How Long Can Car Tires Be Stored Before They Become Unusable?
2 Answers
Newly produced tires require 8 to 12 months of storage before entering a stable period. Tires stored for more than 3 years should not be used. This time frame is calculated from the production date, not the purchase date. Generally, the production date is marked on the sidewall of the tire. Here is some relevant information: 1. Typically, the service life of a tire is around 5 years, meaning that the time from production to installation should not exceed 8 years. Generally, tires should be replaced every 5 years or after driving 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers. However, the actual replacement cycle depends on driving conditions, temperature, tire pressure, and driving habits, as tire wear varies under different circumstances. 2. If a tire is severely worn and the tread pattern becomes smooth, its grip and drainage performance will significantly decrease, compromising safety. This can lead to vehicle skidding, longer braking distances, and a higher risk of accidents. Regular checks, such as cross-rotating front and rear tires, testing tire pressure, and performing wheel balancing, are essential to ensure driving safety.
I think this matter needs to be considered based on actual circumstances. The tire production date can be found on the sidewall, with four digits like 1523 indicating the 15th week of 2023. Even if never used, rubber starts to harden and crack after about five years. Last year, I found a seven-year-old stock tire in my garage—the tread was still deep, but it had become hard and brittle to the touch, so I threw it straight into recycling. If storage conditions are poor, such as direct sunlight or exposure to oil and gasoline, aging accelerates even faster. When replacing tires, don’t just look at wear—rubber lifespan matters too, especially in humid southern regions where deterioration happens more easily.