All-Terrain Tires-The Age Factor

The amount of mileage on your all-terrain tires may be low, but do you know their lifespan in terms of calendar years? Occasional or seasonal use of all-terrain, mud tires, snow tires and the like may result in low mileage, but those in the know understand that tires are still affected by time, regardless of miles driven. Many experts say the average lifespan of a tire is six years, but hot weather will speed up the aging process. Tires become stiffer with age, which reduces traction and handling ability. You may not notice this until you hit a patch of water and need that missing traction, but then it is too late.