Shelf Life of Tires
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From: The Bluegrass State
Shelf Life of Tires
I'm getting close to needing a set of tires and have come upon a set of BFG AT 275/65/R18 stockers to replace my BFG AT 275/65/R18s. 
The set that I've found came off of a 2004 and have about 500 miles on them. They've been sitting in a garage since 2004 (almost 05) when they were replaced with a larger tire/wheel combo.
My question -- any worries with buying this set? They were stored inside -- they look REALLY good -- no visible signs of rotting or anything like that...
Should I be concerned? The price is *definitely* right.
Thanks, Guys!
-RP-
The set that I've found came off of a 2004 and have about 500 miles on them. They've been sitting in a garage since 2004 (almost 05) when they were replaced with a larger tire/wheel combo.
My question -- any worries with buying this set? They were stored inside -- they look REALLY good -- no visible signs of rotting or anything like that...
Should I be concerned? The price is *definitely* right.
Thanks, Guys!
-RP-
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Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,226
Likes: 42
From: So. Texas
Directly from Ford Motor Co.:
"Tires degrade over time, even when they are not being used. It is recommended that tires generally be replaced after six years of normal service.''
Mileage doesn't seem to matter as much as age and how they were stored. Just because they came off of a 2004 doesn't mean they were made when the truck was made. I'd read the DOT code and date them. They could be several years older than the truck. I personally buy my tires from the same store, same manager, and he KNOWS I'm going to read the DOT code before he mounts them. If they're over 6 months old, he can put them on some other truck but not mine. But I also drive in extreme heat and at hiway speeds.
Just in case you don't know how to read the DOT Code:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete....jsp?techid=11
"Tires degrade over time, even when they are not being used. It is recommended that tires generally be replaced after six years of normal service.''
Mileage doesn't seem to matter as much as age and how they were stored. Just because they came off of a 2004 doesn't mean they were made when the truck was made. I'd read the DOT code and date them. They could be several years older than the truck. I personally buy my tires from the same store, same manager, and he KNOWS I'm going to read the DOT code before he mounts them. If they're over 6 months old, he can put them on some other truck but not mine. But I also drive in extreme heat and at hiway speeds.
Just in case you don't know how to read the DOT Code:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete....jsp?techid=11
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Joined: Jan 2002
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From: The Bluegrass State
Just checked the codes... 0604 on all four. So, looks like they're over the 5 year mark (sixth week of 2004). The 'after six years of normal service' thing is what catches my attention. These tires have barely been used and have been indoor stored...
Any concerns?
BTW, they're now in my basement.
-RP-
Any concerns?
BTW, they're now in my basement.
-RP-
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Joined: Apr 2003
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From: South Bend, IN
Our tech articles on tire life may help. Check these out!
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete...jsp?techid=138
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete...jsp?techid=183
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete...jsp?techid=138
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete...jsp?techid=183
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Joined: Feb 1999
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From: the moral high ground
Why are they in your basement?
I don't have a basement but, I'll tell you one thing.
If I had me some new tires like that, I'd put them on my house and move!
I don't have a basement but, I'll tell you one thing.
If I had me some new tires like that, I'd put them on my house and move!