Tire Service Life - Chronological Age alone cannot cause tire failure

I've received many questions with regards to an ABC News story from April on tire aging and tires sold in Canada. Questions regarding tires sold in Canada are difficult for me to comment on as I represent the manufacturers and only keep track of tire sizes and shipments across the country. I can definitely comment on the issue and provide you comments from industry within the United States and Canada as well. The question of tire age and aging and its affect on service life is as some of you know quite a loaded subject. Some vehicle manufacturers have said 6 years, some 7 years, for a brief time the European Tire & Rim Association went from saying there is no age limit to 10 years and back to there is no age limit. All that to say that there are too many factors involved to put a number to it.

The RAC is not aware of scientific or technical data that establishes or identifies a specific minimum or maximum service life for passenger and light truck tires based on chronological age. However, in some cases a tire or vehicle manufacturer may make a specific tire replacement recommendation regarding its products. If so, the consumer should consult the manufacturer with any questions with regard to following the recommendation. Further, any such recommendation should not be considered a minimum serviceable life for the tire.

Tire Service Life

The serviceability of a tire over time is a function of the storage conditions (temperature, humidity, position etc) and service conditions (load, speed, inflation pressure, road hazard damage, etc) to which a tire is subjected throughout its life. Since these conditions vary widely, accurately predicting the serviceable life of a tire in advance is not possible. The older a tire, the greater the change that it will need to be replaced due to service-related conditions found upon inspection by a tire service professional.

Tires should be removed from service for several different reasons, including tread worn down to minimum depth, signs of damage (cuts, cracks, bulges, etc) or signs of abuse (under inflation or overloading, etc) That is why we recommend to have all tires (including retreaded and spare tires) fitted to light trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, recreational vehicles, passengers cars and trailers towed by such vehicles, inspected regularly.

The tire industry continues to support the consumer's role in the regular care and maintenance of their tires. Be Tire Smart - Play Your P.A.R.T. is the formula. A monthly maintenance inspection by the consumer for proper inflation pressure and tread wear should be supplemented by recurring rotation, balancing and alignment services.

Tire Storage guidelines for manufacturers, distributors, retailers and consumers and other conditions of tire service life

Tires should always be stored in a dry, cool, well-ventilated place. Avoid storing tires in areas that are exposed to wetness, petroleum or petroleum-based products, extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, and/or other sources of ozone, such as electric motors. Storage areas should also be clean and free of grease, gasoline or any corrosive chemicals which can deteriorate the rubber.

If a vehicle is fitted with a matching full-size spare tire (same size and type as other in-service tires) the consumer should follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation for rotating the spare tire. When any spare tire is placed into service, its inflation pressure must be checked immediately.

Consumers are strongly encouraged to be aware not only of their tires’ visual condition but also of any change in dynamic performance such as increased air loss, noise or vibration. Such a change in performance could be an indication of an internal condition that might dictate removing the tires from service immediately to prevent a tire failure. In these cases, The RAC recommends that consumers consult a tire service professional.

The RAC has always leaned on the side of education rather than legislation. I myself as a consumer always prefer having the ultimate choice in any situation and that means education is best to allow me to make an informed choice.