Tire shortage?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
This about covers it:
What is meant by “tire aging”?
The structural integrity of a tire can degrade over an extended period of time. When that occurs, tires are more prone to catastrophic failure, which could, at best, cause an inconvenience, or, at worst, lead to a crash. The degradation of a tire occurs over time, mostly the result of a chemical reaction within the rubber components. That aging process can be accelerated by heat and sunlight.
Does climate have an effect on the aging of tires?
NHTSA research suggests that tires age faster in warmer climates. Exposure to high ambient temperatures can accelerate the tire aging process, which could contribute to tire failures, including tread separations. Environmental conditions like exposure to sunlight and coastal climates, as well as poor storage and infrequent use can hasten the aging process.
Are some vehicles more prone to tire aging problems?
Tire aging is generally not an issue with vehicles that are driven regularly. Tires will wear out and need to be replaced before aging becomes a safety concern. But those with occasional use - like recreational vehicles or collector cars, for example - could be susceptible. The spares on all vehicles also are prone to aging problems because they seldom get used or replaced. In those instances, the structural integrity of the tire may be weakened - and potentially hazardous - even though the tire still has a great deal of remaining tread.
How do you detect when tires have become unsafe?
The effects of aging may not be visibly detectable. Since there is no standard test to assess the serviceability of a tire, even an inspection performed by an expert may not always reveal the extent of tire deterioration. Vehicle owners are therefore encouraged to have their tires checked after five years of use, then annually thereafter.
How do you determine the age of a tire?
The age of the tire can be determined by checking the tire identification number on the sidewall of the tire, which begins with the letters "DOT". The last four digits represent the week and year the tire was manufactured. On newer model tires, the tire identification number is on the outside sidewall; older models will have the identification information on the inner sidewall.
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When does NHTSA recommend that tires should be replaced?
While tire life will ultimately depend on the tires’ service conditions and the environment in which they operate, there are some general guidelines. Some vehicle manufacturers recommend that tires be replaced every six years regardless of use. In addition, a number of tire manufacturers cite 10 years as the maximum service life for tires. Check the owner’s manual for specific recommendations for your vehicle. Remember, it is always wise to err on the side of caution if you suspect your vehicle has tires that are over six years of age.
The structural integrity of a tire can degrade over an extended period of time. When that occurs, tires are more prone to catastrophic failure, which could, at best, cause an inconvenience, or, at worst, lead to a crash. The degradation of a tire occurs over time, mostly the result of a chemical reaction within the rubber components. That aging process can be accelerated by heat and sunlight.
Does climate have an effect on the aging of tires?
NHTSA research suggests that tires age faster in warmer climates. Exposure to high ambient temperatures can accelerate the tire aging process, which could contribute to tire failures, including tread separations. Environmental conditions like exposure to sunlight and coastal climates, as well as poor storage and infrequent use can hasten the aging process.
Are some vehicles more prone to tire aging problems?
Tire aging is generally not an issue with vehicles that are driven regularly. Tires will wear out and need to be replaced before aging becomes a safety concern. But those with occasional use - like recreational vehicles or collector cars, for example - could be susceptible. The spares on all vehicles also are prone to aging problems because they seldom get used or replaced. In those instances, the structural integrity of the tire may be weakened - and potentially hazardous - even though the tire still has a great deal of remaining tread.
How do you detect when tires have become unsafe?
The effects of aging may not be visibly detectable. Since there is no standard test to assess the serviceability of a tire, even an inspection performed by an expert may not always reveal the extent of tire deterioration. Vehicle owners are therefore encouraged to have their tires checked after five years of use, then annually thereafter.
How do you determine the age of a tire?
The age of the tire can be determined by checking the tire identification number on the sidewall of the tire, which begins with the letters "DOT". The last four digits represent the week and year the tire was manufactured. On newer model tires, the tire identification number is on the outside sidewall; older models will have the identification information on the inner sidewall.
back to TOP
When does NHTSA recommend that tires should be replaced?
While tire life will ultimately depend on the tires’ service conditions and the environment in which they operate, there are some general guidelines. Some vehicle manufacturers recommend that tires be replaced every six years regardless of use. In addition, a number of tire manufacturers cite 10 years as the maximum service life for tires. Check the owner’s manual for specific recommendations for your vehicle. Remember, it is always wise to err on the side of caution if you suspect your vehicle has tires that are over six years of age.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,943
Likes: 4
From: Lawrenceburg KY
There are 2 aspects to tire age. NHTSA is only concerned with the catastrophic failure aspect.
They don't care if a 3 year old summer tire has say 10% less grip than a new tire of the same compound. 10% being the difference between an average summer and an all-season tire, which is a huge impact in performance. That kind of testing is something I have not seen done objectively by anyone.
They don't care if a 3 year old summer tire has say 10% less grip than a new tire of the same compound. 10% being the difference between an average summer and an all-season tire, which is a huge impact in performance. That kind of testing is something I have not seen done objectively by anyone.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
That is what I would be most concerned about too. Having a blowout at high speed could kill you. My tires are 8 years old and still bite pretty well. I am more worried about them coming apart.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,943
Likes: 4
From: Lawrenceburg KY
You might be surprised at how much more grip you have with the new tires. New tires of the same compound gain grip, but the new compounds have even more grip than the old ones so you will be getting a double upgrade.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,028
Likes: 170
From: oregon
There are 2 aspects to tire age. NHTSA is only concerned with the catastrophic failure aspect.
