Silver Spring Auto Repair

Good tread does not always mean a safe tire. Rubber ages from oxygen, heat, and sun exposure, which slowly hardens the compound and weakens the bond between rubber and internal cords. Grip falls off most on cold, wet mornings and during emergency stops. Here is how to judge tire age accurately and decide when to replace them, even if the grooves still look deep. Why “Plenty of Tread” Can Still Be Risky A tire’s chemistry changes over time. As rubber cures and dries, the tread blocks lose flexibility, sipes stop biting in the rain, and tiny surface cracks open around letters and at the base of grooves. Braking distances stretch and the car feels skittish over bumps. Our technicians often see this on low-mileage vehicles that sit outside, where age matters more than miles. Find the DOT Date Code and Read It Correctly Every road tire s ... read more