The truth is, that while you may initially save a few dollars on purchase, used tyres have a shorter lifespan, come with a higher risk of life-threatening defects and, most importantly, using pre-worn tyres could place your life and the lives of others at risk.
There is no definitive tyre age limit as to when you should replace your tyres but once your tyres reach 7-10 years old, you should keep a close eye on their condition and consider replacing them. Tyre ageing is commonly identified by small cracks, known as crazing, which appear in the tyre sidewall.
Under manufacturers' guidance a tyre is only guaranteed to be safe for the first five years of its life, although if checked regularly for issues, some manufacturers admit that this can be extended up to 10 years.
The DOT Code And What It Says About Your Tyre's Age
For example, if the numbers are "0619", like in the photo above, the tyre was manufactured on the sixth week of 2019. If there are only 10 numbers in your tyre's DOT, then it means it was manufactured before 2000 and is too old to use.
So, with none of the checks on part-worn tyres in this country that you get in others, the potential safety risk to you or someone else, and the financial cost too (part-worn tyres aren't cheaper in the long run) it's not worth buying a second-hand tyre.
How many miles should tyres last? Your front tyres should last for around 20,000 miles before being changed and your rear tyres may last longer than this. For example, this means that they should be changed every four years if you average 5,000 miles per year.
6-10 Years Old:
Tires of this age probably have little remaining tread depth, reducing traction, stability and puncture resistance no matter the weather. They may also have cracking or structural damage caused by oxidation and environmental exposure. At this stage, we recommend replacing your tires.
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.
Summary. Tires have a limited service life. As they age, the rubber compounds deteriorate, causing them to be more prone to failure. As such, it is strongly recommended that vehicle owners replace tires that are over six years old and refrain from using aged tires, even if the tread depth appears to be optimal.
Some tyre fitters will urge you to change tyres at five or six years old even if you are sure they haven't suffered any damage and the tread is still good and even. Other garages are more relaxed and wouldn't worry about a tyre of that age which is still in a roadworthy condition.
Oils and chemicals in the rubber begin to dry out and break down, and the rubber begins to lose its flexibility, turning almost plastic instead of rubber. As the tire rolls, it stresses weak points in the rubber and cracks begin to develop.
Tires can last several years in storage if stored in the right conditions. However, many tire experts recommend replacing tires six years after their production date, regardless of the tread. Old tires can be compromised when the rubber compound breaks down.
Per BRMA, unused tires over six years old should never be put in service, and all tires should be replaced after 10 years from their date of manufacture. JATMA recommends inspection after five years and replacement after 10, regardless of treadwear and overall condition.
Because research indicates that tires more than six years old should be retired, regardless of their tread depth or their miles on the road. Here's why: As tires age and are exposed to heat, the rubber deteriorates. That's because rubber absorbs oxygen, which causes what is called thermo-oxidative aging.
Most auto manufacturers recommend replacing tires over six years old regardless of tread depth. Some tire manufacturers like Michelin and Continental give a 10-year limit. As rubber compounds age, they deteriorate and become weaker like other rubber and plastic components on your car.
If your tires are older than 5 years, make sure they're inspected thoroughly for cracks or anything else that could cause them to fail. Tires that are more than 10 years old should not be driven on, other than just to move the vehicle on a driveway or into a garage or into a museum.
One major concern is that tires off-gas a class of chemicals called 'volatile organic compounds' (VOCs), a few of which have been linked to cancer. Another concern is chemical leaching into water sources.
On average, budget tyres tend to last anywhere from 20,000 to 40,000 miles. However, it's important to note that this is just a rough estimate, and your tyres may wear down more quickly or last longer depending on the factors mentioned above.
Ideally, tyres should be kept in conditions where there are minimal changes to temperature, humidity and exposure to sunlight. This helps ensure the integrity of the tyre and should easily allow for a recommended shelf life of up to 5 years.
On an AWD vehicle or one with a conventional four-wheel-drive system, all four tires would ideally be replaced at the same time so they all have the same amount of traction as well as the same diameter. On a front- or rear-wheel-drive vehicle, similar guidelines apply.
You might wonder if buying a cheaper tire means scrimping on safety. It doesn't make sense to skimp on tires when they keep you alive in an accident or in poor weather. The cheapest tires are made with lower quality rubber that can affect the braking distance.
They wear out faster
Beyond these serious safety concerns, cheap tyres are also not great value for money. While all tyres wear out eventually, quality tyres (especially when rotated and properly cared for) will last through many seasons. Cheap tyres can begin to show wear and tear after just one.
The real trouble with tyres is that they eventually wear out. This attrition occurs after regular use. With a greater likelihood of losing traction and tyres blowing out, nothing is more dangerous than driving with worn-out tires. By doing so, you put yourself and others at risk.
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.