How old is too old for tires? When it’s time to replace them – Jalopnik

Most vehicle owners may feel that the right time to replace their vehicle’s tires is when they notice the usual signs of tread wear or cracks in the tire, or when the performance of the tires has diminished. But tires have a shelf life, which means that even if there is enough tread and the tire is undamaged, you will eventually need to replace them. Tires are made not only of rubber, but also of steel and textile cords that make them stronger. As tires age, the cords or straps can lose their adhesion to the rubber. This in turn results in cracks in the tire, which can cause the steel belt to separate from the rubber, posing a serious risk while driving.

Tire manufacturers recommend replacing tires between six and ten years of age, even if their use is below the stated mileage limit. Companies like Michelin and Bridgestone advise owners not to use tires older than 10 years, even if the tread depth is acceptable. Michelin recommends inspecting tires every year after the five-year mark to check for visible signs of damage. Goodyear – named the most satisfactory tire brand by Consumer Reports – and its subsidiary Cooper Tires, on the other hand, state that owners should not use tires for more than six years from the date of manufacture or from the time they are installed on the vehicle. But since the average driver travels just over 13,000 miles per year, and dealers expect tires to last about 30,000 miles, most U.S. drivers will likely wear out their tires before their expiration date.

Although lightly used tires can deteriorate before they wear out, they can also age more quickly under certain conditions. Hot weather and tire exposure to sunlight can accelerate aging, which NHTSA says is a bigger problem for people living in the southern U.S., where it is much warmer. One tire on your vehicle that is often overlooked is the spare tire, which experts say should also be replaced before the 10-year mark. Spare tires mounted on the tailgate or underside of the vehicle, such as on pickup trucks, should be inspected for corrosion on the nuts and bolts that hold them in place.