Do Tires Expire If Not Used?

Yes. Tires age and can become unsafe even if they’re never mounted or driven. Rubber compounds oxidize over time, and most major manufacturers advise professional inspections after about five years and replacement at around 6–10 years from the date of manufacture—regardless of tread depth or whether the tire has been used.

Why Unused Tires Still Age

Even when stored on a shelf, tires are exposed to slow chemical and physical changes. Oxygen and ozone react with the rubber, plasticizers migrate, and heat accelerates degradation. These processes stiffen the tire, reduce grip, and increase the risk of cracking or internal failure.

The following points outline the main mechanisms that age an unused tire:

• Oxidation: Oxygen permeates rubber over time, breaking down polymers and reducing elasticity.
• Ozone exposure: Ozone causes surface cracking (ozone checking), especially in sidewalls under slight strain.
• Heat and UV: Elevated temperatures and sunlight accelerate chemical reactions that age rubber.
• Volatile loss: Plasticizers and oils slowly migrate out, hardening the compound.
• Cord and bonding fatigue: Adhesion between rubber and reinforcing materials can deteriorate with age.

Taken together, these aging forces mean an “unused” tire is not the same as a “new” tire after enough time has passed, even under decent storage conditions.

How Long Before an Unused Tire Is Too Old?

There is no single legal “expiration date,” but industry guidance is consistent: have tires inspected annually once they reach about five years old, and plan to replace any tire at roughly 10 years from its manufacture date at the latest. Some automakers and retailers recommend a more conservative six-year limit, especially in hot climates.

Here’s how recommendations generally break down across the industry:

• Inspection window: Begin annual professional inspections at 5–6 years of age.
• Maximum age: Replace by 10 years from the date of manufacture, even if unused and with full tread.
• Conservative practice: In very hot regions or for high-speed/load use, consider replacement closer to 6 years.
• Spares count too: Temporary spares and full-size spares age on the same clock as regular tires.

The most prudent course is to follow your vehicle and tire manufacturer’s guidance and err on the side of caution if the tire will see heavy loads, high speeds, or sustained heat.

Factors That Speed Up or Slow Aging

Storage environment is crucial. The rate at which a tire ages depends on temperature, light, ozone, and how it is supported during storage. Good conditions can preserve integrity longer; poor conditions accelerate deterioration.

Key factors that influence tire aging include:

• Temperature: Heat is the biggest accelerator; cool storage slows chemical degradation.
• Sunlight/UV: Direct sun and UV exposure dry and crack rubber.
• Ozone sources: Electric motors, generators, and furnaces produce ozone that attacks rubber.
• Humidity and chemicals: Dampness, solvents, and oils can compromise compounds.
• Load and deformation: Tires bearing weight or tightly stacked can develop flat-spotting or stress cracks.
• Inflation state: Under- or overinflation during storage can strain structures if the tire is mounted.

Minimizing heat, light, and ozone while preventing deformation is the best way to slow, though not stop, the aging clock.

How to Check a Tire’s Age

In many markets, tires carry a Department of Transportation (DOT) Tire Identification Number (TIN) on the sidewall. The last four digits indicate the week and year the tire was made—for example, “2319” means the 23rd week of 2019.

Use these steps to find and interpret the date code:

1. Locate the DOT/TIN marking on the sidewall; it may appear on only one side.
2. Read the final four digits: the first two are the production week (01–53), the last two the year.
3. If the code has only three trailing digits, the tire predates 2000 and is far beyond recommended service age.
4. Record the date and set reminders for inspection at five years and replacement by about 10 years (or sooner as advised).

Knowing the manufacture date lets you manage inspections and replacement proactively, rather than relying on appearance alone.

Best Practices for Storing Unused Tires

Proper storage can slow aging and prevent damage. Whether tires are mounted on wheels or unmounted affects how you should store them.

Follow these tips to preserve unused tires in storage:

• Store in a cool, dry, dark place away from sunlight and heat sources.
• Keep away from ozone producers (electric motors, generators, welders, furnaces).
• Bag each tire in an airtight, UV-opaque cover or heavy-duty plastic to reduce ozone/oxygen exposure.
• If unmounted: store vertically (standing) and rotate position monthly to prevent flat-spotting.
• If mounted on wheels: inflate to spec, store vertically, and roll a quarter-turn monthly; avoid stacking under load.
• Avoid contact with petroleum products, solvents, and cleaners; place tires on a clean surface or pallets.

These practices won’t stop aging, but they can help ensure the tire remains within safe condition for as much of its calendar life as possible.

Warning Signs of an Aged Tire

Appearance isn’t a perfect indicator, but certain visual and tactile clues suggest a tire has deteriorated with age and should be inspected or replaced.

Watch for these red flags:

• Sidewall or tread cracking (fine “spider” lines to deeper fissures).
• Hard, shiny, or unusually stiff rubber compared with newer tires.
• Bulges, separations, or out-of-round shapes indicating internal damage.
• Persistent vibration or flat-spot feel after storage that doesn’t resolve with driving.
• Dry rot/ozone checking, especially near lettering or flex points.

If you observe any of these symptoms—or the tire is near or past the maker’s age guidance—have it evaluated by a professional and plan to replace it.

What To Do If Your Tires Are Old But Unused

Before putting aged, unused tires into service, weigh the safety trade-offs and consult a professional, especially for high-speed or heavy-duty applications.

Consider the following actions:

• Verify the manufacture date and compare it to your vehicle and tire maker’s recommendations.
• Have a tire technician inspect internally and externally for cracks, separations, or stiffness.
• If age is 6–10 years (or older), plan replacement; do not rely on tread depth alone.
• Use conservative roles for older tires (e.g., temporary spare) only if the maker allows and inspections are passed.
• When buying “new” tires, ask for recent manufacture dates, especially for specialty sizes that sit longer in inventory.

