Tires

[PeteC]

Need some learned opinions. I've been told recently that even if your car or truck has low miles, you should replace your tires after 3-4 years max.

I think BS. If the tread is still good and no hairline age cracks visible on the sidewalls, why should they be replaced? Pete

[dr dave soul monsta]

Yep Pete this is so

the compounds begin to break down, even more so in the climate here
a tire may look fine and dandi but a aged tire even with low millage has endured constant temperature fluctuations

depending on the quality of the tire will depend on the compound deterioration but never the less the compounds in the rubber will break down and weaken the overall strength of the tire,

the cracks you see are caused by hardening of the compounds leading to reduced flexibility in the tire

from the first time you use a tire this is occurring

in high temperature climates even with compound designed for this type of climate 3 years is well past life expectancy of even a higher grade of tire

and that is why

[redzonerocker]

just keep them checked regularly pete.
the tread is obviously what you look at first & foremost. tyres though can deteriorate in other ways. one in particular, especially in coastal areas is from the sea salt in the air.
i'm no expert but once bought a 2nd hand car & before i travelled to europe i decided to get the tracking done. whilst up on the ramp the mechanic spotted the rubber wasting away on the inner side of the tyres.he asked if i lived by the coast as the cause was sea salt.
checked the log book & the previous owner had in fact live in a seaside town, 4 new tyres were required

[lomuamart]

I'd also reckon that those tires will add to fuel costs - more Baht per km?

[Nereus]

That only happens if you use "tires"! If you use these ones you should be ok!!!!!

http://www.rospa.com/roadsafety/advice/ ... /tyres.htm

[lomuamart]

That only happens if you use "tires"! If you use these ones you should be ok!!!!!

http://www.rospa.com/roadsafety/advice/ ... /tyres.htm

[fach3003]

Dr David Soul Monster
You an ex sidecar racer by chance???
Its all Heat Cycles and Cold Tear to me....
Track day at Croft tomorrow ....Followed
By Round 3 of the North East Championship ( Sat Sun )
Still leading the Minitwin championship ( Bikes that is! )

You know your oats about tires!!!

Regards all

Mark of the North

[STEVE G]

Last year I happened to be sat down where my partners Honda Wave was parked and I noticed that the front tire was perished right through to the canvas at the bottom of the tread grooves despite not having much wear on it. I think it was about two years old.
I’m only guessing but it occurred to me that this might be caused by exposure to sunlight.

[dr dave soul monsta]

Dr David Soul Monster
You an ex sidecar racer by chance???
Its all Heat Cycles and Cold Tear to me....
Track day at Croft tomorrow ....Followed
By Round 3 of the North East Championship ( Sat Sun )
Still leading the Minitwin championship ( Bikes that is! )

You know your oats about tires!!!

Damn the cat is out of the bag !

indeed i was the acrobat as well as a solo rider

[PeteC]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I did a google and will do more also. I found one published by Continental Tire out of the USA that says "10 years from the born date.." I would think a company selling tires would go the other way in order to sell more tires, but these guys don't.

The tires I have are 16" Bridgestone AT Tracker all terrain and visually they still seem in good shape, plenty of tread and only 25K on them, but 3 years old.

In any event, I'll probably get them replaced by year's end. Pete

[usual suspect]

Dr Dave in an 'outfit'...reckon with that Northern accent it'd be a bit
like that chase scene outa Wallace & Gromit's 'A close shave'...ha,ha.
(that sidecar photo...is it Steve Webster from Yorkshire?)