires are circular elastic rubber products mounted on various vehicles or machinery for rolling contact with the ground, with a normal pressure range of 2.2 to 2.5 bar. The functions of tires are: 1. To prevent severe vibrations and early damage to vehicle components, adapt to high-speed performance, and reduce driving noise; 2. To support the entire weight of the vehicle, bear the load, and transmit forces and moments in other directions; 3. To transmit traction and braking torque, ensuring good adhesion between the wheel and the road surface to improve the vehicle's power, braking, and off-road performance.
As an ordinary driver, I always pay attention to tire condition since it's crucial for driving safety. Generally, tires last about four to five years or around 50,000 kilometers before needing attention. The actual lifespan depends on driving habits: frequent stop-and-go city driving may cause slower wear, while highway driving or heavy loads accelerate tire wear. I regularly check tread depth using the coin test—if the tread wears down to the coin's edge marking, it's time for replacement. Don't ignore aging signs like sidewall cracks or bulges, which pose safety risks. After recently replacing my tires, I noticed significantly shorter braking distances and improved stability. During regular maintenance, have technicians check tire pressure and wear to extend lifespan, but don't delay replacements too long.
From a mechanic's perspective, I help car owners with tire issues daily. There's no fixed lifespan for tires – it primarily depends on three factors: usage time exceeding four years, mileage surpassing 60,000 kilometers, and tread wear. When tread depth falls below 1.6mm, it becomes dangerous as tires are prone to skidding or blowouts. Many people don't know how to check aging – tires parked in sunlight deteriorate faster, especially under summer heat which accelerates aging. For safety, I recommend using calipers to measure tread depth every six months and replace tires promptly. Never skimp on this expense – new tires typically last 40,000-60,000 km, though specific brands and road conditions also affect service life.
