BSE1956

I have seen medium brown patches of discoloration on sidewalls of my buddies' Vette. They are GY run flats.
The tires are original from 2001! (car has only 15K on it).
He says they run fine and might replace them in the spring.

I have a 2003 truck with the same patches, and although the tires have a lot of tread left on them (38K), they seem wobbly and one in particular makes some noise that corresponds with the rotation frequency. They have been balanced and well maintained for pressure.
This problem has been confirmed by two mechanics and a Ford dealer.
Looks like I'm going to have to spring for about $700 for the truck tires.

What's the deal with dry rot? Does it actually break down the innards of the tire? Is it normal for a 6 year old tire to die a premature death?
Any way to prevent this?

Gideon's_Test

Six years old is nearing the max life for a tire, regardless of the tread depth or usage...

CHJ In Virginia

Those tires on the 2001 need to go BYE-BYE. I agree with the previous post, after 5-6 years the rubber starts to lose many of its elastic properties. 8-9 year old tires are hard as a rock with greatly diminished traction and questionable physical integrity. If your buddy only drives to car shows at 35 mph the tires will be fine, if he does any spirited driving, he is looking for trouble. An 01 with only 15K miles - tell him to drive that thing and enjoy it, not drool over it in the garage !!

5abivt

If its the brown im thinking of perhaps he used armor all and drove the car in the rain etc and never wiped the tires down. sometimes tire dressing will turn real ugly brown. Post up some pics it takes a few seconds. snap, upload, photobucket, post.

Dream Tire

6 year old is basicly scrap.

Rubber over time hardens, hurting perfomance drastically.

For optimal safety, you dont want to use tires over 4 years of age, regardless of tread left