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Ford Reminds Motorists: Replace Older Tires, Regardless of
Wear; Examine Tires Monthly to Help Ensure Safe Travel
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Ford Motor Company is reminding motorists of its recommendation to replace tires,
even unused tires, after six years regardless of tread wear; vehicle owners should
also check tire tread wear and pressure at least once a month
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Ford research shows tires break down over a period of time due to several factors
including weather, storage conditions and type of use
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Improper or inadequate vehicle maintenance can result in abnormal or excessive
tread wear, as well as cracking and cuts to tires
DEARBORN, Mich., – Ford Motor Company is reminding vehicle owners of its recommendation
to replace tires, even unused tires, after six years, regardless of tread wear, and to practice
proper tire maintenance.
Ford research has determined tires degrade over a period of time due to such factors as
weather, storage conditions, and type of use including load, speed and inflation pressure.
“Even if they aren’t being used, tires will degrade over a period of time, so it’s best to keep a
careful eye on them,” said Steve Kenner, global director, Ford Automotive Safety Office. “Ford
wants to remind motorists that by keeping a vigilant eye on the condition of their tires, they can
help ensure safety out on the roads and better performance from their vehicle.”
Heat or frequent high load conditions can accelerate a tire’s aging process. Signs of aging
include cracking of the tread and sidewall rubber. As not all signs of tire aging are visible, Ford
recommends all tires, including an unused spare, be replaced after six years regardless of wear
due to the possible effects of aging.
Ford recommends vehicle owners also inspect the tread of their tires for uneven or excessive
wear at least once a month. Built-in tread wear indicators, also known as wear bars, appear on
the tire when the tread reaches one-sixteenth of an inch, or 2 millimeters. Wear bars look like
narrow strips of smooth rubber across the tread grooves. A tire should be replaced if its tread is
worn down to one-sixteenth of an inch.
When inspecting their vehicle tires, motorists are reminded to:
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Check the last four digits of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Tire
Identification Number, located on the tire sidewall, to determine the week and year it was
manufactured. The last two digits show the year the tire was made
Watch for DOT Tire Identification Numbers that end in three digits. Those tires were
manufactured prior to 2000 and need to be replaced
Check for signs of aging, such as cracks on the tread and sidewall, as well as any
deformation to a tire’s exterior
For news releases, related materials and high-resolution photos and video, visit www.media.ford.com.
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Remove objects – such as stones, nails or glass – that can become wedged in the tread
grooves
Check valve stems for holes, cracks or cuts that can cause air leakage
Check sidewalls for cracks, cuts, bruises, bulges or excessive wear; if internal damage
to a tire is suspected, the tire should be removed and inspected for potential
replacement
How driving behavior impacts tire wear
A motorist’s driving can have an impact on tire wear and safety. Hitting potholes and curbs can
result in tire damage and changes in a vehicle’s alignment. If a vehicle seems to pull to one side
while driving, this could indicate the wheels are out of alignment – resulting in uneven and rapid
tire tread wear.
Ford recommends vehicle owners:
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Observe posted speed limits, avoid potholes and objects in the road, and take care
when parking not to run over curbs or allow tires to come in contact with a curb
Periodically have tires balanced to avoid uneven wear, and seek assistance from an
authorized dealer to check for and correct any wheel misalignment or other mechanical
problem if tires do show uneven wear
Rotate tires at the recommended intervals indicated in the scheduled maintenance
section of the owner’s manual. This helps tires wear more evenly and will lead to better
performance. After rotating, tire inflation pressures must be checked, and adjusted if
needed, to the level indicated on the safety compliance certification label, which can be
found on either the driver’s-side door hinge pillar, the door latch post, or where the door
edge meets the door latch post
Tire risks in the winter months
Changes in temperature can have an effect on tire inflation, with a 10-degree drop in
temperature causing a corresponding drop of 1 psi in tire pressure.
It is particularly important during the winter that vehicle owners check their tires at least once a
month, and – when necessary – adjust tire pressure to the proper level of inflation indicated on
the safety compliance certification label.
This reminder follows the recent TireWise campaign initiated by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration. For more information, visit the TireWise website, www.safercar.gov/tires.
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For news releases, related materials and high-resolution photos and video, visit www.media.ford.com.