How Long Do Tires Last in Storage? [Years & Do They Go Bad]

As every season comes, we change tires. When this happens, we have to set aside our tires to use them for the next season.

Maybe storing your tires can raise a simple question in your mind. How long do tires last in storage?

Will it destroy the tires? Will I be able to use the tires again after storing them?

Well, yes. You can put your tires in storage and use them again afterward.

Storing them will not destroy your tires. Unless you will not store them properly.

So, if you store your tires properly, they can last for six years in storage.

You are free to use them after time and you will still find them okay.

Just remember to store your tires properly. Clean them before storing them.

When you do this, you can still use your kept tires. You do not have to spend money buying new tires.

If you want to know more about how long will tires last, you can watch the following video:

Factors to Consider When Storing Tires

Two factors can influence tires that are put in storage. They are the following:

1. Storage Conditions

The storage conditions fall into four categories. They are deformation, humidity, ozone exposure, and temperature and light.

• Deformation

Tires should be slightly elevated when stored. You must not store them mounted or inflated.

When the tire is elevated, there will be no pressure on the tires. They will not get deformed.

You must not store them vertically. Be sure that the pile is not more than 6 feet.

This will prevent them from being pressurized. You can avoid them from being deformed.

Even more so, to break.

• Humidity

No source of humidity should be found in the storage room. You must avoid water at all costs.

They can get into tires through humidity. If exposed to humidity, tires will not last for long.

Condensation may happen which is extremely undesirable. The water can be a source of ozone that can destroy the rubber.

• Ozone Exposure

Do not put any ozone-producing equipment near the storage room. Avoid things like electric motors, generators, or fluorescent lamps to be near your tires.

Avoid electric discharge to reach your tires. It can cause cracks in your tires.

• Temperature and Light

You should store tires at a temperature of not more than 77℉ or not less than 32℉. You should also hide the tires from direct sunlight.

Prevent any artificial lights that emit UV.

2. Environmental Conditions

Environmental conditions fall into four categories. They are heat damage, ozone, ultraviolet (UV) light, and oxygen.

• Heat Damage

The heat can damage the rubber. Mixed with oxygen, it accelerates the aging of the tires.

Thermo-oxidative degradation processes can take place. NHTSA has it that tires will last less in warmer climates.

They will fail more easily, regardless of how you have stored them.

• Ozone

There is a type of ozone that is destructive to rubber. It came from man-made pollutants.

Tires can deteriorate faster. This is more common in larger cities than in smaller towns.

It is because there is a lot of ozone there. Manufacturers have tried to fight this damage by including special compounds in the tires.

However, tires still do not last long. The cracks from ozone are irreversible.

• UV Light

Exposure to sunlight can make the rubber absorb UV radiation. There will be a process of deterioration because of the impact of the UV.

The process is called photodegradation. Manufacturers have tried to fight this by using carbon black.

However, UV radiation cannot be stabilized. The rubber is still exposed to rays that can destroy it.

• Oxygen

Oxygen is the most responsible element for the deterioration of rubber. It can break the rubber on the inside and the outside.

How to Properly Store Tires

When you change your tires, what should you do after they have been removed from your vehicle? Do you know how to store them?

Well, you must know that you should know how to properly store your tires. This is the only way you can use them next time.

Not storing them properly can deteriorate them. So, you must know how you can keep them.

Have the following steps in storing your tires:

1. Remove the Tires

Place the vehicle up on jacks. Remove the tires from the vehicle.

2. Clean the Tires

Get a detergent, tire brush, and water. Clean the tires.

You must remove all the grime. You must clean even the wheels.

Let them dry before moving on to the following step.

3. No Dressing Required

This step needs more inaction than action. You do not need any dressing to be put on tires before storage.

They can resist ozone and other environmental conditions. You must know that a gloss product can only hinder the extension of the life of your tires.

4. Bag Up the Tires

Get a big, airtight plastic bag. This is where you are going to place all your tires.

You can use leaf bags or yard bags. Ascertain that the bag has no moisture.

Remove the air from the bag. Tape the bag.

Because the bag is airtight, oil cannot evaporate from the rubber compounds. You can also use tire totes to transport your tires more easily.

5. Protect from the Sun

You must avoid direct sunlight getting into your tires at all costs. Sun’s heat and UV rays can destroy the rubber.

6. Pick a Location

Even if it will have a covering, do not store the tires in the open air. Avoid the heat of the sun to have contact with the tires.

Choose a ventilated and dry place. The ideal place can be your basement.

If you want to learn more about storing tires, you can watch the following video:

FAQs

How Long Will Tires Last If Not Used?

Tires can last for 6-10 years if not used. The time may depend on storage and environmental conditions.

But basically, the life of stored tires is almost the same as the life of used tires.

Do Tires Deteriorate in Storage?

You need to store your tires properly or their characteristics may differ. When this happens, the tire’s life may shorten.

Tires can deteriorate in storage. You have to store them correctly if you want them to give years of service.

If you do this, you can save a lot of money.

Up to How Old Can a Tire Be Safe?

Experts say that tires can be safe for up to 6-10 years. That is if you will store and care for them properly.

After these years, it is recommended to replace the tires. It does not matter how much tread remains.

You have to replace your tires after 6-10 years.

Do Tires Have a Shelf Life?

Tires have a birth date. It is the day when the tire is manufactured.

The birth date is written on the tire along with its expiration date. The expiration date is six years after the tire is manufactured.

This is the shelf life of the tire. So, you must replace your tires after six years.

Using them longer than that can give risks to your driving.

Are Tires Safe After 10 Years?

Tires should be swapped out after 10 years. That is regardless of how much tread is left.

It is not safe to use tires after 10 years.

Is It Okay to Buy 2-Year-Old Tires?

If the manufacturer’s stickers are still on it, it may be good to buy them. Also, you should look at the condition of the tread.

If the tread is good, then maybe it is a good deal. Just check if the rubber begins to dry out and crack.

If there are cracks, they will be unsafe for the road. You can lose traction in bad weather conditions or you may have the risk of a blowout.

Will It Be Good to Use 20-Year-Old Tires?

No, old tires are dangerous. You should have a replacement every 10 years.

Or much better, six years from the date of manufacture.

How Long Does It Take for Tires to Dry Rot?

Tires that are not used can dry rot after 3 months or more. Moist by resins and oils are stuck in the rubber and it needs pressure to be activated.

But because you are not using the tires, the moisture can be a source of dry rotting.

Are 14-Year-Old Tires Safe?

Swapping out tires every 10 years is recommended. But you can see people driving on 15 to 20-year-old tires.

Maybe you just have to check your tires from cracking to know if you can still drive on them. Though this is not recommended because it can have risks.

Is It Safe to Store Tires in Your House?

Yes, it is safe to store tires in your house. Your indoors can be a good place where your tires can cool and dry.

To store your tires better, make your house climate-controlled for the whole year. This will prevent your tires from exposure to temperature fluctuations.