Tire Age at Time of Purchase - How Old is Too Old?

Too old.
I just got mine for the tr and the date is Sept 06....I think anything up to a year maybe fine. After that, i think its old, especially of you are dropping that kind of coin.

 

Way too old. I wouldn't accept anything over 4 months old.

 

On a similar topic, how old is too old for a tyre already in use? At what age would a tyre generally "harden"?

 

I went through this with Avon tires (tyres) which are sold in the U.S. by Cooper. Their advice was that they should be used before 6 years from manufacturing date. Great advice except that the tires I had didn't have a date code that I could find so out they went.

 

Your tyres had a date code in the S/N; but not the same as is shown today.

Tyres 2 yrs old are not too old, unless they were exposed to UV rays and Ozone for 2 yrs (meaning stored outside unprotected; which I doubt).

Think about it; how many people change the tyres on their cars because they're 2 yrs old. I doubt any of you do, unless they're worn out!

Keep the tyres and don't worry about them, they'll be fine!

 

Mike,
It is my understanding that tires don't deteriorate until they are exposed to hot/cold cycles, UV, etc. I would not worry about it. The amount you drive, they will be used up long before age is a problem.

Best,
Dave

 

I think they are fine. I just changed the ties on my Infiniti that were manufactured in 97 (even though the car is a 99). If you use the car regularly the rubber will stay okay due to the migration of elements under flexural loads. cars that sit get tire rot, cars on the road are fine.
Enjoy them.
BT

 

One of those tires is from May 2005. Its a front tire. He only does 3K Miles a year. The tyre will be nearly 5 years old in only 3 years & wll have less than 10K miles on it.

Unless he's going to the track a lot he should see 15K out of a set of fronts - at least.

The point is the tire is fine now, but he won't wear it out inside what would be considered to be the normal life expectancy (from a time perspective). As such I wouldn't accept it.

 

I have GS-D3's manufactured in early 2003 on my BMW. They still look like new and have only about 6,000 miles on them. I have no intention of replacing them any time soon.

The rear tires on my 328 are the original F1's that came on it in 1988. I think those might be due for replacement...

 

I don't think that 2 yrs. old is a problem. I have read that 6 - 7 years is the limit.

 

Agreed, two years is fine, but becomes a problem if you plan to not wear them out in the 6-7 year recommended time limit. Choice is yours to make.

I bought the same tires and they were over 1.5 years old, but I'm not worried, they will be long worn out befor 6 years pass! (just say "NO" to garage queens!)

 

"Tire Age at Time of Purchase - How Old is Too Old? "

I did not think one's age mattered in the purchase of tires!

 

If you accept the policy that 6 yrs is as long as you want to use ANY TIRE, then 1/3 of the tire life is gone on the fronts before you start.

Did you save more than 1/3 of the price from your source? If so, it's a wash. If not, then you're buying the equivalent of used tires for new tire prices.

And shelf storage of a tire or use will lead to deterioration. 2 years old is 2 years old, no matter if they were stored or used. that's the conventional wisdom I've seen here, and on several informational websites.

DM

 

You spent the money, i would request (demand) for new tires...period.

 

I ran a rubber plant for awhile and I think this gentleman is about right. Most tires dry out over time so they begin to crack and lose structure. I look at my tires and if I begin to see cracks I replace them.

Interesting the softer the tire the longer the shelf life. For airplanes that sit out for along time in the sun you want to buy the cheaper sticky tires if the airplane is not used much. If you use the plane alot the harder tires are better for wear over more landings

This means the sticky tires we buy for our Ferraris will have a little better life.

When i was in the business rubber chemistry was moving to synthetics. i really am dated on tire rubber chemistry. I have tires on my Porsche that are about 8 years old (I have 13 vehicles so they all do not get driven much) and the tires have hardened up so I do not have a much grip as I did when new. If i drove the car hard I would have changed them many years ago. No cracks yet

Wish I knew more.

lee