The expert warned about the risk of using 10-year-old tires

Over time, the performance of car tires inevitably deteriorates. The conventionally accepted period of tire operation is five years from the date of manufacture and is most often equal to the warranty period of most manufacturers. However, it is not recommended to use tires older than 10 years, even if they have never been on a car. This was stated by Oleg Markov, technical expert of the Cordiant holding, Rossiyskaya Gazeta reports on September 2.

According to the expert, even with proper storage and operation, physico-chemical changes occur in the rubber compound: the composition of the tread mixture becomes harder, its elasticity and resistance to temperature changes. As a result, this can affect ride smoothness, traction, and noise levels.

The expert noted that the production date is indicated on the sidewall of each tire in the form of four digits in an oval marking. The first two indicate the week of production, the second — the year. For example, the marking 2525 means that the tire was manufactured in the 25th week of 2025. Selecting tires of the "same batch" with the same release date makes no practical sense, since modern manufacturing technologies ensure stable performance, and the difference of several weeks between tires of the same set does not affect their behavior on the road, he noted.

When buying used tires, you should pay special attention to their condition if they are more than two or three years old. This is especially true for winter friction tires, where the composition of the rubber compound critically affects traction on icy surfaces, Markov pointed out. In such cases, compliance with storage conditions such as temperature, humidity and protection from direct sunlight is also an important factor.

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Earlier, on August 25, it was reported that in July 2026, compared to the same period last year, demand for tires for SUV segment vehicles (crossovers and SUVs) in Russia increased by 14%. Sales of Ikon Tyres, Nordman and Kumho brands increased most noticeably.