When tires get old, the rubber loses is elasticity (gets hard) and then when the tire heats up, the tread tends to blow right off. Also, it doesnt matter whether or not the tire has been exposed to the elements, the rubber still gets hard over time.

Do tires lose traction with age?

Car tires lose grip long before they wear out, but a new study from the Automobile Association of America (AAA) provides sobering information about just how dangerous older tires can become on rain-slickened roads.

Do tires expire if not used?

If not used, tires last for 6-10 years, depending on the storage and environmental conditions. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and official manufacturers suggest a tire is only 100% safe to use until it turns 5-6 years old.

Is traction a good for a tire?

A tires ability to resist heat is an important safety factor. Tires that become overheated may fail. Traction also receives letter grades that indicate how well it stops. A tire having a higher grade should allow a car to stop on a wet road in a shorter distance than a tire with a lower grade.

Why am I losing traction in the rain?

Rain actually causes your tires to lose traction—when the road gets wet, the water mixes with the dirt on the asphalt, making it harder for your tires to “hang on” to the road. Simply put, rain makes everything slippery, and puddles that form can lead to hydroplaning.

Can winter tires last 10 years?

Winter tires are made with rubber that retains its elasticity at lower temperatures, but that does not mean they will wear out more quickly than other tires. Manufacturers say winter tires should last six seasons. Transport Canada says they could be good for up to 10 seasons. Redinger disagrees.

Is it OK to use winter tires all year?

Unfortunately, using snow tires year round isnt recommended. In the long run, it will cost more money than changing them out and could compromise your vehicles performance on the road.

What does 400 AA mean on a tire?

UTQG stands for Uniform Tire Quality Grading. The 400 is tread wear which represents the tires comparative wear when measured against the governments mandated tire, which is rated at 100. So the tire rated at 400 would wear four times longer than the governments mandated tire.

What does AA mean for tires?

Traction Traction also receives letter grades that indicate how well it stops. A tire having a higher grade should allow a car to stop on a wet road in a shorter distance than a tire with a lower grade. Traction is graded AA (highest), A, B or C (lowest).

What is a good stopping distance for tires?

Discount Tire and industry standards recommend replacing tires worn to 4/32nds and below. At 2/32nds, your tires present a severe safety risk, as their stopping distance and wet/snow traction are significantly decreased.

What happens if you put more air in your tires?

Overinflating your tires can make them more vulnerable to damage. Excessive air pressure can also distort the shape of the tire, leading to decreased traction and increased wear and tear down the center of the tire. Depending on the circumstances, repeatedly overinflated tires could wear out more quickly.