Tire update
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,928
Likes: 55
From: Port Saint Lucie, Florida
Tire update
Hi
I am aware that this subject has been discussed over and over but my question is a new twist.
I have a 02 A4 z-51 perf rear coupe with 23,000 miles. The tires are orig
and look as new. My concern is not miles but age. I read somewhere, probably here that tires get harder as they age and that is my concern.
I keep it garaged and covered and never take it out when it rains because if it is rained on then l will have to clean it.
Being that l have run flats on would it hurt the value if l decide to
replace them with non run flats?
Looking to swap it for a vert also auto but l haven't seen one in like condition at a reasonable price.
Your thoughts.
Thanks
Alan
I am aware that this subject has been discussed over and over but my question is a new twist.
I have a 02 A4 z-51 perf rear coupe with 23,000 miles. The tires are orig
and look as new. My concern is not miles but age. I read somewhere, probably here that tires get harder as they age and that is my concern.
I keep it garaged and covered and never take it out when it rains because if it is rained on then l will have to clean it.
Being that l have run flats on would it hurt the value if l decide to
replace them with non run flats?
Looking to swap it for a vert also auto but l haven't seen one in like condition at a reasonable price.
Your thoughts.
Thanks
Alan
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,012
Likes: 23
From: Anaheim CA
Pro
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 685
Likes: 2
From: Orange CA
Most tire and auto manufacturers suggest that you change tires in the range of 7-10 years regardless of the miles on the tire or whether it's stored.
But if you only drive 6,000 miles a year, or have a car that you only drive on weekends, aging tires could be an issue. The age warning also applies to spare tires and "new" tires that have never been used but are old.
What Happens to a Tire as It Ages?
Sean Kane, president of Safety Research & Strategies, Inc., compares an aging tire to an old rubber band. "If you take a rubber band that's been sitting around a long time and stretch it, you will start to see cracks in the rubber," says Kane, whose organization is involved in research, analysis and advocacy on safety matters for the public and clients including attorneys, engineering firms, supplier companies, media and government.
That's essentially what happens to a tire that's put on a vehicle and driven. Cracks in the rubber begin to develop over time. They may appear on the surface and inside the tire as well. This cracking can eventually cause the steel belts in the tread to separate from the rest of the tire. An animation on the Safety Research & Strategies Web site shows how this happens. Improper maintenance and heat accelerate the process.
What Happens to a Tire as It Ages?
Sean Kane, president of Safety Research & Strategies, Inc., compares an aging tire to an old rubber band. "If you take a rubber band that's been sitting around a long time and stretch it, you will start to see cracks in the rubber," says Kane, whose organization is involved in research, analysis and advocacy on safety matters for the public and clients including attorneys, engineering firms, supplier companies, media and government.
That's essentially what happens to a tire that's put on a vehicle and driven. Cracks in the rubber begin to develop over time. They may appear on the surface and inside the tire as well. This cracking can eventually cause the steel belts in the tread to separate from the rest of the tire. An animation on the Safety Research & Strategies Web site shows how this happens. Improper maintenance and heat accelerate the process.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 685
Likes: 2
From: Orange CA
Changing to non-runflats probably won't noticibly affect the value. That topic is another whole debate in itself. For the most point, it depends on the individual owner of the car. If your a casual driver, or an older driver like myself, that doesn't want to mess with patching tires or waiting for "bubba" to show up with his flatbed, if you get a flat then runflats are the way to go. If you race or track the car, you want the best performance and comfort at the lowest price and you typically drive around local routes and events, then non-runflats might work for you.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 568
Likes: 1
From: Fresno California
After having run flats and non run flats on my car, I would probably offer less for a car that has run flats on it. If you have never driven you car with a good set of non run flats, you really haven't driven your car yet. They are that much better in so many ways.
$0.02
$0.02
Pro
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 685
Likes: 2
From: Orange CA
There are many variables in the whole runflat vs non-flat debate. The driver, the brand of the tires involved, the age of the tires tested, etc. Depending on what is compared, it could be an apples vs oranges comparison. Non-runflat tires are definitely less expensive and new higher end runflat tires have improved. If the tires are new and you are selling the car, i would think one vs. another on the car would have minimal impact on the overall selling price.
http://www.autoguide.com/buyers-guid...test-1322.html
http://www.autoguide.com/buyers-guid...test-1322.html
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 1,671
Likes: 1,406
From: Central Ohio
Definitely a tough call. I think if it were me, I would put non run-flats on. A) They're cheaper B) They'll still be brand new C) The prospective buyer will enjoy the ride so much better.
Someone once posted a valid point that motorcycles don't carry a spare, whats the difference? There are a lot of differing opinions here as the OP stated, but if selling (as it appears OP is doing) I'd do the cheaper choice and hope the buyer agreed with my decision. Good luck with swapping for a new vert!!
Someone once posted a valid point that motorcycles don't carry a spare, whats the difference? There are a lot of differing opinions here as the OP stated, but if selling (as it appears OP is doing) I'd do the cheaper choice and hope the buyer agreed with my decision. Good luck with swapping for a new vert!!
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
From: Louisville Ky
If it were me I would drive the car and wear those tires out. I think if you had your car garaged and out of the sun, you shouldn't worry to much. Now if you are tracking it, that is a different story. I can remember when I raced Ducati's and used to run Dunlops. The Dunlop rep would tell me they are only good for about 12 heat cycles which I would run them down to the wear indicators with no problem. Some sets had 33 heat cycles from track days due to teaching so many sessions. What I am saying is, if it were me and the tires look as good as you say, I would burn them up and save your money until you need to replace them. I personally would replace with run flats myself but that is your call.
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Racer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 299
Likes: 1
From: Punta Gorda Florida
I replaced mine with Sumitomo's from Tire Rack, $600 for a full set, shipped, mounted and balanced. If you're OK still driving on 10+ year old run flats, and driving in heavy rain isn't an issue, then anything will be a big step up.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,186
Likes: 1
From: North Topsail Beach NC
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 457
Likes: 0
From: Rockville MD
The tires are quite old, and are probably not that safe. As for prospective buyers, it depends how knowledgable they are about the car, as many don't know that the car came with run flats from the factory. Most corvettes you see for sale these days are on non run flats anyway, and usually come with a patch kit.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,403
Likes: 31
From: Allentown PA & Elk Twp NJ HPDE Addict
The longer you run those tires, the greater the probability of them delaminating. In other words the tread will peel off and if that happens at 60 mph you'll certainly wish you changed them sooner. I had one fail on an old pickup I have a few months ago. Tore up the rear fender and exhaust big time. I personally would go with non run flats. I don't think that will effect your sale at all. Good luck 
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,028
Likes: 170
From: oregon
not a sports car where traction matters
3-4 years tops if you care about traction
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,367
Likes: 1,593
From: Western NY
To the OP, if you're really that concerned with originality and future value, if you were to sell the car with tires other than the OEs, I suggest this. Buy a new set of tires, and while you're at it, a new set of rims. Store the OE wheels/tires while you enjoy the car on new tires and a set of custom wheels. This will also save you the hassle of finding someone who can successfully dis-mount/re-mount run flat tires on your OE rims.
I store my car in the winter, and it sits on the worn OE tires, on the OE rims, while the "good" wheels and tires sit out the frigid weather in the much warmer basement....
I store my car in the winter, and it sits on the worn OE tires, on the OE rims, while the "good" wheels and tires sit out the frigid weather in the much warmer basement....
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If you are looking to sell, you may find some buyers that want runflats on the car, but I really do not think that going to non-runflats will affect the value as long as they are good quality tires.