How old must a tire be to be considered a stock tire?
4 Answers
Tires over 3 years old are considered stock. According to the domestic trade industry standard "Technical Specifications for Tire Claims," the claim period (including unused and normally used tires) is calculated based on the tire production date, with a 3-year period as the valid claim duration. The domestic trade industry standard "Specifications for Tire Marketing Management" further stipulates that tire dealers should not sell tires that cannot be claimed. Here are some precautions to consider when purchasing and using tires: 1. Always check the production date when buying tires: If the production date is too old, do not purchase them. Tires are rubber products and will age even if unused. 2. Regularly inspect tire pressure and surface for damage during daily use: The sidewall of a tire is relatively fragile, and if it is scratched or punctured, it cannot be repaired. It is recommended that car owners replace their tires every four years, even if they have driven relatively few miles within that period.
How long can tires be stored before they are considered inventory tires? I get asked this question often, and generally, tires that have been produced for more than half a year are considered inventory tires. Rubber aging is a major issue—even brand-new tires start to harden and become brittle when left untouched in storage, and their performance deteriorates over time. So, how can you tell? Look for the DOT code on the sidewall of the tire—the last four digits indicate the production date. For example, "2423" means the tire was produced in the 24th week of 2023. I absolutely avoid tires older than 12 months because aged tires lose grip, are prone to skidding in the rain, and significantly increase braking distance. If stored under good conditions, they might last a bit longer, but for safety, I recommend always checking the date when buying tires and choosing those produced within the last three months. Don’t be tempted by discounted tires—they might have been sitting for over two years. It’s also important to regularly check your car’s tires for aging. Insert a coin into the tread grooves—if the tread is shallow or there are cracks, it’s time to replace them to ensure safe driving.
In my opinion, stock tires usually refer to those that have been sitting for more than half a year after production. Rubber naturally ages from the day it's manufactured, and prolonged storage causes loss of elasticity, increasing the risk of blowouts. Tires have DOT codes, with the last four digits indicating the production week and year. For example, 1924 means the tire was made in the 19th week of 2024. I advise against buying stock tires older than six months, as they perform worse on wet roads and feel unstable when driving. Checking your car's tires is also crucial: inspect the sidewalls for fine cracks every quarter or press with your thumb to check hardness. Severely aged tires should be replaced promptly. Storage duration has a significant impact, but stock tires over a year old suffer too much performance degradation. I'd rather spend a bit more for fresher tires. Safety comes first—don't overlook this detail, as it can save you a lot of repair troubles.
Stock tires are generally considered to be those produced over half a year ago. Rubber hardens over time, and even unused tires will age. The DOT code on the tire sidewall indicates the production date, with the last four digits like 1323 meaning the 13th week of 2023. Tires stored for over a year have weaker grip and pose a higher risk of slipping in wet conditions. I recommend buying tires with recent production dates to avoid accidents. Regularly check the tread depth and replace tires early if there are many cracks for peace of mind.
