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I picked up a 2013 base C6 last night with 3,200 miles on it. The car still has the factory tires on it. They look good and don't have any dry rot or cracking on them. Previous owner kept the car in a heated garage so they haven't been exposed to the elements. Should I replace them or is it ok to drive it as is?
Tires are 8 years old; brakes & tires are most important systems on the car; never try to go cheap on either. Most manufacturers recommend tire replacement after 7 years. I wouldn’t panic, but would start shopping for tires now.
Tires are 8 years old; brakes & tires are most important systems on the car; never try to go cheap on either. Most manufacturers recommend tire replacement after 7 years. I wouldn’t panic, but would start shopping for tires now.
Thanks for the input. My gut says to replace them, but it just seems strange because they look brand new. I guess I'll start looking for tires. I've got some time since the weather in NEPA is awful, I won't be driving the car anytime soon.
Tires are 8 years old; brakes & tires are most important systems on the car; never try to go cheap on either. Most manufacturers recommend tire replacement after 7 years. I wouldn’t panic, but would start shopping for tires now.
^^^ This Add to it that the original tires weren’t very good to begin with so they’d be the first thing I replace. Also replace all fluids if they haven’t been. Low mileage doesn’t mean anything, coolant is 5yr max, and all other fluids should be changed at regular intervals regardless of miles.
I'll be the only one with this opinion but I've always heard garage queens tires would be good for ten years if like yours were stored in garage away from extreme temp and the sun kills tires. I wouldn't drive really aggressive or very fast on them, but I wouldn't think you need to rush right out. I do agree the factory tires weren't good to begin with and new tires will be much better regardless of age or miles. I changed to Bridgestone tires and don't plan to replace them until they are ten years old! That's just my two cents worth...
I'll be the only one with this opinion but I've always heard garage queens tires would be good for ten years if like yours were stored in garage away from extreme temp and the sun kills tires. I wouldn't drive really aggressive or very fast on them, but I wouldn't think you need to rush right out. I do agree the factory tires weren't good to begin with and new tires will be much better regardless of age or miles. I changed to Bridgestone tires and don't plan to replace them until they are ten years old! That's just my two cents worth...
The reason that the rubber ages is due to oxidation, and if you look at reaction rate it is increased exponentially by heat. The heat is generated by driving the car, not just being in the sun. So, if this car was basically never driven, then the tires may be fine. But, we're talking about a car with miles in the hundreds.
Otherwise, these tires have been heat cycled and are aged much like any other tire.
At Discount Tire yesterday afternoon with the 3300 mile 2010 I bought that morning. The car had always been garaged and had never seen rain, until yesterday. I drove home in moderate rain and it was basically a white knuckled carnival ride. The original GY's looked new but were hard as hell and hydroplaned in the smallest amount of standing water. They had dry rotted around the beads. Change them.
I replaced my original tires on my 2008 3 years ago with 15,000 miles. They were 8 years old and still looked new. But man, what a difference the new Michelins made! Could feel and hear a huge difference from the factory shoes. For that reason, and for safety, replace them.
Thanks for the input. My gut says to replace them, but it just seems strange because they look brand new. I guess I'll start looking for tires. I've got some time since the weather in NEPA is awful, I won't be driving the car anytime soon.
It depends what your use is. They're fine to just go to and from the corner store or whatever. It's when you start trying to take corners fast, emergency brake, drive fast.... You know.... Corvette stud... That's when it matters.
If you replace the tires make sure you also replace the tire pressure monitoring systems. The life span can be between 5-12 years, with the average being 7 years. According to the TPMSdirect website.
I recently struggled with this issue. I bought a 2011 with under 10k miles. In the end, I replaced them because I planned to do some track days and didn’t want to put anyone in an awkward position.
My concern is that the advice for replacement is coming from people who sell tires and government backed committees that believe that if one instance of tire failure is avoided, then it is worth it. Consumer protection used to consider cost. No more. Now it is about what is safest regardless of cost. Probably a lawsuit outcome. I would like to see proof that a 10 year old tire on a garage kept car is a danger.
If you are brave to go non run flats, you will be rewarded with better riding, much quieter driving. If you won’t be driving below 40 degrees, go with high performance summer tires. If not, go all season. Plan on replacing your tires every 5-6 years even if they don’t look worn, they will be old. Old not good.
Thanks for the input. My gut says to replace them, but it just seems strange because they look brand new. I guess I'll start looking for tires. I've got some time since the weather in NEPA is awful, I won't be driving the car anytime soon.
the car Paul Walker was in had original 8 year old tires with a professional driver
Congratulations. 
Tire Question
Add to it that the original tires weren’t very good to begin with so they’d be the first thing I replace. Also replace all fluids if they haven’t been. Low mileage doesn’t mean anything, coolant is 5yr max, and all other fluids should be changed at regular intervals regardless of miles. 
