Tire Aging 

 

  1. What is meant by “tire aging”?
  2. Does climate have an effect on the aging of tires?
  3. Are some vehicles more prone to tire aging problems?
  4. How do you detect when tires have become unsafe?
  5. How do you determine the age of a tire?
  6. When does NHTSA recommend that tires should be replaced?
  7. Are there other reasons for tire failure?
  8. Is it a significant safety problem?

 What is meant by “tire aging”?

The structural integrity of a tire can degrade over an extended period of time. When that occurs, tires are more prone to catastrophic failure, which could, at best, cause an inconvenience, or, at worst, lead to a crash. The degradation of a tire occurs over time, mostly the result of a chemical reaction within the rubber components. That aging process can be accelerated by heat and sunlight.

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 Does climate have an effect on the aging of tires?

NHTSA research suggests that tires age faster in warmer climates. Exposure to high ambient temperatures can accelerate the tire aging process, which could contribute to tire failures, including tread separations.  Environmental conditions like exposure to sunlight and coastal climates, as well as poor storage and infrequent use can hasten the aging process.

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 Are some vehicles more prone to tire aging problems?

Tire aging is generally not an issue with vehicles that are driven regularly. Tires will wear out and need to be replaced before aging becomes a safety concern. But those with occasional use - like recreational vehicles or collector cars, for example - could be susceptible. The spares on all vehicles also are prone to aging problems because they seldom get used or replaced. In those instances, the structural integrity of the tire may be weakened - and potentially hazardous - even though the tire still has a great deal of remaining tread. 

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 How do you detect when tires have become unsafe?

The effects of aging may not be visibly detectable.  Since there is no standard test to assess the serviceability of a tire, even an inspection performed by an expert may not always reveal the extent of tire deterioration. Vehicle owners are therefore encouraged to have their tires checked after five years of use, then annually thereafter.

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 How do you determine the age of a tire?

The age of the tire can be determined by checking the tire identification number on the sidewall of the tire, which begins with the letters "DOT".   The last four digits represent the week and year the tire was manufactured.  On newer model tires, the tire identification number is on the outside sidewall; older models will have the identification information on the inner sidewall.

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 When does NHTSA recommend that tires should be replaced?

While tire life will ultimately depend on the tires’ service conditions and the environment in which they operate, there are some general guidelines. 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. Remember, it is always wise to err on the side of caution if you suspect your vehicle has tires that are over six years of age.

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 Are there other reasons for tire failure?

Yes.  Poor maintenance is often cited as a cause of failure. While maintenance is important for good wear and safety performance of tires, many other factors contribute to their failure.  Tire failures can be caused by a number of factors such as under- or over-inflation of tires, overloading of vehicles, road hazards, improper maintenance, structural defects, and improper installation, in addition to tire aging. 

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 Is it a significant safety problem?

Most failures result in nothing more serious than minor property damage.  For more serious crashes, NHTSA estimates that about 400 fatalities annually may have been attributed to tire failures.

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