How Long Does a Tire Count as Stock Inventory?

[PhoebeLee]

Tires older than 3 years are considered stock inventory. Below is a partial introduction about tires: Introduction: The sidewall thickness of a tire is 5mm. Based on the carcass structure, automotive tires can be divided into pneumatic tires and solid tires. The vast majority of modern vehicles use pneumatic tires. Depending on the internal air pressure, pneumatic tires can be categorized into high-pressure tires, low-pressure tires, and ultra-low-pressure tires. Types: Low-pressure tires are commonly used in various vehicles. Pneumatic tires can also be divided into tube tires and tubeless tires based on their structure. Tubeless tires are widely used in passenger cars. Depending on the arrangement of the internal cord layers and cushion layers, tires can be further classified into radial tires and bias-ply tires. Radial tires are commonly used in vehicles. All tires have markings on their sidewalls.

[DelNevaeh]

I really learned my lesson when I changed my tires last time. I thought I got a great deal buying them online at a super low price, but cracks appeared within just a few months of installation, and they became extremely slippery. The mechanic told me they were actually stock tires that had been sitting too long and aged. Generally, tires are considered stock if they're over one year old from their production date. The production date can be found on the tire sidewall - the last four digits of the DOT code indicate the week and year of production. When tires sit in storage too long, the rubber hardens and becomes brittle, significantly reducing grip, which makes driving in rain or snow particularly dangerous. I've wised up now - I always check the production date before buying tires to avoid old stock, preferably choosing ones manufactured within the past six months. Storage conditions matter too - tires age faster in damp environments or under direct sunlight. After all, this is about safety - don't try to save a few bucks at the risk of your safety. Only new tires give you peace of mind when driving.

[OFinley]

Last time a customer asked me about the definition of aged tires in stock, I directly shared my experience with them. Our shop often receives tires that have been stored for a long time. Any tire that has been sitting for more than 18 months from its production date is definitely considered an aged tire. You can tell by checking the DOT code—the last two digits represent the year, and the first two digits indicate the week number. For example, '2318' means the 23rd week of 2018. If stored for too long, the rubber hardens and loses elasticity, affecting cornering performance and even increasing the risk of a blowout. Storage conditions also matter—keeping them in a damp, cold warehouse or under strong sunlight accelerates aging, so it's best to store them in a well-ventilated indoor space. Always check the date when buying tires, and avoid those over a year old. By the way, the customer also asked why aged tires wear out faster. I explained that the tread becomes brittle after aging, increasing friction and fuel consumption. Better replace them soon—safety comes first.

[Amelia]

I think stock tires are those that have been stored for a long time. Specifically, those produced over 12 months ago are considered as such. Once I bought cheap used tires, but after just a few thousand kilometers, the noise increased significantly and the grip was poor. Checking the production date revealed they had been stored for over two years. Aging causes rubber to harden and crack, making high-speed driving in summer even more unstable. I recommend asking about the production date when buying at a 4S store or authorized dealer, and choosing tires produced within the last six months. Although discounted stock tires are tempting, their shorter lifespan and quicker replacement make them less cost-effective. Storage conditions also matter; for example, tires stored on a balcony exposed to wind and sun age faster. Always check the date when inspecting your tires to avoid stock items.