Many drivers believe that the condition of tires is determined solely by the tread depth. As long as the pattern hasn't reached the wear indicators, the tires are considered suitable for use. However, this approach is misleading and can be directly related to safety risks. A car tire is a complex engineering product, not just a layer of rubber. Over time, it ages even without active use: it loses elasticity, becomes stiff, and develops microcracks. As a result, outwardly "good" wheels can behave unpredictably on the road — especially on wet or cold surfaces.
This problem often goes unnoticed because visually the tread may look almost new. Nevertheless, the grip and strength of such a tire are already far from the factory parameters. Let's examine why the age of tires is just as important as their wear, how to determine the real service life, and what can be done to slow down the aging process.
Why tires age, even if the car is hardly driven
A modern car tire is a multi-layered construction. It consists of natural and synthetic rubber, metal and textile cord, carbon black, silica, oils, and chemical additives. All these components are exposed to the environment over time.
The main factors of aging are oxygen and ozone, which are present in the air. They trigger oxidative processes that break down the polymer chains of rubber. The rubber gradually loses elasticity, becomes more rigid and brittle. Additionally, this process is accelerated by:
- ultraviolet radiation (sunlight);
- elevated temperature and storage near heat sources;
- contact with oils, fuel, and road chemicals;
- prolonged static load when the car stands still for a long time.
Over time, this manifests as small cracks on the sidewalls, changes in the color of the rubber, and a feeling of "dryness" to the touch. Such a tire adapts worse to road irregularities, the contact patch decreases, and the grip on the road surface noticeably drops.
How to determine the age of a tire
Information about the production date is indicated on the sidewall of each tire. It is encrypted in a four-digit code in an oval frame (DOT marking).
The principle is simple:
- the first two digits are the week of production,
- the last two are the year of manufacture.
For example, the code 2523 means that the tire was manufactured in the 25th week of 2023.
It is from this date, and not from the moment of purchase or installation, that the real service life of the tire is counted.
Manufacturer recommendations and real deadlines
Most automakers and tire brands agree on one thing:
- the optimal service life of tires is 5–7 years from the date of manufacture,
- using tires older than 10 years is not recommended under any circumstances, even with minimal wear.
These restrictions are based on laboratory tests and accident statistics. After five years, chemical aging accelerates, and after ten years, the risk of sudden structural failure becomes critical. This rule applies not only to the wheels on the car, but also to the spare wheel, which can lie in the trunk for years without attention.
How to extend the life of tires
It is impossible to completely stop aging, but it can be significantly slowed down. To do this, it is important to observe the correct storage and operating conditions.
Main recommendations:
- Before seasonal storage, thoroughly wash and dry the tires, removing dirt and chemicals.
- Store them in a dry, cool, and dark room, away from sunlight and heating appliances.
- Slightly reduce the pressure to reduce internal stresses.
- Store tires without rims vertically and rotate them periodically; with rims — horizontal or suspended storage is allowed.
- Use tires strictly according to the season: summer tires do not tolerate frost well, and winter tires do not tolerate heat.
It is also important to regularly inspect the tires for cracks, bulges, and uneven wear, and check the pressure at least once a month.
Tread depth is just one of the parameters of a tire's condition. Its age is no less important. Even with minimal mileage, old rubber loses its protective properties and can become a source of serious danger. Therefore, when buying new tires, always check the production date and do not expect to use a set "until the bitter end."
Tires are the only point of contact between the car and the road. Saving on their timely replacement can result in loss of control at a critical moment. A rational approach to the selection and renewal of tires is not an excessive precaution, but a direct investment in safety and peace of mind behind the wheel.