If you’ve ever driven on aging tires, you might have noticed small cracks that develop in the sidewall, and even between the treads, of your tires. While this cracking can be a common sign of aging in rubber tires, it is also a sign of potential trouble that drivers need to take seriously.
What happens if a tire is older than 6 years?
Kane and his organization have identified over 250 incidents in which tires older than six years have experienced tread and belt separations — most resulting in loss-of-control and rollover crashes. These incidents were the cause of 233 fatalities and 300 injuries in 2012. Every tire that’s on the road long enough will succumb to age.
Why do tyres crack?
Tyres are made up of rubber polymers, and after thousands of miles and months of being on the road, they naturally weaken. This makes the outside of the tyre become hard and brittle, leading it to crack. However, this can also happen if you leave a vehicle in a garage for a few years without driving it.
How do you know if your tires are aging?
It recommends that consumers check tires regularly for any sign of aging, such as tread distortion or large or small hairline cracks in the sidewall. Vibrations or a change in the dynamic properties of the tire could also be an indicator of aging problems, the association said.
What happens to the rubber in a tire as it ages?
The rubber in a tire gets hard as it ages, just as the rubber in other common materials does. You can even poke at tire treads with your fingernail and feel the difference between an old and new tire of the same brand and model.
Are 15 year old tyres OK?
It is lawful, but not recommended, to use tyres aged more than 10-years on other axles. Our research has found structural deterioration can occur in older tyres which cannot be identified through visual inspection.
Is it safe to replace a tire that’s 6 years old?
A tire that’s 6 years old or older isn’t safe and should be replaced, regardless of wear. People usually rely on a tire’s tread depth to determine when to replace it. But tire age is critical, too.
How long is a tire safe to use?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and official manufacturers suggest a tire is only 100% safe to use until it turns 5-6 years old. However, some admit that a tire can be operable up to 10 years if you check it for issues annually after the 5th year.
Are old tires dangerous?
Old tires are dangerous, regardless of tread depth. While there’s no federally sanctioned safety guidance on when a tire is too old to be safe, many carmakers recommend replacement at six years from the date of manufacture. Old tires have been the culprit in fatal accidents. Here are just two examples:
Is it OK to use a 10 year old spare tyre?
Simple question, 10 year old unused spare. No damage or visible perished rubber. Is it ok to use as a fresh tyre and put the worn one in the boot (other side has new same make due puncture). OR do I just bin it and buy another new one? Ta!! If it looks ok it will be fine. Mine is 11 years old from 2001, looks fine.
Can a 20 year old tire still be good?
While there’s no federally sanctioned safety guidance on when a tire is too old to be safe, many carmakers recommend replacement at six years from the date of manufacture. Old tires have been the culprit in fatal accidents.
Is a 20-year-old tire safe?
A 20-year-old tire may not be safe cause tires deteriorate through the years as they make it mostly of rubber that will degrade, eventually. There are reasons the tire will break down, such as heat, sunlight, snow, and other elements that can speed up its degradation.
How long can you keep tires?
In fact, tires stored may be worse off than tires that were actively being used. However, other tires may be used fine for a few years past six years. For instance, those stored in climate-controlled areas are typically fine until closer to ten years. With that said, it’s ten years in total.
Are 7 year old tires still good?
Some automakers suggest that tires be replaced as soon as they turn six years old. Some tire experts contend that tires can last anywhere from six to ten years if they’re stored and cared for properly. We recommend replacing tires aged 6-10 years, no matter how much tread remains.
How long are tires good for?
The other part is how old the tire actually is. Most tires are good for six years from the date of manufacture. So, if you get a tire that’s 2-years old, you only have four years until you should replace it. That’s even for tires that have a warranty for up to ten years.
How often should I replace my car’s tires?
Originally Answered: My car’s tires are 7 years old. However, they have low mileage (20,000 miles). Should I replace my tires? Visually inspect them periodically for cracks along the sidewall and where the bead seats. Dry rotting is a concern even if there is low mileage on the tires. Good idea to check tread depth too while you’re at it.
Why do Michelin tires crack?
Cracks are a sign that the rubber in your tires is starting to break down. This happens naturally due to exposure to UV light, oils, chemicals, and other elements that slowly break down compounds and reduce the rubber’s flexibility over time. As this flexibility declines, cracks develop.
How much tire cracking is ok?
Cracks that are barely visible may not be cause for immediate replacement. In most cases, you should only be concerned if cracks are deep, wide, or if cracking is widespread throughout many areas of your tire. Keep in mind that all cracking should be addressed, no matter how small.
Should I be concerned about tire cracks?
Whether or not you should be concerned depends on the severity of the cracks. If the tires are relatively young and the cracks are shallow and fairly limited on the surface of the tire, there really isn’t much call for alarm. However, this does tell us that the tires are aging, but it’s still more cosmetic than anything.
Is tyre cracking inevitable?
Unfortunately, tyre cracking is inevitable. It will eventually happen to any tyre, but only very late in the tyre’s life if it is being used correctly. Tyre cracking most commonly occurs on the sidewall of the tyre or at the base of the tread grooves, and not all cracking is cause for immediate alarm. Is it dangerous?
Can a tyre crack cause a blowout?
In many cases, cracking can purely be on the surface and relatively superficial. However, there can also be a more sinister type of cracking which goes deep into the inner part of your tyre, compromising its integrity. Cracks that go into the inner, or structural, part of your tyre increase the possibility of a blowout.
How long do tyres last?
In 5 years, your tyres will probably have been run over many different surfaces and perhaps have suffered shocks. After 5 years of use, have them checked by a professional at least once a year. This will ensure that they have not been damaged prematurely and that they do not endanger you or your passengers. Tyre DOT: how to tell tyre age?
