Should you replace them on grounds of age, even if the tread depth is still ok? Mine have done 19k miles from new, but they are seven years four months old. Any views, folks?
It’s not just about tread depth, are they started to disintegrate anywhere? Is the wear even? 10 years is the rule for larger vehicles, there’s not a specific rule for cars but it’s a guideline that’s still worth following to be safe. Also, is that date how long you’ve had them or what the code stamped on them says which may be significantly older?
10 years is the general rule for tyres,however as been said exposure to direct sunlight can effect the tyre quality. Use your judgement don't change for the sake of it . My advise would be even though 1.6mm is the legal requirement, don't use tyres with less than 2 mm tread depth. That would be more concern than the age of it. In my opinion.
Peace of mind,bang on advice. Should you have a incident and hurt yourself,loved ones,a child you would live with this for ever.
Kwikfit will do a check for free as well which includes photos and a colour coded diagram and descriptions for each tyre. Can always take it elsewhere for any actual work.
Against my better judgement, I once bought a part worn tyre to replace one I'd got an irreparable puncture on. I was about 6 months out from my MOT and thought it'd see me through until around then, when I'd get both the front ones replaced beforehand. I wasn't aware that there are date codes on tyres at the time, but found out a few months later that the tyre was 14 years old. I did about 6,000 miles on it without issue, but having read up on it since, I was probably lucky that I'd not had a blow out given how often I was driving on the motorway on it.
If they were my tyres I'd just take a look at them. If there was cracking/crazing in the side wall or any bulges anywhere, I'd think about getting them replaced. If not, I'd carry on using them. Disclaimer: this is what I'd do, not what you should do. I am not an expert on car tyres.
Best advice I had from two mates who ran a garage was...Don't f**k about when it comes to tyres and brakes....
The code is 4817, JD. So I'm reading that as November 2017 - the car was first registered in June 2018. Thanks to you all for the advice. My MOT is a couple of months off, so I think I'll see if anything is noted there. As an aside, two cars ago I had a 3-series from new and had 40k miles out of the original tyres. They were getting a little bit 'naughty' by then, though! That didn't take me four years in those days - it's taken me nearly seven years to get to 19k with this one.
This, exactly. Check for cracking and bulging which is evidence of weak spots. Other key advice relates to placement. If you replace 2, and if this would result in significant difference on the tread depth between the new ones and old ones, then make sure the new ones are on the rear. Losing grip at the back (oversteer) is a lot harder to control than losing grip at the front (understeer). https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/... industry advice is that,and not at the front. I find that tyres fitters generally won't question it and will fit a pair of tyres on whichever axle the old ones are coming off, but if the fronts are being changed off, you should insist that they are swapped around and the new ones put on the back.
I was born and brought up in the garage trade and would echo Jay's advice above. Age is not a significant factor in a decent quality tyre, but check for cracks or blisters in the wall, on the inside as well as the outside...if there's the slightest sign of such things, just get rid...cheap tyres suffer far more and wear quicker, so buy branded replacements, particularly if you drive at high speed. Contrary to popular belief perhaps...blow outs on cars are extremely rare, the pressures are fairly low compared to wagons etc, and happen on tyres already exhibiting blistering and neglect. I wouldn't go to Kwik-Fit or their ilk...in my experience, whatever condition your vehicle is in they will paint an overly negative picture in order to sell you brakes and tyres, trust your MOT company and your own eyes and when the time comes that they're out of tread, replace them with good ones.
Thanks, SB. I've an MOT in June, so I'll see what they say. At my current mileage rate it would take me another 22 years to reach 60k miles!
This business about milage on tyres can be misleading. The make/manufacturing. Can be like chalk and cheese. In most cases you get what you pay for. Over/under inflation other factors. I tend to go for mid range price. And look at ratings. But admitted one of the biggest considerations folk make is affordability. What car tyre reviews and ratings. Is worth a look.
Dont risk your own and your family's safety by umming and aaahing about it. If in doubt at all (which you are) change the tyres. Dont end up regretting delaying
To echo many of the comments on here the general view is replace tyres if they are over 10 years old Or if there is any damage or cracks blisters etc on the sidewalls. Also performance in the wet is noticeably worse with a tread below 3mm. So worth replacing then rather than waiting to below 2mm
If i put my car in for a service, or mot, an they say, change em, thats what i do, or should i say they do, thats what i pay em for an thats their job. 7yrs old 6 tyres changed, disks an pads, once.
