Tire question

[boosted475]

Okay at the risk of sounding stupid, I ask this question.
I recently heard that tires actually have an expiration date?
That after X-amount of years even if the tread is good, the rubber is bad?
Can anyone clarify this for me please?

Thanks.

[Bio248]

if you let them sit around and dry rot, then yes they go bad over time.

[Chris]

Tire Tech Information - Determining the Age of a Tire

There was an interesting report on tire ages and delaminating/blowing while driving.... I think it was on 20/20 or something like that. I can't remember, it was over a year ago that I heard about it. (found it I think: ABC News Hidden Camera Investigation: Aged Tires Sold as 'New' by Big Retailers - ABC News )


Anyway, tires have a manufacturing date stamped on them (usually on the inside tire info if it's already on your car - go figure).

The link above is from tirerack and explains the date codes.

The information about going bad is that at around 7+ years problems can occur. The rubber can break down.
Bio248 is correct that if they are sitting around, it's an issue.

In the show I watched, there were tires being sold as new - which technically they were, as in never purchased before - from Sears and others that had been in stock or warehoused for many years. A bunch were at or past their expected life, based on manufacturing year.

The story goes on to explain about tire blow outs and a few stories of families that were devastated with loss of members on the highways etc. due to these combining factors.

I'd check your tires and see... I did mine and they were only 3 years "old" at the time, but 2 to me, so not bad.

[boosted475]

if you let them sit around and dry rot, then yes they go bad over time.

stealing your avatar d'oh!
don't worry I won't use it here haha