Recently our company founder took a tire off from one of his cars to have it checked for a slow leak. However, once he arrived at the tire store, he was informed that the tire was more than six years old, and that it could not be serviced. Huh?
If you haven’t had an older tire serviced recently, this is the scenario that will probably unfold if you do. Research has shown that after a certain amount of time passes, generally around six years, tire failures dramatically increase. The tire industry has not yet set up its own estimate, partly because it doesn’t want to give consumers the idea that its tires are guaranteed to last that long. Tire stores probably won’t risk the potential lawsuit that could result from an accident involving an older tire that they serviced.
This is not only a concern for your 1992 Corvette that’s still riding on its original tires, but also if you are considering purchasing “new” tires from an unknown seller. High Performance and Ultra High Performance tires may have a longer “shelf life” based on their high cost. If you are considering purchasing tires from an online auction site or trading forum, ask for pictures of the DOT markings on the tire’s sidewall.
If the tire was made before the year 2000, you’ll see three numbers after the DOT letters; the last number indicates the year the tire was made. On newer tires, those manufactured in 2000 or later, you’ll see four numbers. The first two numbers indicate the week it was built and the last two digits specify the year the tire was made. As an example, if you see a “295”, then the tire was made in 1995, or if you see a “3209”, the tire was made in the 32nd week of 2009.
If you are concerned about the age of the tires on your Corvette, call a reputable tire dealer. And get back on the road!
The National Street Rod Association denied me a “Safety 23” sticker at their Western Nationals in Bakersfield, CA last April claiming my tires were “too old”. My car had passed all previous inspections with no issues. The tires had like new tread depth and no visible signs of dry rot. This car is parked indoors, under a car cover all year except for an occasional car show or outing. That fact fell on deaf ears. My personal opinion is that the lawyers have scared everybody involved with a lawsuit and everybody is just trying to cover their ass.
Tire compounds used to be formulated to last a long time, resistant to break down by ozone and ultraviolet light. Not so much today and the tire retailers and tire service business found a way to work that to their advantage. Refusing to service 6 year old tires seems absurd, especially when there is insufficiant data to support it.
Old tires contributed to the accident that killed Paul Walker.
Well I have had Michelins ( GR70 x 15) on since 1976 and there are absolutely no cracks of any sign of deterioration on them. They have about 12000 miles on them but I don’t think I would go on any long trips with them.
I have had my C3 for eight teen years and change the tires last year. I think they were the orignal tires. The Good year dealear was in shock. (55,000 miles)