So I've recently been in the market for some snow tires. These would be mounted on separate rims and only bolted on to the vehicle when inclement weather arrives. Aside from those instances, they will be stored in my garage away from UV light and any ozone producing electric motors. Given that they will likely see less than 1,500 miles each year, I decided to contact manufacturers to see what their maximum expected life is of their tires.
Bridgestone/Firestone warrants their tires up to five years and says to absolutely not run any of their tires if they are older than five years from the date of manufacture (note the manufacture date and not the purchase date). Their tech support line told me that their tires are compromised after that whether or not there are visible cracks.
Goodyear says to start inspecting them annually around year 4 for cracks and such. If no cracks are found (inside or out), continue to run them until they are about 7-10 years old depending on how and where they are stored. They typically have a 12 month warranty from date of purchase regardless of manufacture date. The bulk of their warranties are mileage-focused and are silent with regards to time.
Michelin warrants their tires for six years and says to start annually inspecting the tires around year 5 for cracks and signs of degradation. If no cracks are found (inside or out), continue to run them until they are about 10 years old. They typically have a six year warranty. They are also the only manufacturer that I've found that actually puts a mileage warranty on their winter tires. In the case of the X-Ice XI3, it is 6 years or 40,000 miles.
General and Continental mirror Michelin with regards to inspections and time. Their techs seemed very confident that their tires would last 10 years with minimal road time so long as they are away from UV light and ozone.
Bridgestone/Firestone warrants their tires up to five years and says to absolutely not run any of their tires if they are older than five years from the date of manufacture (note the manufacture date and not the purchase date). Their tech support line told me that their tires are compromised after that whether or not there are visible cracks.
Goodyear says to start inspecting them annually around year 4 for cracks and such. If no cracks are found (inside or out), continue to run them until they are about 7-10 years old depending on how and where they are stored. They typically have a 12 month warranty from date of purchase regardless of manufacture date. The bulk of their warranties are mileage-focused and are silent with regards to time.
Michelin warrants their tires for six years and says to start annually inspecting the tires around year 5 for cracks and signs of degradation. If no cracks are found (inside or out), continue to run them until they are about 10 years old. They typically have a six year warranty. They are also the only manufacturer that I've found that actually puts a mileage warranty on their winter tires. In the case of the X-Ice XI3, it is 6 years or 40,000 miles.
General and Continental mirror Michelin with regards to inspections and time. Their techs seemed very confident that their tires would last 10 years with minimal road time so long as they are away from UV light and ozone.