You, as a car owner, will know that one of the most important aspects of maintaining your vehicle is keeping your tyres in perfect condition. Many think that if the tyres are unused, they will remain in perfect condition forever. But that is not true because tyres do wear, irrespective of their condition, even if they are just lying in a garage or shed. Understanding this from the how and why perspective is very important for one's safety and also helps in better decisions on when to replace tyres. This blog will let you know the reasons for tyre degradation, how long they last, and what things one can do to keep Car Tyres Walsall in good condition.
The Lifespan of Tyres: How Long Should They Last?
Typically, a tyre lasts up to six to ten years, irrespective of tread wear. This means that those tyres that look brand new and haven't driven on the road might still be unsafe for use after this duration.
Why the 6-to 10-year rule?
Rubber Deterioration: The rubber compounds deteriorate over time; even the run tyre undergoes ageing due to being outdoors and the different conditions of storage. As it ages, rubber hardens, cracks, and loses its elasticity.
Safety: The biggest reason is safety. The chances of blowouts, lack of traction, or poor handling are much higher in the case of old tyres, which will cause accidents. Therefore, even if your tyres look fine, they need to be replaced before they reach the end of their lifetimes.
Factors Contributing to Tyre Degradation
Several factors will cause degradation of tyres over time, often without being in use. Let's take a look at those factors.
1. Age
As mentioned, the shelf life of every tyre is typically 6–10 years. After this period, the rubber may break down and compromise performance and safety. Therefore, it is essential to note the age of your tyres, which is usually provided in the date code on the sidewall, showing the week and year of manufacture and used to evaluate the age of the tyre.
2. Environmental Factors
The environment hastens the degradation of tyres. Some of the major influential factors are listed below:
Sunlight (UV Rays): Direct sunlight can dry out and crack the rubber. UV rays hasten the ageing of tyres; thus, it is better to store them in a shaded place or under a cover in the open.
Heat: Heat can also enhance tyre degradation. Tyres stored in hot environments, such as garages that get quite hot in summer, may deteriorate more quickly than those kept in comparatively cooler conditions.
3. Chemical Exposure
Tyres can be chemically sensitive. Contact with oils, fuel, solvents, and even certain cleaning agents can destroy the rubber, causing it to crack and become damaged even while not being used. Store your tyres away from chemicals that could be harmful to them.
4. Storage Conditions
Keep tyres in proper storage to extend the life of your tyres. Here are some tips for the best way to store tyres: Cool and DRY Place: Always store your tyres in a cool, dry place away from hot sunrays and chemicals. This will minimise the chances of degradation.
Upright Position: Ideally, tyres should be stored upright and not stacked. Stacking can lead to distortions and cause deformation of the tyres, leading to problems when they are eventually used.
Visual Inspection: Keeping an Eye on Your Tyres
Interestingly enough, action should repeat on tyres even if they are not in use. Here’s what to look for:
- Cracking: Examine the sidewall or tread for visible cracks. These may indicate the brittleness of the rubber and possibly unsafe conditions for use.
- Bulging: Squeeze the tyre for the presence of bulges or blisters on the surface. These are major indications of internal damage that may explode at any moment.
- Unusual Wear Patterns: If earlier using it had been the cause, examine for signs of uneven wear patterns. This could indicate that alignment or balance problems are present.
- Tread Depth: Tread depth is not a problem in tyres that are not going to be used· but attached to the deep tread depth, ensure that it is satisfactory for use. Tread depth should be a minimum legally to 1.6mm in the UK, but most experts advise changing at around 3 mm because of better performance in wet conditions.
What to Do with Old Tyres?
You need to start thinking about replacing your tyres if they are nearing or have exceeded their lifespan. Here are some helpful pointers to get you started:
Consult an Expert: If you're unsure whether your tyres need replacing, take them to a trained tyre professional. He will be willing to examine them and help you make an informed decision.
Options for Effective Recycling: If you have old tyres that need disposing of, also search for local recycling centers or services that can really handle this. This is so because not all portions of the tyre can simply be dumped into a landfill; many can be recycled.
Summary
Tyres degrade with time, even if they are not being used. Generally, it is applicable to change them after 6 to 10 years, regardless of tread wear. Various factors such as age, environmental factors, chemical exposure and storage practices contribute to the damage to tyres. Good storage and regular visual inspection can help improve the lifespan of Goodyear Tyres in Walsall, thus ensuring safety on the road.
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