Many major car manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, and Ford recommend that car owners change their tires six years from their production date, regardless of factors like tread life, among many others. On the other hand, tire manufacturers like Michelin and Continental state that a tire can last up to a decade with proper maintenance and routine inspections after five years of ownership.

The Rubber Manufacturers Association believes that a car tire’s life depends on various factors like storage, under-inflation, and heat. For example, a tire that has been properly stored or has been used with proper car tire safety measures in mind may be suitable for use even after a long time. To that effect, here are a few factors that reduce a tire’s life that should be kept in check for great car tire safety:

1. Heat
Research has found that a warmer climate in places causes tires to age quickly as compared to the tires being used in other places. Another finding is that environmental conditions like excess sunlight exposure and coastal climates can speed up the process of aging for tires. This means it is important for people living in areas with warm weather or coastal climate to take proper car tire safety measures. If the tire has already aged to the point that it cannot be used, it is better to replace it.

2. Storage
This factor affects tires that you may have stored in your garage for safekeeping. While a tire that has been left unused will age slower, it will age nonetheless, so it is better to avoid buying a new tire before you would want to start using it. Not only does it cost you money for tire replacement, but it also ends up as an investment for nothing. A tire bought prematurely will not be used until the old one is completely useless, and by the time that happens, the new car tire will have aged significantly as well and won’t ensure top-notch tire safety.

3. Spares
When spare tires are not used, they lose quality with passing time. The tire that is mounted on a wheel is referred to be “in service,” regardless of whether or not you drive the car. While you drive, the spare goes through almost the same conditions that the other tires do. For example, if you have a truck and the spare tire is mounted underneath it, it will go experience environmental factors like weather, heat, and dirt. This just means that you will have to start looking for a replacement for a spare. In addition, a spare tire ages the same without use, limiting the time you have to use it.

4. Conditions of use
A car tire’s age is dependent on how the tire is used and maintained. If a tire is under-inflated, it is prone to increased wear and tear. Also, if you have driven the car on a curb too many times, the tires may be calling for a repair for punctures to ensure tire safety. Also, tires mounted on a car that is driven less, for instance, only on weekends, will age slower than those on a car driven daily.