Do Tires Go Bad If Not Used?

Yes. Tires age and can become unsafe even if they’re never driven, because rubber compounds degrade over time from oxygen, ozone, heat, and UV exposure. Below, we explain why it happens, how long unused tires realistically last, how to spot aging, and what you can do to slow the process and buy safely.

Why Unused Tires Still Age

Tire aging begins the moment a tire is manufactured. Antioxidant and antiozonant additives slow deterioration, but can’t stop it. Oxygen permeates rubber, weakening internal bonds; ozone and UV attack surfaces; heat accelerates chemical breakdown; and long-term compression can deform structure. Even a tire stored indoors will gradually harden and lose elasticity, raising the risk of cracking, belt separation, and blowouts when put into service.

Several forces drive aging in tires that sit idle, whether on a vehicle or on a shelf:

• Oxygen and ozone: These gases cause oxidative and ozonolytic cracking, especially in sidewalls and at stress points.
• UV and heat: Sunlight and elevated temperatures accelerate chemical reactions that harden rubber and degrade bonding agents.
• Time and chemistry: The migration and depletion of protective additives continue even without mileage.
• Compression set: Tires bearing weight in one position can develop flat spots and internal cord stress.
• Contaminants: Petroleum-based solvents, cleaners, and proximity to electric motors (ozone sources) can hasten cracking.

Combined, these factors mean “unused” does not equal “unchanged”—rubber ages quietly, and that aging can undermine safety long before the tread wears out.

How Long Do Unused Tires Last?

There is no single universal number, but safety guidance is consistent: inspect annually as tires age and replace on a time basis regardless of tread. Many vehicle manufacturers advise replacing tires at around six years after the date of manufacture; several tire makers recommend a ten-year absolute maximum, with professional inspections beginning at five years. Real-world lifespan can be shorter in hot, sunny climates or poor storage.

Manufacturer and regulator guidance

Here is how major sources frame the limits and inspections around tire age:

• Major tire brands (e.g., Michelin, Bridgestone, Continental): Recommend annual inspections starting at five years and removing tires from service at ten years from the date of manufacture, even if they appear usable.
• Automakers (e.g., Toyota, Ford, Mercedes-Benz): Commonly advise replacing tires at six years from the date of manufacture or installation, including the spare.
• U.S. safety research (NHTSA): Studies have linked tire age to increased failure risk, especially in heat; the agency urges consumers to check age codes and condition and to follow manufacturer guidance.

In practice, a properly stored, never-mounted tire may remain serviceable for several years, but the clock does not stop. Most retailers consider stock up to about five years old acceptable if stored to industry standards—yet the ultimate age cap still applies.

Signs An Unused Tire Has Gone Bad

Visual and tactile checks can reveal age-related deterioration, even on “new” tread. If you see or feel the following, have the tire inspected by a professional and err on the side of replacement:

• Fine or deep cracking (sidewalls, tread grooves, bead area), often called dry rot.
• Hard, glossy, or chalky rubber that has lost pliability.
• Bulges, blisters, or waviness suggesting internal separation.
• Uneven shape or persistent flat spots after unloading.
• Excess vibration, noise, or heat buildup on initial drives.

Any structural anomaly, or cracks deep enough to expose fabric or steel, warrants immediate removal from service.

How To Store Tires To Slow Aging

Good storage can’t stop aging, but it can meaningfully slow it. The goal is cool, clean, dark, dry, and static conditions away from chemicals and ozone sources.

• Temperature: Keep between roughly 10–25°C (50–77°F); avoid attics, sheds, or areas with heat cycles.
• Light: Store in the dark or inside opaque tire bags; block UV exposure.
• Air and ozone: Keep away from electric motors, furnaces, generators, and welders; avoid ozone-rich environments.
• Position: Store tires upright on racks; if stacking, limit height and rotate the stack monthly.
• Cleanliness: Wash with mild soap and water; dry fully; avoid petroleum or solvent cleaners and “shine” products that contain harsh solvents.
• Moisture control: Keep off bare concrete with pallets or mats; avoid damp areas.
• On-vehicle storage: Inflate to recommended pressure, move the car monthly to redistribute load, or use stands to remove weight from the tires.

These practices help preserve elasticity and prevent localized stress, buying time but not eliminating the eventual need to replace on age.

Buying “New” Tires That Have Been in Storage

When purchasing, verify age and storage history to avoid starting with an old tire. Retailers should disclose the date code and stand behind storage conditions.

• Check the DOT date code: The last four digits show week and year (e.g., 2422 = week 24 of 2022).
• Aim for fresher stock: Under two years old is ideal; up to five years can be acceptable with proper storage and full warranty.
• Confirm warranty terms: Many warranties last up to six years from purchase but are capped by a 10-year maximum from manufacture.
• Inspect before mounting: Look for any cracking, deformation, or contamination.
• Consider climate: In hot regions, prioritize newer production dates because heat accelerates aging.

Transparency on dates and storage, plus a careful pre-install inspection, reduces the risk of starting the service life with already aged rubber.

FAQs and Special Cases

Do spare tires age?

Yes. Compact spares and full-size spares age the same as regular tires, often worse because they sit unused for years. Include the spare in your age checks and replace it per the same time guidelines.

