Ageing Tyres

[vincematthews]

Have finally bitten the bullet and given my 924 a pre-budget treat.
I've got it on limited mile insurance so was reluctant to spend on replacing tyres that are not worn out but just old (still on a 3 digit date code).

Anyway its the 4 bolt 15" spoked option wheels and still had the PO's tyres on (Marshall Power Racer!!? for the record).
What a difference a new set of Continentals have made; steering is light and precise and still fairly light (no Power Steering) at parking speeds.
Its going to take a bit of getting used to []

I know its obvious if you think about it that new tyres should make a difference, but how many of us (who don't use our cars as daily transport) think about how old and knackered those vital bits of rubber are, when there appears to be enough tread?

If in doubt change! its worth it for the improvement in handling.

BTW in case you're unsure, Date Codes on the tyre walls are:-

( DOT 347< ) = week 34, year 1997 (a 3 digit code)
( DOT 3407 ) = week 34, year 2007 (a 4 digit code)

If the 3 digit code hasn't got the '<' after it, its probably a tyre manufactured in the 80's . . .!

 

[PaulHere]

Thanks for that Vince

I suspect it may be time for myself and others to take a look at their tyres.
I'll mention it on the column also.

 

[sawood12]

Yep, they reckon that you should get rid of any tyres older than 3 years old, so check 'new' tyres too when you get some fitted as tyre centres may be trying to palm off old stock. There have been cases on heavier SUV type cars where tyres bought as brand new but were really about 3 yrs old and had been sitting around on the shelf of the tyre fitters, were fitted and failed soon after being fitted. Oxygen is very corrosive to natural rubber and ages it causing it to become brittle and loose its strength and adhesive properties - effectively dries out the rubber.

 

[vitesse]

As far as I know there is not that much natural rubber in tyres for that reason-most of it is Butadiene-synthetic rubber.However the tyres on our 924S must now be at least 10 yrs old & to be honest I wouldn't normally expect to throw them away as they perform Ok & it always passes the MOT-they tend to pick up decaying tyres etc where I get it tested.

 

[vincematthews]

ORIGINAL: VITESSE

As far as I know there is not that much natural rubber in tyres for that reason-most of it is Butadiene-synthetic rubber.However the tyres on our 924S must now be at least 10 yrs old & to be honest I wouldn't normally expect to throw them away as they perform Ok & it always passes the MOT-they tend to pick up decaying tyres etc where I get it tested.

Even if they aren't decaying as such, the sidewalls start to sag which results in heavier steering, stodgier handling etc (I didn't realise it would have that much effect until I changed)