Tyre age and storage: the answers | Pneumatici SuperStore

Question 1

Do tyres age even if they aren't used?

Accepted Answer

Yes, rubber ages even when it covers few kilometres, because heat, sunlight and ozone progressively degrade the materials: that is why Michelin recommends storing it away from sun, heat sources and ozone. Continental points out that a tyre's life depends on storage and conditions of use together. A tyre kept cool and in the dark ages more slowly than one always exposed to sun and heat.

Question 2

After how many years should tyres be replaced even if barely used?

Accepted Answer

It depends on age, use and storage, but manufacturers give clear guidance. Michelin recommends, after five years of use, an inspection at least once a year by a professional and recommends replacing tyres ten years after the manufacturing date, regardless of the remaining tread. Continental also recommends replacing tyres more than 10 years old according to the date printed on the sidewall. Before that threshold the real condition of the tyre decides.

Question 3

How do you read the DOT on tyres?

Accepted Answer

On the sidewall, usually after the letters DOT, there is a four-digit code showing the manufacturing date: the first two are the week (from 01 to 53), the last two the year. For example '2123' means the twenty-first week of 2023. Continental points out that the date is on one of the two sidewalls, so if you can't see it, check the inner side of the wheel too. With the date you can calculate the tyre's actual age.

Question 4

Is a new tyre that is several years old still good?

Accepted Answer

It can be if it has been stored correctly. Continental states that an unused, correctly stored tyre, up to 5 years from production, can be sold as new and put into normal service, if local rules do not prevent it. Before buying, check the date on the sidewall and the visual condition of the tyre anyway: cracks, deformations or signs of poor storage are a reason to reject it.

Question 5

How do you store seasonal tyres without rims?

Accepted Answer

In a clean, cool, dry, dark indoor space, away from direct sunlight, heat sources and ozone sources such as electric motors or generators. Michelin states that without rims tyres should be kept upright, without stacking or hanging them. Before putting them away, wash and dry them well; Continental also suggests sealing each tyre in a well-sealed plastic bag and resting it on a clean wooden board, not directly on the ground.

Question 6

How do you store tyres mounted on rims?

Accepted Answer

Michelin states that tyres mounted on rims should be hung or stacked horizontally, not kept upright. The same rules for the environment apply: cool, dry, dark, away from sun, heat sources and ozone, on surfaces free of grease, petrol, solvents and oils. Before putting the wheels away, wash rims and tyres with water and dry them well to limit corrosion, also removing stones stuck in the grooves.

Question 7

Can I keep tyres in the garage or on the balcony?

Accepted Answer

The balcony is to be avoided: sun, rain and temperature swings age the rubber. The garage is also fine only if it is cool, dry, dark and without big temperature swings: Continental warns that garages, sheds and attics often suffer big variations of heat and cold. Avoid contact with solvents, fuels and oils. If you don't have suitable space, at Pneumatici SuperStore storage of the seasonal set is free if you have the tyres fitted with us.

Question 8

What temperature and light are needed to store tyres well?

Accepted Answer

A cool, dry, dark place, sheltered from the sun's rays and heat sources: Michelin and Continental agree on this. Ultraviolet light and heat speed up the degradation of rubber. Avoid places with big temperature swings, high humidity or near electric motors and generators, which produce ozone, a gas aggressive to rubber.

Question 9

How do you clean tyres and with what?

Accepted Answer

With water, soap and a brush, rinsing well and letting them dry completely: it is the method Continental gives for cleaning tyres of dirt and brake dust before putting them away. Michelin adds to remove stones stuck in the grooves. Avoid solvents, petrol and oils, which according to Michelin can deteriorate the rubber. You don't need special products to have clean tyres.

Question 10

Are tyre shine products bad for the rubber?

Accepted Answer

They have only a cosmetic purpose and do nothing for safety. Before putting tyres into storage, Continental advises not applying any kind of shine product. If you use it, apply it only on the sidewalls and never on the tread or the brakes, because it would make it slippery, and let it dry before setting off. Avoid solvent-based products: Michelin states that solvents can deteriorate rubber.

Question 11

How long do tyres last on average?

Accepted Answer

It depends on many factors and there is no figure valid for everyone: driving style, type of routes, pressure, alignment, load, temperature, compound and tyre size change the lifespan a lot. Wear is measured on the remaining tread and age with the DOT. For a concrete assessment, the way is to check both: a tyre shop can tell you in a few minutes how much your tyre has left.