What about RV, trailer, and boat-trailer tires?

These see long periods of sun exposure and storage, plus high loads. Many RV and trailer owners replace on the earlier side (often around five to six years) regardless of tread, and they use covers and frequent inspections to mitigate risk.

Do tire dressings help or hurt?

Water-based, silicone-free protectants used sparingly are generally safer. Solvent-heavy shine products can extract plasticizers and accelerate drying and cracking. When in doubt, skip dressings and focus on clean, dark, cool storage.

Does occasionally driving help?

Moderate use can redistribute protective waxes to the surface, but it doesn’t halt aging. It may reduce flat-spotting during storage, yet time, heat, and environment remain the dominant factors.

How To Tell a Tire’s Age

Every tire sold in the U.S. carries a DOT code on the sidewall. The final four digits indicate the week and year of manufacture. For example, a code ending in 2419 was made in the 24th week of 2019. Use this to plan inspections and replacement timing.

Summary

Unused tires do go bad. Rubber ages from the inside out due to oxygen, ozone, heat, UV, and time, regardless of mileage. Most experts advise annual inspections after five years and replacement by about six to ten years at the latest, including spares. Smart storage—cool, dark, clean, and upright—slows but does not stop aging. Always check the DOT date code and condition before buying or mounting tires, and replace at the first sign of structural deterioration.

Are 7 year old tires still good?

No, 7-year-old tires are generally not considered good and should be replaced to ensure safety, even if they have ample tread, as age-related deterioration of the rubber can lead to cracks, dry rot, and an increased risk of blowouts and reduced handling performance. While there is no universal law, experts and manufacturers like Michelin and Consumer Reports recommend inspecting tires around six years old and replacing them no later than ten years from their manufacture date, regardless of their condition.
 
Why Age Matters

• Dry Rot: Over time, the rubber in tires can become harder, brittle, and develop cracks due to oxidation and exposure to the elements, a process known as dry rot. 
• Compromised Structure: As tires age, their internal chemical bonds begin to degrade, weakening the tire’s structure and making it more vulnerable to damage and failure. 
• Performance Issues: Aged tires can lead to increased stopping distances, poor handling, and a higher susceptibility to punctures, all of which compromise vehicle safety. 

How to Check Your Tire’s Age

1. Locate the DOT Number: Opens in new tabLook on the sidewall of the tire for a series of letters and numbers starting with “DOT”. 
2. Find the Date Code: Opens in new tabThe last four digits of the DOT code indicate the tire’s manufacture date; the first two are the week, and the last two are the year (e.g., “2714” means the 27th week of 2014). 

What to Do

• Replace at 10 Years: As a general rule of thumb, all tires should be replaced by the 10-year mark from their manufacture date, even if they appear to be in good condition. 
• Inspect Annually: Once a tire reaches five years of age, it should be inspected annually by a qualified professional to check for signs of aging and deterioration. 
• Prioritize Safety: Don’t rely solely on tread depth; even tires with deep tread can be dangerous if they are old and compromised due to age. 

Do tires wear out if not used?

Most drivers understand worn out tires (remaining tread depth at or below 2/32”) should be removed from service. Many drivers are not aware that minimally used tires, like the ones on recreational vehicles, collectible cars, or even spare tires, tend to experience aging instead of wearing, due to a lack of driving.

How long can an unused tire last?

Unused tires typically last 6-10 years from their manufacturing date, though some experts recommend a 5-6 year replacement timeline regardless of tread depth, because the rubber degrades over time due to oxidation, even without use. Factors like heat, UV exposure, and humidity accelerate aging, while proper storage in cool, dark, airtight conditions can extend their life. 
Why Tires Age

• Oxidation and Dry Rot: Over time, air permeates the tire’s rubber, a process that weakens its structure and causes it to become brittle and crack, a condition known as dry rot. 
• Loss of Flexibility: The rubber’s antiozonant properties, which keep it soft, also degrade, leading to reduced grip and flexibility. 
• Internal Deterioration: Even without visible cracks or wear, the internal structure of the tire can deteriorate over the years. 

Factors Affecting Lifespan

• Heat: Accelerates the rubber’s degradation. 
• UV Exposure: Sunlight’s ultraviolet rays cause the rubber to break down faster. 
• Storage Conditions: Tires stored in dark, cool, and humid-controlled environments will last longer than those exposed to extreme temperatures or sunlight. 
• Tire Pressure: Maintaining the correct air pressure is important for preservation. 
• Ozone Exposure: Ozone generated by electric motors in a garage can dry out tire rubber. 

How to Determine Age and Condition

• DOT Code: Check the tire’s sidewall for the DOT code, which includes a four-digit number indicating the week and year of manufacture. 
• Visual Inspection: Look for micro-cracking, especially on the sidewalls and tread, and any signs of stiffness or dryness. 

Recommendations

• Replace Tires After 6-7 Years: Many manufacturers and experts recommend replacement six or seven years after the manufacture date, regardless of tread wear, due to the inherent risks of aging rubber. 
• Consult a Professional: If you are unsure about your tires’ age or condition, have them inspected by a tire dealer. 
• Proper Storage: To maximize the life of unused tires, clean them before storage, place them in airtight bags, and store them in a cool, dark place away from ozone-producing devices. 

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.