16 year old tires, 30,000 miles out of 40,000, good to use or no?

Question

I have some cooper discoverer radial stt tires from 98 on my 76 f150.  The truck has been sitting for 11 years and is driven a few times a year.  10,000 miles have been put on them in the last 13 years and the other 20,000 or so miles were in the first 3 years before I had the truck.  The tires are in good shape, no cracking in the sidewall or tread.  It appears as though 75% of the tread has been used.  I'm starting to use the truck again, but can't buy tires just yet.  Haven't ever had any other problems with them going flat or anything like that.  Can I use these tires for a month or so while I save money.  The truck is only driven on the weekend and I'm not hauling anything.

Robert · Answer

I had two blowouts two weeks to the day from each other driving on ten year old dry-rotted tires that looked just fone from a visual inspection.  I was lucky it was the back tires that blew out, and not the fronts.  (I'd just rotated them a few weeks before).

The first blowout I figured was random chance.  After the second, I realized I had a problem and replaced the fronts before they blew out.

Blowouts at highway speeds can result in serious crashes.  It's not worth it.  Buy new tires.

And while you are driving on your old tires, if you hear a rhythmic thumpthumpthumpthump keeping time with engine speed, one of your tires is about to let go.  Stop immediately, and put your spare on the affected corner of the car.

Tom · Answer

I've read where tires have a shelf life. Usually 5years is the magic number. However keep in mind the tire suppliers want you to buy new tires. When in doubt they say ask an expert so I did. My local tire shop inspected some tires I have, inside and out, that show no cracks, no weathering, and plenty of tread and got a green light from that shop they were okay. I have run those tires at speeds of 70 MPH or more many times. The tires in question are 20 or more years old.

? · Answer

Rubber drys and degrades over time, no matter where it is kept or stored. This applies to tires as well. Most all major tire manufactures, including Michelin, suggest replacing tires once they reach ten years of age. The is also more aggressive suggestions from from some tire experts that they should be replace after 6 years of use.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.js...

Can you safely drive on 16 year tires for the next month or so? Maybe, but there is certainly a risk involved.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=138

Can you safely drive on 16 year tires for the next month or so?  Maybe, but there is certainly a risk involved.

! · Answer

Way too old. Get a new set, they don't have to be very expensive or be a premium brand, almost any tire will be safer than these ones.

Timbo is here · Answer

Most tyres have a shelf life of 5 years or so as the rubber degrades with time not just usage - you need new ones

lana_sands · Answer

No.......
Go to Pep boys and get new tires.

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16 year old tires, 30,000 miles out of 40,000, good to use or no?

6 Answers