There have been many reports that not only illustrate the potential danger of driving on aging tires, but also buying used tires, and even tires that have never even spent one day on the road. For many years, people have relied on the tread depth of vehicle tires to determine condition.However over time, the rubber compounds deteriorate, irrespective of tread condition. Old tires pose safety hazards.
For some people, old vehicle tires may never be an issue. Say you drive a typical number of miles – about 12,000 to 15,000 a year – the tread will wear out in 3 to 4 years, long before the rubber compound will. But, if you have a car that you only drive on weekends, or you drive about 6,000 miles or less annually, aging tires could definitely be a problem. The age warning applies to spare tires as well.
An aging tire can be compared to an old rubber band. If a rubber band has been sitting around for a long time, and you stretch it out, you’ll see cracks in it. This is essentially what happens to old vehicle tires. Over time, cracks in the rubber begin to develop. They might also appear inside the tire and on the surface. The cracking will ultimately cause the belts in the tread to come away from the rest of the tire.
Highway Tire Service & Collision is a landmark auto repair shop in the Terrell and Mooresville areas of NC. We offer professional auto repair & brake services, as well as vehicle tires and wheels. If you are not sure how safe your tires are, please speak to us.