Tyres - lifespan / replacement

[Mark_P09]

Hi all,

A couple of questions concerning tyres:

1. I see that typically, regardless of wear, the general guidance is to change tyres after 5-6 years due to tyre aging. What are your views on this?

2. Do you trust the average tyre replacement centre to correctly jack up your 7 to replace the tyres or do you remove the wheels and bring them to the tyre centre?

My 160S has plenty of tread on the tyres, but although the car is 5.5 years old now the DOT code suggests the tyres were manufactured between late 2015 and late 2016 and I'm wondering if I should change them, especially whilst I can probably still get Avon ZT7's.

Cheers,

Mark

[StevehS3]

1. I think it depends on several factors but I would change them after 5 years. Better still, wear them out!

2. I always remove the wheels and take them along with the new tyres to the fitter.

[7_Malc]

1. Yes, after 5 years they are not worth risking. New boots will rejuvenate the drive. 

2. Talk to your local owners and see who is recommended. Some tyre specialists are great, but the big chains are to be avoided. If you have a local race team, race support outfit or classic car specialist, then that's often a good place to start too.

[Golf Juliet Tango]

1) I certainly replace tyres after 5 or 6 years. With most road tyres there is lots of tread remaining.

2) I use an independent garage.

[Wrightpayne]

I've had a google for 155/65R14 as used on the 160 and it seems to be only tintop tyres available including the Avons and Uniroyal Rain Experts which are a firm favorite for touring.

Some Kumho's are quite good - might be worth looking at the sprinting 1A / 1B list for inspiration. Hopefully a competitor will be along shortly with advice :-).

 

 

[Geoff Brown]

With inspection tyres will exceed the 'recommended' period (note recommended, not mandatory) by some years as long as common sense is used.

Regular inspection is essential for side wall cracking, especially on the inside where you cannot see, cracking between tread blocks or the bottom of tread grooves in the case of tyres like the ZZ series.

Very fine cracking on side walls & between tread blocks or at the bottom of tread grooves can be viewed as cosmetic but should be monitored. 

At any time if one can see any structure of the tyre then replace immediately. If in doubt gently prise a fine crack apart with a small screwdriver & inspect with a bright light. With large deep cracks it may be more obvious.

If a car is not used often then tyres will age harden & crack rapidly. Using a car often helps the tyre to remain supple by keeping the chemical components stable.

Personally, tyres have never lasted five years to find out what condition they would be in after a protracted period !