How Many Years Can Unused Tires Be Stored?

[BradyLee]

Unused tires can be stored for 4 to 5 years, with a maximum of no more than 5 years. The functions of tires are: 1. To support the entire weight of the vehicle and bear the load of the car; 2. To transmit traction and braking torque, ensuring good adhesion between the wheels and the road surface, thereby improving the car's power performance, braking performance, and off-road capability; 3. To prevent severe vibrations and early damage to automotive components. The steps for replacing tires are: 1. After parking and turning off the engine, use the handbrake to secure the vehicle; 2. Place heavy objects in front of and behind the wheels to prevent sliding, and set up a triangular warning sign behind the car; 3. Use a wrench to loosen the screws of the tire to be replaced in a diagonal pattern; 4. Place the jack on the side where the tire needs to be replaced and lift the vehicle to a certain height; 5. Remove the screws and take off the tire; 6. Install the spare tire or new tire and tighten the screws in a diagonal pattern; 7. Lower the vehicle by releasing the jack and ensure that the screws and nuts are properly tightened.

[DelRobert]

I've encountered quite a few cases of tire aging when helping with vehicle inspections at the shop. Even if tires aren't mounted on vehicles, the rubber material naturally deteriorates, becoming brittle like old rubber bands that have been stored too long. Generally, it's recommended not to exceed six years, and tires over ten years old are basically unusable. Storage conditions are crucial - it's best to keep them in a dark, dry indoor environment with temperatures not exceeding 35°C, and avoid direct contact with oil stains or chemical solvents. Storing tires upright is better than stacking them horizontally to prevent sidewall deformation. Whenever I check customers' spare tires in inventory, I always inspect the sidewalls for fine cracks and test the rubber's flexibility. Tires with cracks must never be used - they're prone to blowouts during high-speed driving.

[LouisLynn]

The spare tire of my own car was left unused for over four years once, and when I took it out, I found fine cracks all over the sidewalls. The mechanic said rubber can oxidize and deteriorate even when not in use for long periods, and exposure to sunlight accelerates aging. Now, I store the spare tire wrapped in a black dust cover in the underground garage and check it once a year. Generally, the production date of a tire can be found on the sidewall, and if it's over five years old, it should be used with caution. Once, a friend gave me a set of tires that had been in storage for three years, so I specifically bought a hygrometer for the garage to ensure a dry environment. Rubber products are like this—once their time is up, their performance drops sharply. Don’t hesitate to spend money; safety is the most important thing.

[DelFinn]

Having sold tires for ten years, I often remind customers to pay attention to inventory cycles. Tires aren't like wine that improves with age—the anti-aging agents in rubber are only effective for about five to six years. In our shop, we prioritize selling tires with the newest production dates, and those unsold for over three years are discounted. During storage, avoid exposure to strong light sources and high-temperature equipment, and ensure proper warehouse ventilation. Regular car owners can simply check the four-digit production date code on the tire sidewall—for example, '2523' means the tire was produced in the 25th week of 2023. Tires stored for over six years should be discarded outright; even if the tread is deep and there are no cracks, they should never be used again.