Dry rot on car tires?

Tires have a date of make on the side wall and if they are from 2003 i would say yes those tires are about almost 10 years old yes you need new tires and i am 100% sure by the age they have DRY ROT on them. Rubber has moisture in it to make it plyable over time of being exposed to heat and cold rain and snow etc... and the constant heat up and cool down cycles the rubber dry rots and starts cracking. Basically your car shouldn't had passed inspection because technically its a safety hazard you can blow a tire any time and cause a big accident.

Tire Dry Rot

Dry Rot Tires

I don't think that the term "dry rot" is accurate. Neoprene (tire material) cracks as it ages, and a 10 year old tire might not be safe if it has cracks.

Also replace the valve stems, neoprene fuel lines, and neoprene vacuum hoses.

All of these repairs are standard maintenance.

It is more expensive to repair a car that has been sitting.

Legitimate concern. Tyres 'perish', which i suppose could be described as dry rot, loosing their elasticity so that fine cracks develop.

Car tyres are not made of neoprene, but a mix of natural and synthetic rubbers.

Here in AZ dry rot...weather checking can start in a couple years...Sun heat ozone...most tire warranties don't cover dry rot... only a few manufacturers warranty to seven years...your mechanic should have told you one blow out at speed will easily cost you more than a set of tires...call tire rack...they'll answer all your questions

Yes dryrot is a very common issue on aged tires.

It is a legitimate concern. My tire shop (Discount Tire) advises against mounting tires more than six years old and refuses to mount, rotate, or repair tires that are ten years old.