Tire Care Matters: A Real-World Look at Rubber Aging in Different Climates

Off-road tires are built to withstand some of the harshest conditions imaginable, but like every rubber product, they are still subject to aging over time. Recently, we had the opportunity to compare two different sets of tires purchased during the same year, operating in very different environments.

The results provide a valuable reminder that proper storage, climate, and maintenance can significantly affect the lifespan of any tire—regardless of brand.

The Comparison

SUNF A033

  • Purchased: 2023
  • Location: Michigan
  • Storage: Parked inside a shed
  • Winter Temperatures: Frequently below freezing
  • Vehicle Storage: Stored with the vehicle's full weight resting on the tires at normal operating pressure

Over multiple winters, the rubber compound naturally aged while remaining under constant load in freezing temperatures. As expected with prolonged exposure to these conditions, the compound became noticeably harder and more brittle over time, leading to visible cracking.

Although the vehicle was protected from direct weather, the inside of the shed regularly reached below-freezing temperatures, meaning the tires still experienced repeated freeze-thaw cycles throughout each winter.

BFGoodrich KO2

  • Purchased: 2023
  • Mileage: Approximately 40,000 miles
  • Location: Georgia
  • Primary Use: Mostly highway driving with occasional off-road use

Georgia experiences much milder winters than Michigan, yet these tires also show signs of aging.

Visible sidewall cracking has developed over time, likely resulting from a combination of:

  • UV exposure
  • Heat cycles
  • Occasional freezing temperatures
  • Normal rubber aging

Additionally, one tire shows a sidewall cut consistent with rock contact during off-road use—a good reminder that physical trail damage is entirely separate from age-related cracking.

What We Learned

One important similarity between both vehicles is that neither set of tires received tire shine or petroleum-based dressings, and neither vehicle had oil leaks or chemical contamination that could accelerate rubber degradation.

Despite operating in very different climates and on different vehicles, both tire brands exhibited signs of natural rubber aging.

This reinforces an important point:

Rubber is a consumable material. Its characteristics change over time due to heat, cold, UV exposure, oxygen, ozone, and repeated load cycles.

No tire manufacturer can completely eliminate these natural aging processes.

How to Extend Tire Life

Whether you own SUNF Tires or another brand, a few simple practices can help maximize tire life:

  • Store vehicles indoors whenever possible in a climate-controlled environment.
  • If storing for extended periods, reduce constant loading by placing the vehicle on jack stands or moving it periodically.
  • Maintain proper tire inflation throughout storage.
  • Keep tires clean and free from petroleum products, solvents, and harsh chemicals.
  • Protect tires from prolonged UV exposure whenever possible.
  • Inspect tires regularly for cracking, cuts, punctures, and abnormal wear.

Our Commitment to Our Customers

At SUNF Tires, transparency is important to us.

We don't believe these examples show that one brand is inherently better or worse than another. Instead, they demonstrate that all rubber products are affected by time and environmental conditions.

If you experience cracking, unusual wear, or anything that concerns you, please reach out to us.

While situations like these may fall outside our standard warranty coverage—particularly several years after purchase—we genuinely value customer feedback. Every conversation helps us continue improving our products, and whenever possible, we're happy to work with customers to find a reasonable accommodation.

Final Thoughts

Off-road tires are designed to perform in demanding environments, but they still require proper care throughout their lifetime.

Whether you're driving through Michigan winters, Georgia summers, or anywhere in between, regular inspections and good storage practices can help you get the most out of your investment.

At SUNF Tires, we're committed not only to building durable products, but also to educating our customers so they can enjoy years of safe and reliable performance on every adventure.

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