How old should tires be when purchased?
William Harris
Updated on May 18, 2026
Many automakers, including Ford, Nissan and Mercedes-Benz, tell owners to replace tires six years after their production date, regardless of tread life. Tire manufacturers such as Continental and Michelin say a tire can last up to 10 years provided you get annual tire inspections after the fifth year.
How old should tires be when bought?
It may be tentative, but tires do have an expiration date. There is a general consensus that most tires should be inspected, if not replaced, at about six years and should be absolutely be swapped out after 10 years, regardless of how much tread they have left.Should I buy 2 year old tires?
Old “New” RubberThe tread is good, and the manufacture stickers may still be on it. When tires reach a certain age the rubber begins to dry out and crack. That can make it unsafe for road use because it may run the risk of blowing out, falling apart, or lose traction during bad road conditions.
Are 5 year old tires still good?
Industry standards recommend that 10 years old tires are absolutely unsafe and should be removed from storage. However, early signs of deterioration start once tires cross the 5-year mark. As a result, manufacturers and mechanics warn against the use of 5-year-old unused tires.Are 7 year old tires still good?
Discount Tire recommends that you replace your tires after 6 years of age, regardless of tread depth. For your safety, we will not service a tire that exceeds 10 years of age. You can find your tire's age in its DOT Identification Number, which you'll find stamped on the tire's sidewall.Why old tyres are dangerous, and how to tell the age of your tyre
Should I buy 6 year old tires?
Some vehicle manufacturers recommend that tires be replaced every six years regardless of use. In addition, a number of tire manufacturers cite 10 years as the maximum service life for tires. Check the owner's manual for specific recommendations for your vehicle.Can I drive on 8 year old tires?
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.Can 6 year olds drive on tires?
The rubber trade association, as well as Michelin and Continental, said tires can be safely used for up to 10 years, provided the tread is not worn and there is no visible dry rot.Is a 10 year old spare tire still good?
Most full-size spare tires are designed to last anywhere from seven to 10 years, according to John Paul. That said, drivers should never use a tire with visible damage, such as cracks in the sidewall, punctures, impact bulges or irregular tread wear – all of which are dangerous to drive on.Does tire production date matter?
The Evidence Is Clear: Tires Should Have An Expiration Date.Older tires are substantially more likely to fail than newer ones. This is because tires are made mostly of rubber, and rubber degrades with age. Sunlight, heat, ice, and general wear and tear can accelerate the breakdown of a tire.