Err toward replacement when in doubt; the consequences of a high-speed tire failure outweigh the cost savings of using an aged tire.

Summary

Tires do “expire” with time because rubber ages chemically—even if never used. Most manufacturers call for annual inspections after about five years and replacement by roughly 10 years from the date of manufacture, with some recommending closer to six years in hot climates or demanding service. Proper storage slows but does not halt aging; always check the DOT date code, inspect for cracking or hardness, and follow your tire and vehicle maker’s guidance.

Are tires still good after sitting for 2 years?

Tires sitting for two years are likely still good if stored properly, but a professional inspection is recommended, as rubber degrades over time, becoming harder and more prone to cracks and dry rot, especially when exposed to UV rays, oxygen, and humidity. While some sources suggest replacing tires after five to six years regardless of use, others state they can last up to ten years if stored in optimal conditions, such as in cool, dark, airtight bags. 
Factors affecting tire health after storage:

• Age of the tire: Find the manufacturing date (DOT code) on the tire to determine its overall age; a tire’s health can degrade significantly after 5-6 years. 
• Storage conditions: Exposure to sunlight, ozone, and humidity accelerates rubber breakdown and can lead to dry rot and cracks, even if the tire is not being driven. 
• Weight on the tires: Even when stationary, the tire still bears the full weight of the vehicle, which can lead to flat spots or warping. 

How to check for damage:

1. Inspect for cracks and dry rot: Look closely at the sidewalls and the tread for any signs of hardening or cracking. 
2. Check for flat spots: The tire should have a round shape, not any flat areas. 
3. Examine the rubber consistency: Gently press the tire to check its flexibility. It should be supple, not stiff and hard, as this can indicate aging. 

When to replace the tires:

• Over five years old: Many experts and manufacturers recommend replacing tires that are five years or older from their manufacture date, regardless of tread depth, due to rubber degradation. 
• Visible damage: Any significant cracks, dry rot, or other structural damage warrants replacement. 
• Soft and spongy feel: If the rubber feels excessively hard or the tire doesn’t rebound well, it’s a sign of degradation. 
• Any tire over ten years old: No tire should be used beyond ten years from its manufacture date, including spare and stored tires. 

How many years will a tire get expire?

six years
Even though the tires were never used on a vehicle, they are still several years old. Every tire has a birth date—the day it was manufactured—and an expiration date that is six years from that manufacture date. Most automobile manufacturers warn drivers to replace vehicle tires after six years.

Are tires from 2017 still good?

No, tires manufactured in 2017 are no longer considered good or safe for use because they are about 8 years old, which is past the typical 5-6 year replacement recommendation for aged tires, regardless of tread depth. Even with plenty of tread, the rubber degrades over time due to oxidation, ozone, and UV exposure, leading to brittleness, cracks (dry rot), and an increased risk of blowouts and loss of control. You should replace these tires immediately for your safety.
 
Why age matters more than tread:

• Rubber Degradation: Rubber loses its flexibility and structural integrity over time, even if a tire hasn’t been used much. 
• Exposure to Elements: Oxygen, ozone, and UV light, even in a garage, accelerate the aging process, causing the rubber to dry out and crack. 
• Dry Rot: Cracks and fissures that form due to aging can weaken the tire’s structure, potentially leading to tread separation and a blowout at highway speeds. 

How to find your tire’s age: 

1. Look on the tire’s sidewall for the DOT (Department of Transportation) Tire Identification Number (TIN).
2. The last four digits of this number represent the week and year the tire was made. For a 2017 tire, the digits would be 17 or higher.

What to do next:

• Replace Immediately: A tire’s safety is compromised by age, not just by mileage or tread depth. 
• Invest in New Tires: For your own safety and the safety of others, purchase and install new tires. 

Can 10 year old tires still be good?

No, 10-year-old tires are generally not considered safe for road use, even if they look good, as the rubber degrades over time, leading to cracking and reduced grip, increasing the risk of tire failure, blowouts, and accidents. Tire manufacturers and safety organizations recommend replacing tires that are 10 years old or older, regardless of tread depth, because the structural integrity of the rubber is compromised by age and environmental factors. 
Why 10-Year-Old Tires Are Dangerous 

• Rubber Degradation: Over time, the chemical compounds in the rubber break down, causing the rubber to become hard, brittle, and more prone to cracking.
• Dry Rot: These cracks, known as dry rot, can appear on the surface and within the tire, weakening its structure.
• Belt Separation: Cracks and the decay of the rubber can lead to the separation of the steel belts within the tire, a common cause of sudden blowouts.
• Reduced Grip: The aged rubber has less flexibility and grip, making it harder for the tire to perform well during cornering and braking.

When to Replace Tires

• The 10-Year Rule: Most tire manufacturers, such as Bridgestone and Michelin, consider 10 years the absolute maximum lifespan for any tire. 
• Regardless of Tread: The 10-year guideline applies even if the tires have deep tread, as age is a critical factor in tire safety. 
• Look for a Date Code: The manufacture date (week and year) can be found on the tire’s sidewall. 

Factors That Affect Tire Lifespan 

• Exposure to Elements: UV light, heat, and ozone can accelerate the aging process.
• Storage Conditions: Tires stored improperly in direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, or on loaded vehicles can age faster.
• Wear and Tear: While age is the primary concern, wear from driving conditions, such as high speeds, heavy loads, and poor road conditions, also contributes to tire wear.