How Long Can Tires Be Considered as Stock Tires?
3 Answers
Tires older than one year are considered stock tires, and tires that have been in storage for three years are expired. The rubber of these tires has already aged, leading to a significant decrease in comfort, increased susceptibility to cracking, and reduced heat dissipation. Whether accelerating or braking, these tires have a substantial impact. They are also highly prone to blowouts at high speeds, seriously endangering the safety of the vehicle owner's life and property. Purchasing such tires is strictly prohibited. Situations requiring tire replacement: 1. Tires with cracks; 2. Tires that have been repaired more than three times; 3. Tires with severe sidewall scratches; 4. Severe wear on the tire shoulder or sidewall; 5. Deformed tread or damaged rim; 6. Severe aging and peeling; 7. Tread pattern below the wear indicator; 8. Bulging tires.
How long can tires be stored before they are considered stock tires? I've been driving for over ten years and have learned a lot of experience. Generally, in the tire industry, tires stored for more than 6 months are called stock tires because new tires have a fast turnover, and after half a year, they may not be sold, so dealerships clear their inventory by selling them at a discount. There is a DOT code on the side of the tire, and the last four digits indicate the production year and month; tires over a year old are prone to rubber aging, feeling hard and brittle, with poor grip in rainy weather. I once tried to save money by buying stock tires, but after a few months, obvious cracks appeared, and switching to new tires made driving much safer. It's recommended to check the date directly when buying tires and choose fresh ones within six months—don’t compromise safety for a cheap deal. Aging also increases the risk of tire blowouts, especially in high temperatures, so regular maintenance is crucial.
As someone who frequently deals with tires, I believe that stock tires are typically those stored for more than half a year. New tires should be quickly circulated from production to sales, and if they exceed the period, dealers will label them as stock and sell them at a discount. The lifespan of tire rubber is about 5 years, but if stored for too long, they age prematurely—like many old tires I've handled at work, which develop surface cracks after just one year and lose elasticity when squeezed. When buying tires, remember to check the date code on the sidewall: the first two digits represent the week, and the last two digits represent the year; for example, 2324 means the tire was produced in the 23rd week of 2024. Be cautious of tires older than 9 months, and it's advisable to avoid them or have a professional shop conduct a pressure test. Safety first—put in a little extra effort when changing tires.
