A mechanic, Juan José Ebenezer, asserts that Spanish vehicle inspections (ITV) cannot reject a tire solely based on its age, even if it’s two decades old, as there’s no expiration date. However, Ebenezer clarifies that a new tire isn't equivalent to an unused one. He explains that time itself degrades rubber compounds, diminishing their properties, regardless of whether the tire has been driven on. This degradation occurs even with proper storage. Therefore, while legally a tire may pass inspection based on tread depth alone, its material integrity can still be compromised by age. The mechanic’s statement challenges common assumptions about tire lifespan and highlights the importance of considering factors beyond simply how many miles a tire has travelled. This raises concerns about road safety despite passing inspection standards.