Tire Age - How old before unsafe

[hdavis]

I have a still excellent looking set of Bridgestone S03 Pole Position that probably have 10K Miles on them. BUT they have date codes for 2003 manufacture.

They still feel soft and ride very well, but I'm concerned about their age. I've read different opinions on this, with some people suggesting that after 4 years you should throw them away.

What is the board's take on this?

[rgrimm]

I go by the 6-year rule. Oh, I might take the '68 downtown for Cruise Night on 8-year-old rubber, but I'd never think of leaving town or driving agressively on tires that old. And even that rubber (on my chromed steelies...I also have a set of Fuchs) was replaced with some Vredestein Sprints I found on sale and which I was happy to see all had dates of manufacture of less than a year old when I received them.

When I got the '84 the rubber was about 7 years old. It was fall, and I was going to replace the tires in the Spring but in one of my first 100-mile drives, the right rear just blew. Coincidence, perhaps, but still...

[RSTarga]

I think 5 years is the industry recommendation.

[blucille]

I've always speculated, 8 years is about right, but it really varies significantly, on how the car is stored, and the climate you are in....there must be some test that can be performed to check the integrity and flexibility of the rubber...but the real answer is that it depends how you drive....leisurely miles, around town, you could go for years....but once the tires get hot, old tires will self-destruct, so DE, track events, autocross or high-speed rallies and tours, I'd say 6 years is plenty....I guess my 'S' is ready for new rubber, too.

the risk of a blowout, and the costs just to repair a damaged fuchs is enough for me to spend the cash for new rubber every 5 or 6 years, even though the tread looks nearly 100%

Lewis

[hdavis]

Thanks guys. I do take the car to the track and to higher speed rallies sometimes so I guess I do need new tires. The next question is what tires.....

[Tom F.]

I don't believe that there is a simple answer. The rubber ages according to heat and ozone exposure, and other factors. The first sign that tires are too old, in my experience, is a loss of traction in the rain. This is assuming that the tread is good. It goes without saying that one should be conservative where tires, suspension and brakes are concerned.

[hdavis]

Thanks Raj, great info there. I keep my tires always well inflated, and off the sun or water, so that might help extend their life a little. I still however think I am better off replacing tries with an 02 manufacture date....It's probably cheap insurance

[karlusmagnus]

You might want to think about buying new rubber now, rather than later. Raw material costs are soaring.