They don't care if a 3 year old summer tire has say 10% less grip than a new tire of the same compound. 10% being the difference between an average summer and an all-season tire, which is a huge impact in performance. That kind of testing is something I have not seen done objectively by anyone.
They don't care if a 3 year old summer tire has say 10% less grip than a new tire of the same compound. 10% being the difference between an average summer and an all-season tire, which is a huge impact in performance. That kind of testing is something I have not seen done objectively by anyone.
exactly
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 20,179
Likes: 673
From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
St. Jude '03 thru '24
That tire dating is 
, just another way of selling tires and people fall for it. If they are not weather or age cracked , they are perfectly safe. The only exception is if the car sat in one spot for 30 years you might want to consider new tires since they will have flat spots anyway. 
, just another way of selling tires and people fall for it. If they are not weather or age cracked , they are perfectly safe. The only exception is if the car sat in one spot for 30 years you might want to consider new tires since they will have flat spots anyway. However this post cannot go unanswered.
bj1k, where in the world did you get this
idea? Goto any tire store and ask how old a tire can be run and still covered under mfgrs warranty. (not mileage)
Then ask them if its safe to run this Corvette on 6+ year old tires.
Don't be surprised if their answers are in direct conflict to your opinion.
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Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 20,179
Likes: 673
From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
St. Jude '03 thru '24
The first smart thing I've read here.
Most mfgr's warranty is four years from the DOT date.
Goto a track and try to run on tires more than four years old. Your not racing.
Blowout? Not likely.
The tire coming apart as the base rubber separates from the carcass is the likely result.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
Ah, ok. I was thinking that you were dissatisfied with the performance. That seems to be the more common complaint in threads like this one from guys on old tires. I'm with you on replacing at least once a decade for safety alone.
You might be surprised at how much more grip you have with the new tires. New tires of the same compound gain grip, but the new compounds have even more grip than the old ones so you will be getting a double upgrade.
You might be surprised at how much more grip you have with the new tires. New tires of the same compound gain grip, but the new compounds have even more grip than the old ones so you will be getting a double upgrade.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
As you should be!
The first smart thing I've read here.
Most mfgr's warranty is four years from the DOT date.
Goto a track and try to run on tires more than four years old. Your not racing.
Blowout? Not likely.
The tire coming apart as the base rubber separates from the carcass is the likely result.
The first smart thing I've read here.
Most mfgr's warranty is four years from the DOT date.
Goto a track and try to run on tires more than four years old. Your not racing.
Blowout? Not likely.
The tire coming apart as the base rubber separates from the carcass is the likely result.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 20,179
Likes: 673
From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
St. Jude '03 thru '24
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,028
Likes: 170
From: oregon
^
that's an RE760!
that tire hasn't even been out that long, very first batch was like 08-09
would suspect underinflation being the problem there. that can generate a LOT of heat in the sidewall
that's an RE760!
that tire hasn't even been out that long, very first batch was like 08-09
would suspect underinflation being the problem there. that can generate a LOT of heat in the sidewall
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 20,179
Likes: 673
From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
St. Jude '03 thru '24
I've noticed that ultra low profile tire users are more likely to have failures.
Especially when over loading the tires ie, SUV's with ghetto wheels and very thin sidewalls.
The heat builds up and there is not enough sidewall to dissipate, and the sidewall fails.
Now then, your running old tires at highway speeds........ heat builds, tire fails.
Damage estimate is well above a set of new tires.
interesting read
Especially when over loading the tires ie, SUV's with ghetto wheels and very thin sidewalls.
The heat builds up and there is not enough sidewall to dissipate, and the sidewall fails.
Now then, your running old tires at highway speeds........ heat builds, tire fails.
Damage estimate is well above a set of new tires.
interesting read
Last edited by JrRifleCoach; May 7, 2014 at 05:33 PM.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
Yesterday my tires came in and I went and got them mounted. Had a few problems since I don't think they had ever had a C5 in the shop before. The guy had told me they could train the new sensors, but it turned out they did not have the magnet needed to do it. So I ordered a magnet on ebay and will try to do it myself. Also I have magnesium wheels that require the stick-on wheel weights. As I pulled out of the lot I heard a scraping noise. The front weights were hitting the calipers. He had to static balance them and put them back on. It took about an hour longer than I expected, but the tires are on. It was raining yesterday so I did not get to drive on them much, but they seem to be a big improvement over the old ones.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 6,119
Likes: 156
From: Huntington tx
I have my tires replaced every year, last year had trouble getting BFG KDW 2's in 335/30/18, had to go to BFG Drag Radials in 345/30/18's. I hate them cause they are not good for wet roads AT ALL. So it's time to see about another set, hopefully better this year?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
I got to put some miles on the new Bridgestones yesterday. Wow, what a difference. They are smooth and quiet and have great grip. So far I am glad I went with them. Now I am waiting for the magnet so I can train the new sensors. Hopefully it is here Tuesday.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
Got the magnet this morning. Took less than 5 minutes to train new sensors. Now I am ready to enjoy my new Bridgestones. The tire shop told me they charge 60 bucks to train sensors but they did not have the magnet for C5s. 60 bucks for 5 minutes work. Rip off.