The Sears Allstate bias ply white wall tires on my '55 Mercury are ten years old, now. I bought them shortly after I got the car in May of '93. They still have a lot of tread on them and over all look good, but I realize nothing lasts forever. Especially rubber! So, is there a "rule of thumb" for old tire replacement or just "wing it" with a visual inspection every now and then?
Worn out is defined by the 'wear bars'. Sunlight deteriorates tires and causes 'dry rot'. Dry rot doesnt mean much as far as driveability unless the tire is actually falling apart. Yes, a visual inspection is important. Consider how often you drive it (not much--10 years!) and the speed you drive it. 90 miles an hour all the way to Oklahoma City in 100 degree heat pulling a loaded trailer? Also you have to think about how you feel about it. If you are concerned, replace them. I am poor and will drive'em til they are REALLY worn out but you may not want to do that. Come see me sometime. You will enjoy all my junky old cars
Ive got some Michelins on my MGB GT that I bought in '85 and the tread is just going south, (well actually I see steel in one spot, so I don't drive ove 80 in it anymore) Michelins will crack the rubber OFF the sidewalls before tey wear out, and so will other tires. If you're worried about them being old you won't enjoy driving the car, but on the other hand you could get a new one that's as bad as a space shulltle O ring and not even know it... If they were mine Id drop the tire pressure down low enough to make the sidewalls bulge, (maybe to around 10 psi) and if the rubber on the sidewall looks like a cedar shake roof, get some new ones, if they aren't cracking on the sides they are probably ok for "regular" driving. (whatever that is, just don't exceed the original speed rating of the tire)
Id inspect them visually for dry cracking anywhere on the tire. I rode around on a 10 year old set for quite some time, until I found myself stranded on Labor Day 300 miles from home. I stopped at a service station to check fluids and tire pressure and saw that the dry cracks that were there, had turned into bigtime rips. My own laziness cost me 2 radials and the embarassment of driving around with "Tiger Paw" radials with white letters on a beautiful day. Save some cash and get some tires before it costs you more than its worth. -Dane
Thanks for the input, everyone! For my own peace of mind, I think I'll invest in a new set tires. Or, maybe Sandy Claws will bring me a set for Christmas! Hey Bruce - If I ever get up to the north Louisiana area, I'll have to see some of those treasures of yours!
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