Tires are one thing that many drivers don’t think about until there is a problem. When a tire goes flat, or suffers a blow-out, is when most people realize there is a problem. Tires, like many other products, have expiration dates, and should not be used after a certain number of years as the rubber will degrade over time. Ford Motor Company has stated that tires older than six years may not be safe even if they have not been put into service. Tires that are older than this are more prone to failure.
A tire failure can occur at any time, but can usually be prevented with proper maintenance. In some cases, such as with Bridgestone tire failure, the defect is in the manufacturing process. This makes the tire unsafe regardless of the age of the tire. This was the case with the Bridgestone / Firestone tire recall that was issued on August 9, 2000.
One of the best ways to avoid tire failure is with proper tire maintenance. This means checking the air pressure regularly and inspecting the tire for physical damage such as cuts or cracks in the tread and sidewall.
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