Discussion
Cracking on tyres, be it on sidewalls or, as here, around the tread, is a sign, and a clear one, that the tyre is tired. At the moment it is legal - there are depths and lengths for MoTs.
One thing to remember is that modern braking systems put massive stresses on tyres. Cracks around the tread is not something that I'd be happy with. But you take your choice.
Tyres do have a life expectancy measured in years. I've heard five years mentioned. That's premium policy but these are tyres and quite important to a car.
Your choice.
One thing to remember is that modern braking systems put massive stresses on tyres. Cracks around the tread is not something that I'd be happy with. But you take your choice.
Tyres do have a life expectancy measured in years. I've heard five years mentioned. That's premium policy but these are tyres and quite important to a car.
Your choice.
I have also heard 5 years mentioned. Often people are aware of the 1.6mm legal limit (which I think is too low, mine get changed at 3mm) but don't seem to be aware of the effect of ageing of the rubber. After all, rubber is a perishable material, same goes for wiper blades - I used to live in Phoenix (s
thole) where it rarely rained but the wiper blades were all perished because the sun and UV would degrade the rubber.
thole) where it rarely rained but the wiper blades were all perished because the sun and UV would degrade the rubber. It's relatively rare for age related failures to hit the tread like that; the primary cause of rubber degradation is exposure to UV and the tread is generally far better shielded from the sun than the side-walls. Tyres kept in optimal conditions can last decades with no significant perishing.
I suppose the answer ultimately comes down to how risk averse you are - I'd say those tyres are 99% likely to be fine for another few years; the question is whether a 1% risk fo a blow-out is acceptable to you. If the cracks had started to bridge the gaps between thread-blocks I'd be straight off to the tyre shop and as they are... it's probably OK.
I suppose the answer ultimately comes down to how risk averse you are - I'd say those tyres are 99% likely to be fine for another few years; the question is whether a 1% risk fo a blow-out is acceptable to you. If the cracks had started to bridge the gaps between thread-blocks I'd be straight off to the tyre shop and as they are... it's probably OK.
Edited by kambites on Tuesday 28th March 20:29
Muddle238 said:
I have also heard 5 years mentioned. Often people are aware of the 1.6mm legal limit (which I think is too low, mine get changed at 3mm) but don't seem to be aware of the effect of ageing of the rubber. After all, rubber is a perishable material, same goes for wiper blades - I used to live in Phoenix (sthole) where it rarely rained but the wiper blades were all perished because the sun and UV would degrade the rubber.
I might be wrong but wiper blades now come with a small Yellow warning triangle with an "!" inside which appears when the wiper has been exposed to too much UV and the rubber is degraded.thole) where it rarely rained but the wiper blades were all perished because the sun and UV would degrade the rubber. As for the tyres, when the sidewalls start to crack I change them regardless of the tread condition, but admit I've not noticed cracking within the main tread area before, then again it's not something I tend to look for (lesson learned today then).
Thanks folks. I'll go with keeping an eye on them and changing at leisure.
For those interested they are vredestein all season tyres and used on a honda jazz which is solely an urban runabout never really going more than 10miles from home. I'm not sure the last time it went above 40mph so catastrophic failure is probably much less likely than getting a screwdriver or bolt through any new tyres I'll buy in due course.
For those interested they are vredestein all season tyres and used on a honda jazz which is solely an urban runabout never really going more than 10miles from home. I'm not sure the last time it went above 40mph so catastrophic failure is probably much less likely than getting a screwdriver or bolt through any new tyres I'll buy in due course.
I have just replaced the rear tyres on my TVR.
They were legal (passed an mot 3 weeks ago) but had I noticed last year that I had massively less grip than they used to, When I had a proper look I noticed that they were dated 2002! At least they are cheap, the upside of running a nearly 30 yr old tvr is that a pair of decent tyres only cost me £113 fitted
They were legal (passed an mot 3 weeks ago) but had I noticed last year that I had massively less grip than they used to, When I had a proper look I noticed that they were dated 2002! At least they are cheap, the upside of running a nearly 30 yr old tvr is that a pair of decent tyres only cost me £113 fitted
texaxile said:
I might be wrong but wiper blades now come with a small Yellow warning triangle with an "!" inside which appears when the wiper has been exposed to too much UV and the rubber is degraded.
As for the tyres, when the sidewalls start to crack I change them regardless of the tread condition, but admit I've not noticed cracking within the main tread area before, then again it's not something I tend to look for (lesson learned today then).
Interesting, that rings a faint bell somewhere in the depths of my noggin, don't think I've ever actually seen it though. As for the tyres, when the sidewalls start to crack I change them regardless of the tread condition, but admit I've not noticed cracking within the main tread area before, then again it's not something I tend to look for (lesson learned today then).
GOG440 said:
I have just replaced the rear tyres on my TVR.
They were legal (passed an mot 3 weeks ago) but had I noticed last year that I had massively less grip than they used to, When I had a proper look I noticed that they were dated 2002! At least they are cheap, the upside of running a nearly 30 yr old tvr is that a pair of decent tyres only cost me £113 fitted
Who says size doesn't matter...They were legal (passed an mot 3 weeks ago) but had I noticed last year that I had massively less grip than they used to, When I had a proper look I noticed that they were dated 2002! At least they are cheap, the upside of running a nearly 30 yr old tvr is that a pair of decent tyres only cost me £113 fitted
having had a blow out at 70mph on a sweeping bend i am not a cheapskate on tyres. cracks, bubbles etc i replace per axle (don't let them get that bad just if bought on the car).
considering how cheap tyres are i wouldn't want cracked 6 year old tyres on my car, there are people that say don't bother but as this is a car forum and not moneysaving skinflints.com i don't understand why you would.
considering how cheap tyres are i wouldn't want cracked 6 year old tyres on my car, there are people that say don't bother but as this is a car forum and not moneysaving skinflints.com i don't understand why you would.
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