10 CAR MAINTENANCE MYTHS YOU SHOULD STOP BELIEVING

False: 8 — Old, low-mileage car tires are fine to use

Tires age—even if they have plenty of tread left. Rubber breaks down over time, especially if the vehicle has been parked for years. These aging tires can develop internal cracks, which may not be visible but increase the risk of blowouts.

To check a tire’s age, look for the DOT code on the sidewall. The last four digits show the week and year it was made. For example, “1214” means the tire was manufactured in the 12th week of 2014. Most tire makers recommend replacing tires after 10 years, regardless of use.