When to Replace a Tyre Based on Age, Not Wear

When to Swap Out Your Tires Based on Age, Not Just Wear

Most drivers just glance at their tires to see if the tread is low or if there's any obvious damage. That's smart, but it's not the whole story. Tire age is a big deal too. Even if a tire looks okay on the outside, the stuff inside can break down over time, which can mess with how safe they are and how well they perform. I’m writing this to help you get why tires don't last forever, how getting old messes with them, and when you should get new ones—even if they don't look worn out.

At our tire shop here in Ranchi, we hear folks say all the time they didn't know tires could be unsafe just from being old. It's a super important thing to know, mostly in a place like Ranchi where the weather changes, the roads are so-so, and people drive both in the city and out in the country. All that can mess with your tires.

What Happens Inside Tires as They Get Old

Tires are made of all sorts of stuff—rubber, fake stuff, plus steel and fabric to hold it all together. Over time, things like air, hot weather, and sunlight mess with these materials. This is like rusting, which slowly ruins the rubber. It gets hard and can't handle bumps and scrapes as well.

Even if you don't drive much, your tires are still getting older. think about grub. It might seem fine, but it could be past its date where it works or be safe. This is a huge deal if you have a car you don't drive often, like a spare car, a work truck, or one you only use sometimes. The tires might look new, but they could be too old to be safe.

How to Tell How Old Your Tires Are

The people who make tires stamp a code on the side that tells you when it was made. Find the DOT code on the tire. The last four numbers tell you the week and year the tire was made. So, if it ends in 1919, that means it was made in the 19th week of 2019.

If your tires are over six years old, think about getting new ones, even if they look okay. If they're over ten years old, just replace them because they are not safe anymore. A lot of car companies say that you should change your tires every six to ten years.

Here at our shop in Ranchi, we can help you read those codes and check out your tires. Most people are shocked to learn they've been driving on tires that are too old and not safe.

What's the Risk of Driving on Old Tires?

Old tires aren't as bendable, don't grip the road as well, and can break down without warning. One of the worst things that can happen is a blowout—when a tire suddenly loses air. If that happens, you could lose control, mostly if you're driving fast. Old tires can also get cracks, bubbles on the sides, and can start to peel apart.

If you drive on tires like that around here during the rainy season or on bumpy roads, it's even riskier. Ranchi has smooth roads in the city and tough roads in the hills, and old tires can have issues with that. Changing your tires because they're old is a smart move to keep you and others safe.

Why You Might Not Think About Tire Age

A lot of folks think that if the tire still has tread, it's good to go. But tires these days can last a while, and the tread might still look good even if the tire is old. It fools you. Plus, tires get old slowly, so most people don't think about it unless someone at the shop brings it up.

Some tires get old faster than others, too. It depends on the kind of rubber and the weather. If you keep tires in bad spots—like in direct sun or near chemicals—they'll age faster. At our shop in Ranchi, we make sure all the tires are stored the right way and we check them for signs of age.

How to Help Your Tires Last Longer

You can't stop tires from aging, but you can slow it down. Keep your tires inflated right, park in the shade, rotate your tires, and make sure your car is lined up right. That all helps. But even that won't stop them from needing to be changed.

One more thing: Old tires might not work well with new cars that have fancy suspension and brakes. Those cars are made for newer tires. So, old tires can keep your car from being as safe as it could be.

We tell our customers here in Ranchi to think about new tires as keeping you safer on the road. It's like refreshing how your car connects to the road.

What the Experts Say

Big groups like the Rubber Manufacturers Association and car companies like Toyota and BMW say to change tires after six years, no matter how much tread is left. If you live in a hot place like India, where the heat makes tires age faster, this is even more important.

At Kundan Tires, we check how old tires are when we check the tread. If your car is over six years old or you don't drive it much, ask a tire guy to check your tires. It's a small thing that could stop an accident and make you feel better when you're driving.

Explore: Tyre Shop in Ranchi | Tyre Shop Ranchi

Keep Age in Mind

Tire safety is about more than what you can see. How old your tires are is a big thing that can change how they work when you're driving. Even if they look new, the stuff inside might be too old to work right.

Here at our shop in Ranchi, we want to make sure everyone is driving on safe tires. We can check them for age, look at their history, and give you advice. Don't wait for something bad to happen—check your tires today and make smart choices for a smoother, safer drive.