Have you ever considered if your automotive tires expire? I mean, they’re not like a carton of milk. Well, strap in—let’s talk about tire maintenance, how often to check, and the surprising fact that tires do, in fact, expire.
Why You Should Check Your Tires
So why would you want to check tires? I know life gets busy and inspecting those tire buddies takes time, but just think for a moment about what tires do. They’re the only thing between you and the pavement. Tires are the unsung soldiers of safety, getting you from point A to point B straight, and keeping you from ending up in an unintentional barrel roll on the highway. Keeping an eye on your tires can save you time, money, and a potentially disastrous situation.
Do Tires Expire?
Now let’s tackle the question: do tires expire? Yes, they do! Although it isn’t as easy as a “best by” stamp. A tire doesn’t have a “use by” date. Don’t let that worry you, because there is a sneaky little way to find out.
Have you noticed strange sequences on your tire’s sidewall? No, they’re not hieroglyphics or some secret code. Take another look. That sequence of random letters and numbers means a lot. Each identifies the tire’s size, seasonality, speed rating, and load capacity. But here’s the interesting fact: the most important piece of info is the line that starts with the three letters “DOT”—the Department of Transportation approval insignia.
The DOT Marking: Your Tire’s Birth Certificate
The DOT marking on your tire is what manufacturers use as a birth certificate. It tells where it was manufactured and who produced it. It also gives away the date it was born. The last four digits are the key to figuring out if your tire is older than five years. For example, if you see 0219, that means your tire came off the line in the 2nd week of 2019. Who knew tires had birthdays?
How Often Should You Check Tires?
So, how often should you throw a tire check party? Experts recommend at least once per month. Pick a date, maybe the same day you binge Netflix, and take a couple of minutes to check the tread depth. An easy and fun way to check tread depth is to use a penny—the penny trick. Look for any irregularities, then tap your tires and check to see if they feel firm. It is always a good idea to check the pressure too.
When to Say Goodbye to Your Tires
The next big question is: when do you need to say goodbye to your trusted tires? Well, it’s not like they turn into pumpkins at midnight. Roughly after 10 years, it’s time to start planning their farewell party. Why? Even if they look good, rubber does degrade over time. If your car spends more time inside a building than on the street, you’ll still see degradation.
Consider the following: tires endure a lot. Heat, rain, snow. They are like running a marathon everyday. After 10 years of driving, maybe it is time to retire.
The bottom line is to check your tires, look at those sidewall markings, and if you are over 10 years on the tires, it may be time to look for new ones. Safe driving begins with good tires. A little TLC for tires goes a long way.
