How Long Does a Tire Qualify as Stock Inventory?

[OLandon]

Tires older than 1 year are considered stock inventory. The production date of a tire is usually marked on the sidewall. You can check the letters and numbers on the tire's sidewall to find it. There is a series of numbers and letters after DOT, and the last four digits of DOT represent the tire's production date. Tires stored for over 3 years are strictly prohibited from use because the main material of tires is rubber. After 3 years of storage, tires will age, become prone to cracking, and their heat dissipation performance will significantly decline. Driving comfort becomes extremely poor, acceleration becomes very slow, and there is a high risk of danger due to insufficient grip during braking. Under high-speed driving conditions, there is an even greater risk of life-threatening blowouts. Therefore, tires stored for over 3 years should not be purchased. The manufacturing date of a tire affects its service life, and tire pressure is equally crucial for the tire's lifespan. Therefore, it's important to regularly check tire pressure during daily vehicle use. The recommended tire pressure value from the manufacturer can usually be found near the door. Improper tire pressure values will accelerate tire wear and shorten the tire's service life.

[Lima]

Every time I change tires, I pay special attention to the production date because rubber tends to harden and become brittle over time. There's a small square on the tire sidewall with a four-digit number indicating the production year and week. Generally, tires stored for over a year are considered stock tires, and some dealerships offer them at half price, which can be quite tempting. However, I must warn you that tires stored for three years, even with deep treads, are not recommended as the rubber begins to age, increasing the risk of blowouts at high speeds. Last time I helped a friend inspect a car, I found all four tires had been in stock for two and a half years, and I immediately advised him to replace them all. When it comes to safety, you can't afford to cut corners—choosing tires produced within the last six months is the safest bet.

[LondonDella]

I have a deep understanding of tire storage time, as I deal with vehicles every day. Tires that have been in storage for over a year are considered stock tires, and you must carefully check the DOT code on the sidewall when buying new ones. Tires stored for two to three years suffer severe rubber aging, significantly reducing grip, especially dangerous when the ground is icy in winter. I once saw a car owner buy cheap stock tires, resulting in a braking distance nearly ten meters longer in the rain. Nowadays, car dealers often discount stock tires, but it's advisable not to consider those over two years old. Tires, like food, have a shelf life—freshness is key.

[ODeclan]

The worst thing about changing tires is getting stuck with old stock tires. I learned this the hard way last month. Here's a trick: Look for a four-digit number on the tire sidewall. The last two digits indicate the year, and the first two represent the week. Any tire stored for over a year is considered old stock, and those over three years should be scrapped immediately. Old stock tires may look new with intact treads, but the rubber loses elasticity, worsening cornering stability. Some e-commerce platforms now sell cheap old stock tires during clearance sales. While you might save a few hundred bucks, it's a major safety hazard. I recommend buying new tires manufactured within the past six months for peace of mind.