Tire age is an essential factor in determining the safety of your vehicle.
In fact, it’s so important, that riding around on old tires makes you negligible in the event that something tragic happens.
Understanding when your tires are considered “too old” is essential for ensuring a safe and smooth driving experience.
So in the name of safety, let’s explore the factors that determine tire age, the recommended age limit for tires, and the safety implications of using old tires.
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Table of Contents
- What Is Considered “Too Old” For Tires?
- Signs Of Aging Tires
- Safety Implications Of Using Old Tires
- How To Determine Tire Age
- Tire Replacement Guidelines
- Wrapping Things Up
What Is Considered “Too Old” For Tires?
The age of a tire is determined mainly by the manufacturing date.
Things like usage, exposure to environmental conditions, and storage also affect a tire’s roadworthiness but to a lesser degree.
A tire is generally considered too old after 6-10 years, regardless of the remaining tread depth.
I know that sucks to hear but if your tires are a decade old they aren’t safe anymore, even if they have 100% tread depth.
This is mostly because the main ingredient of tires is rubber and rubber polymers.
Some tires can last a little longer if you store them in temperature and humidity-proof space, but it’s unlikely any tire you encounter will have been kept under those conditions.
Signs Of Aging Tires
Aging tires can show visible signs of wear and tear, such as cracks in the sidewall, dry rot, and discoloration.
Science has done wonders in the past 100 years in the development of rubber compounds for tires.
They have allowed all variations from winter compounds to summer grip. However, we can not beat father time.
Rubber polymers even in our modern age still deteriorate.
Old tires exhibit poor performance, reduced grip, and increased stopping distance, which can greatly impact your vehicle’s handling and safety on the road.
Safety Implications Of Using Old Tires
It goes without saying but old tires pose a significant risk to your safety on the road.
Old tires are more prone to failure, such as blowouts and tread separation.
Using old tires also increases the risk of hydroplaning and reduced traction, which can lead to serious accidents.
All things we don’t want.
Really old tires can even begin losing their shape because rubber begins to harden as it loses its elasticity.
Yes, your old tires are less round as time passes. This also causes them to lose air and burn tread even faster.
If you want to know the dangers of low tread tires just check out our article here.
How To Determine Tire Age
The age of a tire can be determined easily by reading the sidewall markings.
The last four digits of the tire identification number (TIN) indicate the week and year the tire was manufactured.
For example, “2502” means the tire was manufactured in the 25th week of 2002.
Yes, it’s confusing, and I wish they just wrote in a MM/DD/YYYY format but it’s the way it is.
Tire Replacement Guidelines
If your tires are approaching the recommended age limit or showing signs of aging, it’s important to replace them.
The good news is, buying tires online is easier than ever. Especially from prioritytire.com where they have thousands of selections of all kinds of tires all shipped directly to your doorstep.
If you need help picking the most fuel efficient tire check out our guide here where we break down all the different types of tires you can get and which ones increase your fuel economy.
Wrapping Things Up
Tire age is a critical factor in determining the safety of your vehicle.
Understanding when your tires are considered “too old” and the risks associated with using old tires is essential for a safe and smooth driving.
Regular tire inspections and maintenance can help prolong the life of your tires so be sure to check them periodically. Safe travels!
We might receive commissions if you click on our links and sign up/make purchases. However, please know this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try to keep things fair and balanced to help you make the best choice for your needs. Thanks.