I didn't want to start another tire thread ... but couldn't find what I needed.

I have 7 y/o Contis on my Valerie. She did OK on the NCM track last week with "touring laps," but reading through the thread, I see how some of what delayed me WAS the hardened tires losing traction in the turns.

I've put just over 10K miles on her since 1 March. Gonna at least rotate/balance tomorrow AM with a 4 wheel alignment check. No pulling, but there is a bit of vibration approaching 80 mph. I may have lost a bit of tread on the track! :P

OEM size, obviously I can't do a normal "roll forward, X to the rear" ... but rotating these, is it acceptable/wise to just flip the sides (non-directional tread) ...

So ... check alignment. Balance wheels (if able) ... rotate 'em to the opposite side.

What's the opinion? (yes, new Mich's are on the list, but would like to delay that purchase a few more months)

Thanks

 

Seems to me the average Corvette owner that drives their car regularly in decent but not perfect conditions is going to put about 7-10,000 miles a year on their car and tires. I do about 6-7,000. The live of the tires will vary depending on "Summer" only vs "All Season", however, it seems like rotating the tires will not give you more life beyond the tread life or plain old side wall deterioration. I am told tires should be replaced every 5-7 years regardless of mileage. So, that's about 7-10 years of mileage. I can't see that rotation will help tire live at all. Of course this is just my take. You may feel different.

 

The time on tires that is given out is just a ball park of what to do with tires as they age.

the truth is tires do not age all the same way. Some age faster due to how and where they are stored. Some are made of compounds that age faster like a race tire. Others last longer as they are higher quality tires to start with and we’re cared for properly .

Tires stored near electric motors will be treated to Ozone and it will decay rubber faster. Tires kept in a cool dark place will age better than those in the sun daily.

A cheap tire that is sone off brand may be made of poorer quality materials than a top line performance tire.

The truth is you can read a tires condition by looking for cracks or rot. Other things to look at or notice is less grip or a harder tread than it was a durameter can read a tread hardness and see if it is getting too hard.

Also look for bulges or dimples that may have not been there before.
This can show side wall damage.

Also be aware if you drive in high temps tires can show more damage in these conditions. Heat can kill a tire. Running too low pressures can bring more heat.

Since Al, of this is not easy for the average driver they give the general year recommendation.

Also in cars like 5he Corvette. If you do drive hard and at high speeds more heat again and the more likely chance of a failure. Just more to consider.

So tires can last longer but if you are not able to read them properly best to change and not take a risk.