The Dangers of Driving on Old Tires

The hidden dangers of driving with aging tires are significant

Everyone knows that tires don’t last forever, but the majority of drivers don’t bother checking them for wear and tear as they age.  While it may not seem like a huge deal, driving with aging tires can actually be quite dangerous, especially in inclement weather.
Below are several things you should be aware of to ensure you’re not driving with aging tires:

Tread isn’t everything

Just because your tires still have tread doesn’t necessarily mean they’re safe to use. Even if the tread looks fine, the rubber compounds in a tire can still deteriorate over time – even if your car isn’t being used.
Even if you haven’t driven a vehicle in a year’s time, the tires will have still aged during this period, which could turn into a safety hazard.

Hot weather plays a part

The average life span of a set of tires is roughly five years in length. However, they could wear out much sooner if they’re being exposed to the hot sun on a regular basis.

Don’t buy used

If you want to avoid the risk of driving with aging tires, it’s recommended that you always buy new. Even if your tires are just a year or two old, they can still be considerably damaged if they weren’t properly maintained.
Used tires may be cheaper, but new ones are ultimately a longer and safer investment.
Also, it’s important to note that even if a tire hasn’t been used on the road doesn’t mean it’s truly “new.” Some tires are sold as “new” tires even if they were actually made years ago. Make sure to check the manufacturing date prior to purchasing.

Checking the date

If you want to check the date that your tires were made, you should be able to find a four-digit identification code in the sidewall of the tire. The first two numbers represent the week of the year it was made, while the last two digits signify the year it was made. For example, if the number is 1014, your tires were made in the 10th week of 2014.

Inspect regularly

In addition to doing constant inspections on your own, it is highly recommended that you have your tires checked by a professional on an annual basis every year after the fifth year.