Deciding how to handle the process of mounting old tires onto rims can be a bit tricky. Whether you’ve found a set of used tires with decent tread or you’re swapping seasonal sets that have seen a few years, the question arises: should you tackle mounting old tires yourself or leave it to the professionals? Both approaches have their pros and cons, involving considerations like cost, safety, tools, and the inherent risks associated with older rubber. This comparison aims to shed light on the key factors involved in both DIY and professional mounting for old tires to help you make an informed choice.
Understanding the Risks Associated with Old Tires
Before even considering the mounting process, it’s vital to understand why older tires demand extra caution. Tires aren’t just simple rubber hoops; they are complex structures that degrade over time, regardless of tread depth. This degradation impacts their safety and performance significantly.
Why is Tire Age a Critical Factor?
Tires age from the moment they are manufactured, not just when they are put on a vehicle. Rubber compounds naturally break down over time due to exposure to oxygen, sunlight (UV rays), heat, and environmental pollutants. This process, known as rubber degradation, happens both internally and externally, even if a tire is stored improperly or not used frequently.
This aging process makes the rubber harder and more brittle, reducing its flexibility and grip. The internal structure, including the steel belts and fabric plies, can also weaken. This loss of structural integrity increases the risk of sudden tire failure, especially under stress like high speeds or heavy loads, making the decision about mounting old tires a critical safety consideration.
While there’s no single universally mandated tire age limit, many vehicle manufacturers and tire companies recommend replacing tires after six years, regardless of tread wear. Some safety organizations might suggest a maximum of ten years, but using tires this old, especially for mounting old tires onto your primary vehicle, carries substantial risk.
Identifying Unsafe Old Tires Before Mounting
A thorough inspection is non-negotiable before attempting to mount any used or stored tire, particularly older ones. Just because a tire holds air doesn’t mean it’s safe for the road. Paying close attention during the tire inspection can save you from dangerous situations later.
Essential Visual Tire Inspection Steps
Start with a careful visual check. Look for obvious signs of damage like cuts, punctures, bulges, or knots in the sidewalls or tread area. Pay extremely close attention to sidewall cracks, which often appear as fine crazing or larger fissures; these are clear indicators of advanced rubber degradation and mean the tire is unsafe.
Perform a tread depth check. While older tires might still have legally acceptable tread, very low tread depth combined with age is a recipe for poor grip, especially in wet conditions. Use a tread depth gauge or the simple penny test (if Lincoln’s head is fully visible when inserted upside down into the tread groove, it’s likely time for replacement).
Flex the sidewalls slightly (if the tire is off the rim) and check the area where the tread meets the sidewall. Look for separation or unusual patterns. Also, check the inner liner for damage or improper repairs if possible. Hidden damage can compromise the tire structure, making mounting old tires a gamble.
The Significance of the DOT Code
Every tire sold legally in the US has a Department of Transportation (DOT) code stamped on its sidewall. This code provides crucial information, including the tire’s manufacturing date. Typically, the last four digits of the DOT code indicate the week and year of manufacture; for example, ‘3218’ means the tire was made in the 32nd week of 2018.
Knowing how to read this DOT code is essential when dealing with used or stored tires. It allows you to determine the tire’s actual age, which is often more critical than its appearance or tread depth. Refusing to mount tires past a certain age (often 6-10 years) is a common practice for reputable tire shops due to safety concerns, and it’s a guideline you should strongly consider even for DIY mounting old tires.
Potential Dangers of Mounting Old Tires
Attempting to install aged tires comes with inherent dangers. The mounting process itself puts stress on the tire bead (the edge that seals against the rim), and brittle, aged rubber is more prone to bead damage during installation, potentially leading to air leaks or even failure later.
The most significant risk is tire failure while driving. Aged tires have a much higher blowout risk due to weakened internal structures and less flexible rubber. Such failures can lead to a complete loss of vehicle control, especially at highway speeds. Other tire failure causes linked to age include tread separation and rapid air loss, both extremely hazardous.
Even if an old tire doesn’t fail catastrophically, its performance is likely compromised. Hardened rubber reduces grip, increasing stopping distances and negatively affecting handling, particularly in emergency maneuvers or adverse weather. These handling issues make driving with aged, potentially unsafe tires a serious gamble with vehicle safety.
Exploring the DIY Approach to Mounting Old Tires
For hands-on car owners, the idea of mounting old tires themselves can seem appealing, potentially saving money and offering a sense of accomplishment. However, it’s a physically demanding task that requires specific tools and knowledge, and the risks, especially with older tires, are significant.
What Tools Are Required for DIY Tire Mounting?
Successfully mounting a tire manually requires more than just basic hand tools. You’ll need a specialized set of tire mounting tools to do the job without damaging the tire or the wheel rim. Investing in these tools is necessary if you plan on mounting old tires yourself.
- A sturdy bead breaker (either manual or pneumatic) to separate the tire bead from the rim seat.
- Tire irons or pry bars specifically designed for mounting and dismounting tires. Using improper tools like screwdrivers will likely cause rim damage or bead damage.
- A valve stem puller/installer tool for replacing the valve stem (always recommended when mounting tires).
