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I have a set of 205/75 Radials on my ’63 that I use for driving to NCRS events. They are 11-years old, but they only have 3,000 miles on them and they look like new, with no signs of aging. I only drive the car about 600 miles a year. Do I need to replace these tires even though they show no signs of wear?
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It depends on who you ask.
If you ask a tire salesman or a trial lawyer, you'll be told your car is a deathtrap with those old tires on it.
If you ask a normal person, he would probably say you're safe enough at freeway speeds until the tires start to crack.
Some of the more "picky" car collectors may advise you to buy some bias ply reproduction tires and really risk your life by driving on them. -
Re: How long do old tires really last?
There's no definitive answer. The rate that a tire "ages" or deteriorates is a function of materials and manufacturing processes and the life it leads in service.
Since ozone and UV radiation are rubber's worst enemies, cars that spend most of their time garaged and not driven much will be easier on the tires than a car that sits in the sun all day.
Frequent old tire inspections are certainly a good idea. Small cracks in the sidewall indicate the tire may be marginal, but degradation of interior bonds is not detectable unless it causes a bulge that you can feel or see.
It's also my STRONG opinion that higher quality tires will last longer than cheap, low quality tires, and I make the differentiation by looking at the speed rating. Tires rated "H" and above have better materials and construction that will likely provide greater life if the tire doesn't accumulate enough mileage to wear them out in a few years. All tires may look the same, but the differnce between a cheap, S-rated tire and a H or above rated tire is night and day. Sometimes you DO get what you pay for!
Also, virtually all tires rated H or above have a spiral wound nylon cap belt, so if there is an internal failure the tire will probably not suddenly disintegrate. Tires below H that have no nylon cap belt can disintegrate suddenly if there is an internal failure. Just ask any Ford Explorer driver who had a tire disintegrate!
That's why I always recommend the highest speed rated tires you can find, even if you never plan on exceeding legal freeway speed limits. The more tire safety margin you have the lower the chance that a tire disaster will befall you.
DukeComment
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Did that yesterday!
Wow, Ken great timing. I just (yesterday) replaced my 2,000 mile 15 year old Michelin Radial XH's on my 63. Unfortunately they were dry rotted. I did not detect this until I pulled the wheels to bleed the brakes. The inside sidewalls were cracked. Seemed worse on the rear tires. My speculation was that the tires were closer to the hot mufflers and perhaps sped up the aging process. There wasn't any evidence on the outside.
Unfortunately I needed tires in a hurry for a long drive this weekend so I settled for Michelin X-Radial DTs from Costco. The only 205 75 R15s they had in stock for a passenger car. Only S rated and No Whitewall! They look terrible but the ride is much better. The old tires felt very hard.
Eric #3,182Comment
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Tire Cleaner kept them from cracking?
I just had a thought about the inside/outside of my tires. I have been using "No Touch" tire foam for the last 7+ years. There were no cracks on the outside, but lots on the inside. I used to hear rumors that ArmorAll promoted cracking of tires unless you keep applying it on a regular basis. That is why I switched to "No Touch". Any thoughts on the use of tire treatments on the life of a tire? Or should I be asking Hendrick Motorsports! EricComment
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Picture *NM*
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Re: How long do old tires really last?
I don't know how long tires will last. But I do know that old tires that look fine can be hazardous. I got a set of Michelin XAS tires when I got my car in 1974. They were old then. But cool. Still driving on them in 1994. Tires only have 10K miles on them. Plenty of tread left. No bulges or cracks. One day, driving with them felt like I was driving on ice. Fishtailing like crazy. Had to turn around and go home. New tires solved the problem immediately. Don't know what was wrong with the old tires. The tire guys told me that old tires can go bad.Comment
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Re: Picture
I just love to look at these cars!Comment
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Picture of tire cracks *NM*
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