Why is Tyre Age as Crucial as Tyre Tread?

Whenever it comes to evaluating tyre condition, drivers consider factors like the amount of tread that remains. If the tyre tread is not worn out, drivers consider it in good condition. But only considering tyre tread means that you are ignoring one important factor that is equally important to know if tyres are safe to use, which is the tyre age. This is slow and invisible, affecting the rubber quality used in tyre manufacturing.

No matter if the car is used rarely, age will impact the tyres. This means time and mileage are equally crucial in determining how good a set of tyres is. So, let's start with the blog and understand the importance of tyre age and how considering it can help drivers keep their tyres properly maintained and reduce the risk of unexpected tyre failure.

Understanding Tyre Ageing

Tyre ageing is the gradual breakdown of the material used in tyre manufacturing. As Car tyres in Reading are made with a combination of natural rubber, synthetic rubber, steel belts, fabric layers, and chemical additives, they provide the required strength, flexibility, and grip on the surface. But when exposed to factors such as oxygen, heat, sunlight, and ozone, the rubber undergoes chemical changes that cause the hardening of tyres.

They will lose elasticity, and they will not be able to adapt to the changing road conditions as well. Many think that this process stops if tyres are not used. But no matter whether the vehicle is driven or not, its tyres will be exposed to various natural elements that can weaken them internally, making them less safe. 

Know Tyre's Manufacturing Date

One question drivers might have, even after understanding the impact of time on tyres, is how they determine their age. To do that, they need to know the manufacturing date of the tyres. Every single tyre ever manufactured has a date printed in the form of a code on its sidewall. This is called a DOT code, and in this, the last four digits indicate the week and year in which the tyre was manufactured. For example, if the tyre is marked 1221, it means the tyre was manufactured in the 12th week of 2021.

Understanding this code and knowing the tyre's manufacturing date are crucial because they help drivers keep track of tyre ageing. According to the advice of tyre manufacturers, tyres should be checked for replacement after every five years. But the date can vary from six to ten years, depending on the use and storage conditions of tyres. Using tyres for longer than that can make the vehicle unsafe and can lead to an accident.

Higher Risk for Parked Vehicles

One thing drivers might not know is that a vehicle parked for a long time experiences tyre ageing more quickly than one that is driven regularly. If a tyre is in motion, it flexes and rotates regularly, and its protective oils are evenly distributed. This helps in slowing down the tyre hardening process and makes them last longer.

But if a vehicle is parked for a long time, then most of the weight of the vehicle will be on the same part of each tyre, and this will lead to issues like flat spots, uneven stress, and internal damage to tyres over time. As moisture and temperature change, the process speed will increase. Some of the best examples of this are the tyres of classic cars, spare vehicles, recreational vehicles, and showroom cars.

Environmental and Storage Impact on Tyre Ageing

Two factors that have the greatest impact on the tyre ageing process are environmental conditions and tyre storage. The environmental conditions refer to factors such as high temperatures that can speed up the rubber's chemical reaction, leading to it hardening quickly. If standard tyres are used in cold environments, they can stiffen the rubber and make it more prone to cracking.

Being exposed to sunlight for a long time can cause damage to the tyres because of ultraviolet radiation. The way that the tyres are stored can also lead to faster tyre ageing. For example, if tyres are stored outdoors or in hot cabins, they can age faster than those stored in cool, dry, or shaded areas. That's why tyres should be stored properly so they age slowly and last a long time. 

Conclusion

Tyre age is just as important as tyre tread when it comes to vehicle safety. No matter how good the tyres look or how much tread they have, they will inevitably become unsafe over time due to ageing. Certain factors like the sunlight, storage conditions, and long periods of not using them can make the tyres weak internally, and that is also without giving any clear signs of damage to them.

That's why vehicle owners are advised to check the manufacturing date of their tyres, conduct regular inspections, and store them properly. This will reduce the risk of tyre failure and keep the tyres safe for a long time.