- Tire lubricant (often a specific paste or liquid) to help the tire bead slide over the rim edge without tearing.
- An air compressor capable of delivering a large volume of air quickly to seat the bead.
- An accurate tire pressure gauge to inflate the tire correctly.
- Safety glasses and gloves are essential safety precautions.
Acquiring these tools represents an upfront cost. Consider whether this investment makes sense compared to the cost of professional mounting, especially if you only need to mount tires occasionally.
The Manual Tire Mounting Process Explained
Manual tire mounting is a labor-intensive process that requires care and technique. Trying to muscle through it without understanding the steps can easily lead to problems. Proper tools usage is key throughout the process.
Step-by-Step Guide (Simplified)
First, the old tire (if any) must be removed. This involves deflating it completely, breaking both beads loose from the rim using a bead breaker, and then carefully prying the tire bead up and over the rim edge using tire irons. This step requires significant leverage and care to avoid scratching or bending the rim.
Once the old tire is off, inspect the rim thoroughly. Clean the bead seating area of any rust, dirt, or old rubber residue. A clean surface is crucial for a good seal. Install a new valve stem.
Next comes mounting the “new” old tire. Lubricate the tire beads and the rim edges generously with tire lubricant. Place the rim inside the tire, and using the tire irons, work the bottom bead over the rim edge first. Then, carefully work the top bead over the rim edge – this is often the trickiest part and where bead damage frequently occurs if using the pry bar technique incorrectly.
Finally, you need to seat the beads. This requires rapidly inflating the tire with an air compressor. The rush of air should force both beads outward into the rim’s bead seats, typically accompanied by loud pops or bangs. Once seated, inflate to the recommended pressure, checking constantly with a gauge. Be aware of the maximum bead seating pressure listed on the tire sidewall and do not exceed it.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
DIY tire mounting, especially involving mounting old tires, is fraught with potential issues. Scratching or gouging the wheel rim with tire irons is common. More seriously, you can cause bead damage to the tire itself – tears or kinks in the bead wire can prevent a proper seal or lead to catastrophic failure down the road.
Achieving proper bead seating can be difficult without a powerful compressor. If the bead doesn’t seat evenly all around, it will result in persistent air leaks. Over-inflating during seating is also dangerous. Always follow safety precautions, wear eye protection, and keep fingers away from the bead area during inflation.
Another critical step often skipped in DIY scenarios is tire balancing. Unbalanced tires cause vibrations, premature tire wear, and handling issues. Manual mounting doesn’t balance the tire; this requires a separate wheel balancing machine.
Assessing the Real Cost and Effort of DIY
While avoiding the labor charge at a tire shop seems like savings, consider the total picture. The cost of acquiring decent tire mounting tools can easily exceed the price of having a professional mount several sets of tires. There’s also the cost of consumables like tire lubricant and new valve stems.
Don’t underestimate the physical effort and time involved. Manual tire mounting is hard work, especially with stiff, older tires or low-profile designs. It requires strength, patience, and a willingness to learn the correct techniques. A task that takes a pro minutes can take a DIYer hours, particularly the first few times.
The mounting cost comparison isn’t just about dollars; it’s about time, effort, safety, and the risk of costly damage to tires or wheels. For a one-time need for mounting old tires, the DIY route often doesn’t pencil out unless you already own the necessary equipment and possess the skills.
Opting for Professional Tire Mounting Services
For many drivers, taking their wheels and old tires to a professional tire shop is the default choice. This route leverages specialized equipment and trained technicians to ensure the job is done correctly and safely, though it comes at a cost and sometimes with limitations regarding older tires.
Advantages of Using a Professional Tire Shop
The primary benefit of a professional mounting service is expertise and equipment. Tire technicians work with tires daily; they possess the skills to mount tires efficiently and safely, minimizing the risk of damage to the tire or rim. They use sophisticated tire mounting machines designed to handle various tire sizes and types, including potentially tricky older tires, with less risk of bead damage compared to manual methods.
Professional shops also have wheel balancing machines, which are crucial for ride comfort and tire longevity. Balancing compensates for slight weight imperfections in the tire and wheel assembly. This step is essential after any tire mounting and is typically included in the service cost. Proper wheel balancing importance cannot be overstated for preventing vibration problems and uneven wear.
Convenience is another factor. Dropping off your wheels and tires and picking them up later saves you significant time and physical labor compared to the DIY approach. The shop handles everything from dismounting to mounting, balancing, and often, tire disposal.
What Does a Professional Mounting Service Include?
When you pay for professional tire mounting, you typically get a package of services. This usually starts with a tire inspection, although its thoroughness can vary. The technician will then use a tire mounting machine to remove the old tire (if applicable) and mount the replacement tire.
A critical part of the service is valve stem replacement. Shops almost always install new valve stems (standard rubber snap-in type or servicing the TPMS sensor if applicable) with each tire mount, as old stems can crack and leak. They use proper techniques and lubrication for bead seating, followed by inflation to the correct tire pressure check according to your vehicle’s specifications.
