The general belief is that vehicle tyres wear out when a car is used on a regular basis. After all, when a car has been stored in a garage for several months, the tyres should not have worn out, right? However, the truth may surprise many car owners. Even in cases where a vehicle has not travelled a single inch, car tyres can and actually do expire.
Why Car Tyres Age Without Being Used?
Rubber is a natural substance, and like any other natural material, it decomposes. Though a car is parked and has not been used, the rubber in the tyres of the car is undergoing a process called oxidation. This means the rubber reacts with air, causing it to dry, become hard, and crack over time.
Besides oxidation, heat is also of great importance. Tyres that are kept in hot places (a garage that becomes very hot in summer) will age very quickly when compared to those stored in cool, shaded places. Sunlight can also speed up this process.
And therefore, even with a low number of miles travelled by a car, the tyres may be in a bad state just due to ageing.
How Long Do Car Tyres Last?
A majority of tyre companies will advise drivers to change the tyres of their car every five to ten years, irrespective of the level of use. Although the tread on the tyre might appear to be in good condition, the rubber compound within it might have already started to degrade.
Experts generally suggest:
- After five years: Have the tyres inspected by a professional at least once a year.
- After ten years, Change the tyres completely, although they may seem to be in good physical shape.
It should be mentioned that these are general rules. Some tyres may need to be replaced earlier, depending on how and where they are stored or used.
How to Check the Age of Car Tyres?
All car tyres bear a code imprinted on the sidewall of the tyre, the outer side of the tyre. This is referred to as the DOT number. This code includes four digits that tell when the tyre was made. As an illustration, if the final four digits are 1823, it means that the tyre was produced in the 18th week of 2023.
This information is very useful, especially when buying a used car or a second-hand car. A tyre that appears to be brand new on the surface could have been produced over five years ago and therefore would be reaching the end of its safe usage period.
Signs That Car Tyres Have Gone Bad
Drivers do not need a tread depth gauge or professional tools; they can tell that their car tyres have become worn out and are no longer safe to use:
- Cracking or crazing: Microscopic cracks on the surface or sidewall of the tyre are one of the most obvious indications of deterioration with age. These cracks can appear even in tyres that have not been used.
- Hardening rubber: Tyres that are aged are usually hard and not soft to the touch. Hard rubber does not grip the road as well, and this may be very dangerous when it comes to driving, especially during wet conditions.
- Bulges or blisters: These may be seen when the inside structure of the tyre starts to deteriorate. A tyre bulge is a severe red flag and an indication of a tyre needs to be changed.
- Discolouration: Tyres that have become brown or have an uneven surface could be exposed to excessive heat or chemicals.
If drivers notice any of these signs, they must contact a tyre expert as soon as possible.
The Dangers of Driving on Aged Tyres
It is dangerous to drive with old or worn car tyres Croydon. The harder the rubber and the more it cracks, the more likely it is that the tyre will have a blowout (a sudden loss of air pressure while driving). A blowout during acceleration may lead to loss of control of the vehicle.
The grip of old tyres on the road is also poor. This implies that the braking distance increases, and it is more difficult to decelerate the car in case of an emergency. This is even more dangerous in wet or icy conditions. It can also affect the insurance if an accident is caused by tyres that are too old to be safe. It is hence not merely a case of individual safety, but also a legal and economic factor.
Conclusion
Many people think tyres only need replacing when they are worn out, but this is not true. Age in itself can render a tyre unsafe, despite the vehicle having been parked most of its life in a garage. The process of natural ageing of car tyres is the same as with any other rubber product, and no driver can defy the clock of time, regardless of how careful they are.
To ensure the safety of all road users, car owners must ensure the age and condition of their tyres are checked regularly, as well as adhere to manufacturer guidelines and never assume that low mileage means the tyre is still safe to use. In case of doubt, it is always advisable to consult a qualified tyre technician. Taking care of the tyres is one of the simplest and most important ways to stay safe on the road.