Article by GSP – Published on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, 16:35 / Updated on Wednesday, 11 March 2026 16:36
The lifespan of tires is a common question among drivers, especially when it comes to summer tires, which are used only part of the year. If they don't look worn and have been stored “properly”, are they still safe after 5 years? The answer is not black and white, but there are clear criteria for deciding whether your tires are still usable or need to be replaced.
What manufacturers and safety bodies say
Most manufacturers of TIRES and European regulatory bodies such as ETRTO (European Tire and Rim Technical Organisation) recommend the following:
● After 5 yearsthe tires must be checked annually by a specialist;
● After 10 yearsthe tires must be replaced even if their appearance seems fine.
This recommendation applies regardless of whether the tires are actively used or just stored in the garage. The reason? Rubber ages naturally over time, even without mechanical wear.
What happens to an old tire, even if it looks good
Even if it summer tire it was only used for a few seasons, you should know that exposure to oxygen, ozone, heat and humidity causes degradation of rubber compounds. Over time, elasticity decreases, which affects:
● Braking grip;
● Response to direction changes;
● Stability at high speeds;
● Puncture or cut resistance.
This degradation may be invisible to the naked eye, but it affects road safety.
How do you check tire age?
There is a code on the tire sidewall DOT (Department of Transportation), and the last four digits indicate week and year of manufacture.
Example: DOT 1918 means that the tire was manufactured in the 19th week of 2018. In 2024, it is already 6 years old and needs to be carefully evaluated.
Why do some “old” tires perform better than some “new” ones?
There are cases where a properly stored, unused tire performs better than one with just 3 years of heavy use. That's because conditions of use and storage matter as much as age:
● Exposure to sun, oils or chemicals accelerates aging.
● Incorrect storage (outside, in a horizontal position) deforms the case.
● Incorrect pressure leads to uneven wear and cracks.
However, a tire over 5 years old must be professionally checkedeven if it seems ok.
What the statistics and studies say
According to a NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) report, the risk of tire blowout increases significantly after 6 yearsregardless of the kilometers traveled. Another study carried out in Germany by DEKRA showed that tires more than 5 years old have a braking distance of up to 15% longer, even if the profile is within legal limits.
When can you keep tires longer?
A summer tire can still be used after 5 years if:
● It has a profile of at least 2.5 mm (legally it is 1.6 mm, but the safety threshold is higher);
● Does not show cracks, swelling or deformations;
● It has been stored in a dry, cool, dark place;
● It has not been exposed to heavy loads, sudden braking, bad roads.
However, starting in the 6th year, annual checks become mandatory for your safety.
Risks associated with using old tires
● Delayed emergency braking;
● slips in conditions of torrential rain;
● Aquaplaning easier to install;
● Cracks and peeling while running;
● Legal risks – in some countries, the ITP may be refused if the tires are visibly aged.
Final recommendations
● Check the DOT and visual condition of the tires annually.
● After 5 years, do at least one professional check per season.
● If cracks, deformation or uneven wear appear – replace them immediately.
● Don't just rely on looks – age affects the internal composition of the tyre.
Keeping summer tires for more than 5 years is not necessarily wrong, but becomes a risk if they are not checked or used in harsh conditions. A tire can be more dangerous not because it is old, but because the driver no longer considers its limits.
