TIC Warn on Dangers of Old Tyres

Published 4th September 2003

TIC tyre experts at roadside tyre check in Hertfordshire and Wiltshire identified a number of vehicles with tyres between ten and twelve years old and one car with two tyres that were fifteen years old!

Whilst this is not illegal, says the TIC, there are certain circumstances where the 'ageing' process can render a tyre unserviceable even if it is unused.

As the components within the tyre dry out with age, they can separate, causing the tyre to distort and vibrate and potentially the tyre could fail and deflate.

Motorists are able to check the age of a tyre by examining the date code on the sidewall of the tyre. If it is ten years old or over the TIC strongly recommends that it be replaced.

The TIC also pointed out that although tyre manufacturers add anti-ageing chemicals to rubber compounds they are only active when the tyre is in use; therefore tyres fitted to spare wheels, caravans and trailers are particularly at risk of premature ageing brought on by ozone degradation and static 'sitting' for lengthy periods. Hence if an unused tyre reaches six years old it should not be placed into service.

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