How long to store tyres ?

[rs4al]

I got a set of winter tyres with no wheels that have been stacked in my garage since 2012, they were brand new but the last two winters were so mild they never got used and I sort of forgot about them.

Seeing as the weather might be getting a bit tasty soon, would these tyres be ok to use ? Is there anyway I can check them before fitting ? Thx, they are 255 section 19" tyres.

[dopamine]

Morning rs4al,

I will check with one of our tech guys here and post an answer later this morning.

Cheers

Travis
Pistonheads Tyres - http://pistonheads.tyregiant.com

[rs4al]

Thanks Travis.

They have been stacked so god knows what sort of shape they are in !!!

[Cunning Punt]

Check the DOT code stamped on the sidewall, it tells you the approximate date of manufacture (which is not necessarily the same year you bought them). The code is 4 digits: 2 digits for the week, 2 for the year. For example, if they have the code 2211, they were made in the 22nd week of 2011.

I seem to remember reading that the German MOT (TüV) mandates that tyres must be no more than 6 years old. There's no equivalent law in the UK to my knowledge, but 6 years seems overly cautious to me. Then again, they're the only thing holding you onto the road, so it probably depends how risk averse you are.

I'd say if they're under 8 years, don't show any sidewall cracking and haven't suffered long periods of UV light exposure, they're probably ok.

[kambites]

From what I've read, a large part of the degradation that happens to tyre rubber with age is a result of exposure to UV light so if they've been kept completely out of direct sunlight they should last far longer than they would on a car which gets left predominantly outside. I think answering the question of "how old is too old" is impossible because there's too many variables but personally I'd be perfectly happy with tyres up to about ten years old if they've spent the vast majority of that time in the dark and there is no visible damage; beyond that I probably start thinking about replacing them.

[Riley Blue]

They were brand new in 2012? Use them.

[AuralisMatty]

New law states tyres have a shelf life of six years which may seem not that old but Ive changed tyres not even 3 years old which have perished there is no law as yet in the uk against age of use once there fitted.
Also winter tyres are more prone to perishing as they usually made with a softer compound check the dot No. as already stated but also give them a good going over push on the sidewalls check if any cracks appear and check in between the tread as this is wear they usually show signs of perishing first.

[dopamine]

Hi rs4al,

Had word back from the tech guys and they say 2 years is no problem under normal circumstances and assuming they have been stored correctly. According to guidelines by the BRV (German national association for the tyre and vulcaniser trade), when a tyre has been in use, it is recommended that they should be replaced after 10 years...

On the sidewall the tyres will have a DOT number which is their production date. for example a DOT 0114 will be a tyre produced in the first week of 2014.

I would be happy to have one of our fitter network look at the tyres to make sure they are OK for you. PM me your post code and I can organise something for you if that would be helpful.

Cheers

Travis
Pistonheads Tyres - http://pistonheads.tyregiant.com