Tire age ?

[Paul S]

I didn't want to hi-jack the current tire replacement thread so here is a little different subject. I have a 2002 firebird with the original tires.The car has a little over 18,000 miles and the tread is still excellent. The car is garage kept and only comes out when its 65 degrees or more and sunny.Inspecting the sidewalls I find no weather checking or other signs of age damage.So my question to those that may be in the tire business is how long can a set of tires be safely used ? The manufacture date on these tires is 2001. They do seem to have minor flat spots after sitting for a extended period of time but round out after a few miles of spirited driving.I don't want to put myself or anyone else in danger using these tires but don't want to waste the money if there is no need to.

[CHzo6]

Re: Tire age ?

As long as there isn't any major cracks in the tread or sidewall you are good to go. I've driven a few mid 60's Corvettes with original tires on them in the last few years.

[Fly Bye]

Re: Tire age ?

As long as there isn't any major cracks in the tread or sidewall, you are good to go.

As long as your car is garage kept, and the rubber is out of the hot ultraviolet sunlight, the speeds are kept within maximum allowable by law, 10 years should be fine.

With that said, anything is possible, and nothing is etched in stone, but if I had 10 year old tires on a car that is rarely driven, and kept inside of an enclosed garage, I would drive that car in a heartbeat.

Do you have a good tire pressure gauge? Check the tire pressures, and adjust if needed.

[Waiting for wax to dry]

Re: Tire age ?

As long as there isn't any major cracks in the tread or sidewall you are good to go. I've driven a few mid 60's Corvettes with original tires on them in the last few years.