Tyres cracking

[taylor172]

noticed some slight cracks on the front tyres on the vantage, now after hearing horror stories about long drives and hot roads im panicing a little and thinking I might get them replaced before the 1300mile drive to LeMans and back in a couple of weeks time.

I heard something about the original tyres having to be swapped on vantages under warrenty for certain codes? anyone know anything?

Im pretty sure the tyres are original which makes them 6 years old

[sukh_m]

taylor172 said:

Im pretty sure the tyres are original which makes them 6 years old

If they are the original tyres then definitely replace, they crack sat around doing nothing

[taylor172]

why does everything come at the same time, service and tyres. ouch!!

[sukh_m]

If it makes you feel any better i've got service, mot, warranty and probably all 4 tyres at the same time (and anything else!)

Might take the tyre gel out of the boot though, make it a cheaper service like jockman

[897sma]

Had the same thing happen on my DB7, never had or even seen this on another car. Perhaps it's because these cars do so little mileage that they age before they wear out. Usually I don't get a year out of tyres on my other vehicles.

[V12Vantage]

Have them inspected by a reputable tyre shop. Unless they are very bad and you are driving at crazy speeds, I doubt they will cause you any problems. I have noticed on several Lexus cars in particular, that the OE Bridgestone tyres tend to do this after a relatevly short period. As far as I'm aware quality brand tyres should be good for around 10 years.

[taylor172]

camskill are doing the bridgestones at £210 mail order, work doing them at £255 fitted

[bomberh]

Were they anything like these?











When I had my Sports Pack alloys put on my car, the technician took one look at my front tyres and advised me to have them changed, which I did.

[taylor172]

very similar, not quite as bad though.

Ball ache as i wasnt planning on changing them yet.

[brakedwell]

I think tyres should be replaced when they are five years old, even if there is plenty of tread left.

[James B]

My mother's Z4M displayed very similar type cracking to that pictured above. It was only on the sections between the tread blocks. The tyres still has 4 or so mm left in them but age had got the better of the rubber. She had covered 12k miles in 5 years just commuting in the car and that's what did it I guess. Hers were Michelin Pilot Sports if that's of any interest.

[bogie]

same here and im on my 3rd set of fronts ...but only done 3k miles a year last couple of years

generally tyres should be replaced every 2-3 years anyway....clearly we are not using our cars enough

I wouldnt want to rely on some 5 year old rubber on a high performance vehicle of any type ...

[outofstepuk]

yup, using the car more is definitely the best solution

[James B]

bogie said:

I wouldnt want to rely on some 5 year old rubber on a high performance vehicle of any type ...

I can give a real world example of this! I have a 1977 911 that my grandfather bought new. Given that it was used fairly seldom and dry stored properlt the car did very few miles between '77 and '99 when it came into my care and was actually on its original tyres but was still serviced and MOT'd each year. I can tell you that the drive from St Andrews to Aberdeen was interesting to say the least!!!
The rubber was like wood. Next to no grip and anytime I dared to prod the throttle the rears would spin up. Needless to say a new set of period P7's were sourced and she was handling like new once again.

What was odd with these tyres was that they never showed any signs of perishing or cracking until you touched them and realised that they were absolutely solid. I wonder if they had any flex in them at all? Thankfully they made it home and all was well. I guess it could have been a very different story...

[bogie]

Ive read some horror stories about old rubber too and have aquaintences who have written off cars due to it ...buying a mid engined sportscar, with old rubber due to low mileage use, then changing front tyres to new ....then a wet ride into work and the rear overtakes the front quite easily

considering tyres are just about the most important part of the car to keep you on the road, im always amazed how much people scrimp on them ...myself included....its always tempting to wait "just another few months"

I think my fronts are 4 years old now....only 1/2 worn by tread depth, but well cracked and only done 15K miles ish ....I should get some fitted before winter......

[taylor172]

Going to check the dates on them tonight. So much for a cheap month haha

I hadnt really thought much of the drive to LeMans untill today when i ,ade a todo list for the car

[taylor172]

just looking online, Bridgestones cheapest is £205 for the AM9s, noticed some Acceleas for £77 a peice. are these really turd or would they do for some cheap LeMans hooning?

[V12Vantage]

Them Acceleras are ditch grabbers, not very good at all.

[whoami]

V12Vantage said:

Them Acceleras are ditch grabbers, not very good at all.

Crap.

[taylor172]

dammit, i thought would do the weekend away in france and replace them with bridgestones in a couple of months time.