The final, essential step is wheel balancing. The mounted tire and wheel assembly is placed on a balancing machine that spins it and indicates where small weights should be added to the rim for smooth rotation. If your vehicle has a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), the shop may also perform a TPMS reset if necessary after the work is done.
Why Might a Shop Refuse Mounting Old Tires?
It’s not uncommon for drivers to encounter a tire shop refusal when asking to mount very old or questionable used tires. Shops have legitimate reasons for this, primarily centered around safety and liability.
Many reputable shops have policies against mounting tires older than a certain age, often 6 or 10 years, based on the DOT code. This is due to the increased risk of tire failure associated with rubber degradation, regardless of appearance or tread depth. They don’t want to be liable if an old tire they mounted fails and causes an accident. Liability issues are a major concern for businesses.
Visible damage is another common reason for refusal. If the tire inspection reveals significant sidewall cracks, bulges, improper previous repairs (like those using tire sealant inappropriately), or tread depth below legal or shop minimums, they will likely decline the service. Concerns about the tire’s structural integrity, even if not visibly obvious but suspected due to age or storage conditions (tire storage effects), can also lead to refusal. Shops prioritize safety and want to avoid installing potentially unsafe tires on customer vehicles.
| Aspect | DIY Mounting Old Tires | Professional Mounting Old Tires |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Initial tool investment potentially high; lower per-tire cost later IF tools owned; risk of costly damage. | Per-tire service fee; includes balancing; no tool cost; potentially refused for very old/damaged tires. |
| Tools/Equipment | Requires specialized tools (bead breaker, tire irons, lubricant, compressor, gauge). | Uses professional tire mounting machine, balancing machine, calibrated tools. |
| Skills/Effort | Requires learning technique; physically demanding; time-consuming. | Performed by trained tire technician skills; fast and convenient. |
| Safety Risks (Mounting) | Higher risk of bead damage, rim damage, improper seating, personal injury. | Lower risk due to proper equipment and expertise. |
| Safety Risks (On-Road) | High if tire is old/damaged; balancing often skipped, causing vibration/wear. | Shop may refuse unsafe tires; includes crucial wheel balancing; lower overall risk if tire is deemed acceptable. |
| Balancing | Not included; requires separate process/machine. | Standard part of the service. |
| Valve Stem | Requires separate purchase and installation tool/skill. | Typically includes new valve stem replacement (or TPMS service). |
| Liability | You assume all risk if a tire fails. | Shop assumes some liability (but will refuse inherently unsafe tires). |
Key Considerations Before Making Your Decision
Choosing between DIY and professional mounting for old tires involves weighing several important factors. Your final decision should prioritize safety above all else, while also considering cost, convenience, and the specific condition of the tires in question.
Tire Safety – The Ultimate Priority
Regardless of whether you mount them yourself or have a shop do it, the inherent condition of old tires is the primary safety concern. No amount of careful mounting can make inherently unsafe tires safe. Rubber degradation, internal damage, and excessive age dramatically increase the risk of tire failure, which can have devastating consequences.
Improper mounting, whether DIY or professional (though less likely with pros), can introduce additional risks like slow air leaks or bead damage, further compromising safety. The overall vehicle safety impact of running old, potentially compromised tires cannot be ignored. Saving a few dollars is never worth risking an accident due to a blowout or loss of control caused by tire failure causes linked to age or poor condition.
Balancing Cost vs Safety and Convenience
The mounting cost comparison clearly favors DIY only if you already own the tools and possess the skills, or if you plan to mount tires very frequently (like for racing or frequent seasonal tire changeover). For most drivers needing to mount a set of old tires perhaps once, the cost of professional service, which includes balancing and reduces risk, often represents better value.
Consider the convenience factor. Professional service saves considerable time and strenuous effort. Weigh this against the potential savings of DIY, factoring in the learning curve and the risk of mistakes. Ultimately, the peace of mind that comes with knowing the tires were inspected (to a degree) and mounted/balanced correctly by a professional often outweighs the monetary cost, especially when dealing with the uncertainties of mounting old tires.
Legal and Liability Aspects
If you choose the DIY route for mounting old tires and one of those tires subsequently fails, causing property damage or injury, you bear full responsibility. There is no recourse against a professional installer. While tire shops also face liability issues, which is why they often refuse to mount questionable tires, using their service does offer a layer of accountability if the failure can be traced directly to faulty installation work (though proving this can be difficult).
Furthermore, be aware of local tire laws regarding minimum tread depth and overall tire condition. Driving on unsafe tires, regardless of who mounted them, can lead to fines or legal complications, especially if involved in an accident. Ensuring the tires meet legal standards is crucial before mounting them.
What About Tire Disposal?
An often-overlooked aspect of changing tires is the disposal of the old ones. Professional tire shops typically include tire disposal in their service fee or charge a small, regulated fee per tire. They are equipped to handle disposal according to environmental regulations.
If you opt for DIY mounting old tires, you are responsible for disposing of any tires you remove or decide not to use. Tires cannot simply be thrown in the regular trash in most places. You’ll need to find a local recycling center, landfill that accepts tires (often for a fee), or perhaps pay a tire shop just to dispose of them for you. This adds another task and potential cost to the DIY process.