What is the shelf life of tires?
2 Answers
Tires have a shelf life of 5 years or 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers, and must be replaced once this limit is reached. The functions of tires are: 1. Transmitting driving force, braking force, and steering force to achieve vehicle control; 2. Supporting vehicle load; 3. Reducing and absorbing vibrations and impacts during driving to prevent severe vibrations from damaging vehicle components. Tire maintenance methods include: 1. Regularly removing stones stuck in tire treads; 2. Minimizing exposure to direct sunlight; 3. Promptly checking tire pressure; 4. Paying attention to suspension maintenance; 5. Periodically inspecting front wheel alignment; 6. Adopting careful driving habits, such as choosing smooth road surfaces and avoiding objects that could puncture or scratch tires, as well as chemical spills that may corrode tires.
I've been driving for over a decade and changed many tires, with aging being my biggest concern. Even when tires aren't mounted on vehicles, the rubber gradually becomes brittle while stored in warehouses. Manufacturers typically provide about five years of warranty, calculated from the production date stamped on the tire sidewall. Look for the last four digits of the DOT code - for example, 3221 means the tire was produced in the 32nd week of 2021. Storage conditions are crucial; tires last longer in cool, dry environments, while direct sunlight or dampness accelerates rubber deterioration. Regardless of tread wear, I recommend not using tires older than six years. Last time, my friend's spare tire was over seven years old - the tread looked deep, but it developed a bulge after hitting a pothole. While tire technology has advanced significantly nowadays, we mustn't compromise safety standards. Regular checks for sidewall cracks are always wise.
