Age of tyre

[Surf01]

In order to try and save some money, I had my spare tyre fitted onto the rear axle. It is an exact match for the other 3 brand new tyres.
The spare tyre is also brand new and never been used, but it is the original Bridgestone tyre that was supoplied with the vehilce in 1997.
There are no signs of cracking and the tyre looks as good as new. I do not do a high mileage and very seldom hit 70 mph although the vehilce is used a lot for towing a large twin axle caravan. Do you think I should carry on using it although it is over 12 years old?

[MattF]

No.

[Leodis]

Look here.

http://www.hiluxsurf.co.uk/forums/sh...ad.php?t=55287

[Surf01]

Look here.

http://www.hiluxsurf.co.uk/forums/sh...ad.php?t=55287

Very informative but says nothing about the age of a tyre never used previously.

[Storm]

when at hiq tyres we had to bin stock if it was over 5 years old because
of the tyre delamination (spelling)

plus some caravan insurance you have to change tyres if 6 years old because of blow outs and wheels at 10 years old

[blackpoolsparks]

From AA Web Site

Tyre age
Age is a separate issue to wear – tyres do degrade naturally through exposure to heat, sunlight (Ultraviolet/UV) light and rain. Degradation depends on the amount of exposure and the severity of the weather.

This is a more common problem on caravans, trailers and vehicles only used occasionally. In most cases tyres will wear out before they degrade to such an extent they're unserviceable.

Look for signs of UV cracking on tyres four or five years old on cars parked outside. Tyres should be replaced irrespective of age if cracking becomes severe – any tyre specialist will be able to advise.

[Surf01]

In addition to the tyre on the vehicle, I have to replace the 4 tyres on my caravan. On checking the tyres on the Surf I decided to check the date stamp on my 2004 caravan which we bought brand new on 03/01/05. The date stamp was week 20 of the year 2001.

In effect our caravan had tyres fitted by the manufacturer which were over three years old! As it is now 2009 the tyres are 8 years old and although there are no signs of cracking etc for insurance purposes, they will need to be replaced. All 4 look brand new and have done less than 2000 miles! They are GT Radials 165/70 13 79H!