What is the shelf life of car tires?
2 Answers
Tires have a shelf life of 3 to 5 years. Types of tires include: The international standard tire code represents the section width and aspect ratio percentage in millimeters. This is followed by: tire type code, rim diameter (in inches), load index (permissible load capacity code), and permissible speed rating. The difference between 94V and 94W lies in their permissible speed ratings (V vs W). Main functions of tires: Support the entire weight of the vehicle and bear the vehicle's load; transmit traction and braking torque to ensure adhesion between wheels and road surface; absorb and reduce vibrations and impacts during driving to prevent severe vibration and premature damage to vehicle components; adapt to high-speed performance while reducing driving noise; ensure driving safety, handling stability, comfort, and fuel economy.
Last year when I changed my tires, I did some research on this. Actually, tires don't have a strict expiration date, but it's generally recommended to pay special attention to inspection after 5-6 years. Rubber naturally ages and cracks over time, especially for cars frequently exposed to sunlight. I've seen tires that hadn't been changed for eight years, with tiny cracks all over the surface - such tires pose a high risk of blowouts at high speeds. Even with low mileage, always check the production date. There's a four-digit number on the tire sidewall, like '3523', which means the tire was produced in the 35th week of 2023. When changing tires, remember to check the spare tire as well - spare tires age just the same even after sitting for ten years.
