How
old can tyres be before it is wise to change them?
See
our article on tyre ageing and the need for replacement. More
Posted: 291111
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Over
time the suppleness of the rubber reduces so that
by around 7 to 8 years old the ageing effect on
the rubber will have reduced the flexibility of
the rubber to something that begins to have characteristics
similar to that of wood with consequent adverse
effects |
on
handling and ride. For most classic car enthusiasts
doing modest annual mileages this will inevitably
mean the tyres age well before they wear out. Photos
of sidewall cracks
For many it will feel wrong to throw away tyres
which appear to have plenty of tread remaining but
with a high performance car which has a suspension
package from an earlier age, good dry and wet grip
and braking performance are essential together with
supple rubber for a comfortable ride. But the age
effect does not only affect the tread, the tyre
walls also age and fine cracks can develop in tyres
over 10 or 12 years old - in the example above they
became serious longitudinal cracks where the risk
of a blowout at speed was considerable. So be prepared
for a tyre change well before 10 years and preferably
at 7 or 8 years from new. |
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