Stories on old tires

[Majus]

Much has been written during the past year about older tires being sold as new, and many of the stories state that if the tire was made more than six years ago it should not be bought, so that leads me to ask this question.

Suppose that one buys a new tire that has a five-year-old date on it. Is its potential lifespan shortened by five years once it is mounted on the car, providing it is well-maintained and nothing bad happens to it, such as a large puncture? Or is it a case where the tire begins to deteriorate once it reaches age six? I've never heard or read anything that gives that information.

I won't knowingly buy a tire that old since I have learned of this, but over the 50 years I've been driving I've never had anything more than routine low tires or flats caused by road debris such as nails and so on.

I would just like to know.

[haux]

I'd think that if some tires were stored indoors safe from the elements, they would be safe to use even after such a long time.

I'm sure I'm wrong and someone will probably correct me.

[judge34411]

Originally Posted by haux

I'd think that if some tires were stored indoors safe from the elements, they would be safe to use even after such a long time.

I'm sure I'm wrong and someone will probably correct me.

Nope they have a life. Never buy a tire over 6 years old.
And a good link

It has to deal with the rubber and belts separating. An tires can last very long but the reason for the 6 year barrier is They expect that tire to last 2-3 years on average. So it is a built in safety margin. In real life it could last more. But why take chance?

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete....jsp?techid=11

[judge34411]

Ouch I think I crashed them by giving that link