Tires
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Grand Island, NY
Tires
I have a 2003 coupe with 25k miles on it. It still has the original tires. They still have decent tread, no dry rot, and no visible damage. Are these tires still safe for normal highway driving?
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 158
Likes: 104
You're well over double the maximum age limit of any tire. If it were me, the only driving I would be doing is going straight to the closest tire shop.
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 14,137
Likes: 2,984
From: Iowa
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
No, No, and hell No 
Seriously, 16 year old tires are well past the MAX of 10 year replacement. Some recommend no more than 5 years. Please, for your safety, get them changed at your nearest convenience.
Seriously, 16 year old tires are well past the MAX of 10 year replacement. Some recommend no more than 5 years. Please, for your safety, get them changed at your nearest convenience.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,170
Likes: 253
From: Oconomowoc Wisconsin
I agree. I recently changed my older Goodyear run flats that had plenty of tread left with non run flat Continental Extreme Contact DWS06. Totally a different car. Smooth comfortable ride with great handling. I also had the Pfadt Performance Street alignment done with the new tires. I had bad trammeling before the new tires and alignment. Trammeling is now gone and the car is a lot more fun to drive.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 82
Likes: 6
From: Roberts Creek B.C. (Vancouver B.C.)
no run flat tire...
I agree. I recently changed my older Goodyear run flats that had plenty of tread left with non run flat Continental Extreme Contact DWS06. Totally a different car. Smooth comfortable ride with great handling. I also had the Pfadt Performance Street alignment done with the new tires. I had bad trammeling before the new tires and alignment. Trammeling is now gone and the car is a lot more fun to drive.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,170
Likes: 253
From: Oconomowoc Wisconsin
Run flat tires are like riding on bricks. There is very little give in the sidewalk of the tire, which creates a rough ride. The tire is an important part of your overall suspension. The non run flat tire will help absorb road imperfections better and will provide a much smoother ride. Run flat tires are expensive and most tire stores and repair shops won’t repair them if there is a flat tire. That means you are left with buying a new tire. I personally have had one tire go flat while driving in 51 years.