What Is the Tire Life of Tires That Are on Very Low Mileage Cars?

Garaging a car extends the life of its tires.

Even when cars are rarely driven, their tires get worn down due to UV rays, ozone, humidity and time. Experts disagree on how long it is safe to keep tires on a vehicle with low mileage--six to ten years is the most recommended time length.

How Tires Deteriorate

Even if a vehicle is never driven, its tires continue to deteriorate. Although they may appear to be in mint condition on the outside, the rubber inside breaks down slowly over time. During hot spells or when driving at high rates of speed, a blowout can occur with older tires.

When Tires Must be Replaced

No matter how little they have been driven, tires need to be replaced if they show any signs of drying or cracking. They should also be replaced if the tread shows too much wear. Insert an upside down penny into a tire groove. If Lincoln's head is flush with the tread, the tire should be replaced.

How to Know the Age of a Tire

On May 9, 2008, the ABC news show "20/20," did a special on old tires that featured tire experts. These experts recommended that all tires, used or not, be replaced within six years of the time they are made. To determine the age of your tires, check out the code on the sidewall of the tire. The last four digits are the week and year that the tire was made.

References

• Rubber Manufacturers Association: Tire Safety - How to Take Care of Your Tires
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: What Applied Research Has Learned From Industry About Tire Aging