Four-year old tire too old?

Esteban · 11-19-2014, 01:39 AM

I have to replace a four-year old front runflat tire because of damage. Should I replace the other 4 year-old front tire as well? The tread is still very good and there are very few miles on the tire.

Was wondering if the age of the tire is reason to replace it? Do tires age? Does the rubber get old? Will a 4-year old tire work as well as a new tire?

Iron Man · 11-19-2014, 06:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EvenEsteban

I have to replace a four-year old front runflat tire because of damage. Should I replace the other 4 year-old front tire as well? The tread is still very good and there are very few miles on the tire.

Was wondering if the age of the tire is reason to replace it? Do tires age? Does the rubber get old? Will a 4-year old tire work as well as a new tire?

How many miles are on the other tires? What do you consider "few"?

Overpar56 · 11-19-2014, 06:49 AM

Answers:
1) 4 year old tire isn't old unless you see cracks on the sidewalls or tread that's separating. A tire shop you trust can advise you. I've had tires on my MX5 older than that and had no issues. If you keep your car out in the sun for long periods, UV can start to deteriorate tires but I believe newer tires have UV blockers molded in.

2) if the 4 year old tire had the same tread depth as a new one you'd probably wouldn't notice much difference. What you may notice is a bit more hydroplaning with unequal tread depth. But you're in SoCal so that drought may be doing you a favor.

3) Alignment is everything. When was the last alignment?

Personally I'd put new tires on both fronts, get an alignment and know that you have two good, well-balanced tires and a aligned front end.

Iron Man · 11-19-2014, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Overpar56

Answers:
1) 4 year old tire isn't old unless you see cracks on the sidewalls or tread that's separating. A tire shop you trust can advise you. I've had tires on my MX5 older than that and had no issues. If you keep your car out in the sun for long periods, UV can start to deteriorate tires but I believe newer tires have UV blockers molded in.

2) if the 4 year old tire had the same tread depth as a new one you'd probably wouldn't notice much difference. What you may notice is a bit more hydroplaning with unequal tread depth. But you're in SoCal so that drought may be doing you a favor.

3) Alignment is everything. When was the last alignment?

Personally I'd put new tires on both fronts, get an alignment and know that you have two good, well-balanced tires and a aligned front end.

Agreed. If there is very little treadwear on the four year old tire, it would probably not be much of a difference to just replace the one.

Though, if it were my money, I would put two new tires on.

3002 tii · 11-19-2014, 10:19 AM

I would trust a four year old tire that has seen use over one that has been sitting in storage. As others pointed, examine for any dryness or cracking. If tread depth is fairly even on both sides, you should be fine.

Esteban · 11-19-2014, 10:51 AM

Thanks for the replies.

bNks334 · 11-19-2014, 10:58 AM

just keep in mind that the tread difference will cause a pull upon acceleration and braking. I had a set that I had to replace after only 3k miles because i hit the sidewall of one tire. just replacing 1 tire didn't work. Good luck.

Esteban · 11-19-2014, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bNks334

just keep in mind that the tread difference will cause a pull upon acceleration and braking. I had a set that I had to replace after only 3k miles because i hit the sidewall of one tire. just replacing 1 tire didn't work. Good luck.

Thanks man. Decided to replace both tires just to be on the safe side.

Black Prinz · 11-19-2014, 11:26 AM

http://www.edmunds.com/car-care/how-...our-tires.html

Overpar56 · 11-19-2014, 03:16 PM

Get a couple of these:

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/n...risk/index.htm

MightyMouseTech · 11-19-2014, 03:45 PM

4 years is nothing. We sometimes get 3-4 year old tires from our suppliers new. We don't start recommend replacing tires due to age until they hit 10 years.

In Germany, I believe it is illegal to install tires that are 7 years old, and use tires that are 10 years old. Some one confirm?

11-19-2014, 01:39 AM	#1
Esteban Major General 43348 Rep 7,224 Posts Drives: a slow car fast Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	Four-year old tire too old? I have to replace a four-year old front runflat tire because of damage. Should I replace the other 4 year-old front tire as well? The tread is still very good and there are very few miles on the tire. Was wondering if the age of the tire is reason to replace it? Do tires age? Does the rubber get old? Will a 4-year old tire work as well as a new tire? __________________ Last edited by Esteban; 11-19-2014 at 02:20 AM..
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11-19-2014, 06:49 AM	#3
Overpar56 Proud AARP member in good standing 28 Rep 635 Posts Drives: Me nuts Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Skyline, Chile iTrader: (0)	Answers: 1) 4 year old tire isn't old unless you see cracks on the sidewalls or tread that's separating. A tire shop you trust can advise you. I've had tires on my MX5 older than that and had no issues. If you keep your car out in the sun for long periods, UV can start to deteriorate tires but I believe newer tires have UV blockers molded in. 2) if the 4 year old tire had the same tread depth as a new one you'd probably wouldn't notice much difference. What you may notice is a bit more hydroplaning with unequal tread depth. But you're in SoCal so that drought may be doing you a favor. 3) Alignment is everything. When was the last alignment? Personally I'd put new tires on both fronts, get an alignment and know that you have two good, well-balanced tires and a aligned front end. __________________ 2012 135i DCT, Lemans Blue/black leather, PPK1, PE, Stoptech Sport rotors and Sport pads, unhealthy crackles and burbles and an aging demonic driver.
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11-19-2014, 10:19 AM	#5
3002 tii Lieutenant General 2280 Rep 12,565 Posts Drives: Z4 M, X5, GX460 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: CT iTrader: (99) Garage List F15 X5 xDrive35i [8.75] E86 Z4 M [10.00] F10 550i (Retired) [9.17] F25 X3 xDrive35i (R ... [9.43] E82 135is (Retired) [9.50] E85 Z4 M (Retired) [9.41] E90 328i xDrive (Re ... [9.25] E86 Z4 3.0si (Retired) [9.20]	I would trust a four year old tire that has seen use over one that has been sitting in storage. As others pointed, examine for any dryness or cracking. If tread depth is fairly even on both sides, you should be fine. __________________ Follow for latest mods
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11-19-2014, 10:51 AM	#6
Esteban Major General 43348 Rep 7,224 Posts Drives: a slow car fast Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the replies. __________________
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11-19-2014, 10:58 AM	#7
bNks334 Major 427 Rep 957 Posts Drives: '11 135i (N55) Join Date: May 2014 Location: New York iTrader: (1)	just keep in mind that the tread difference will cause a pull upon acceleration and braking. I had a set that I had to replace after only 3k miles because i hit the sidewall of one tire. just replacing 1 tire didn't work. Good luck.
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11-19-2014, 11:26 AM	#9
Black Prinz Private First Class 43 Rep 170 Posts Drives: 545i-128i-X3x35i-M2C Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Poconos, PA iTrader: (1)	http://www.edmunds.com/car-care/how-...our-tires.html __________________ The Black Prinz \| 09E82N51 \| BMW 3-Stage Intake Manifold \| BILSTEIN B12 Pro-System+ \| ///M Control Arms \| ///M Bushing kit \| ///M Strut Brace \| DINAN Camber Plates & Rear Shock Mounts \| ECS Performance Trailing Arms \| aFe Magnum Force Intake System [Dynamic Air Scoops+Stage 2 CAI] \| BMW Performance Exhaust \| BMW Performance Brakes \| GOODRIDGE G-Stop SS \| DEPO V2 \| Style 220M reps \|
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11-19-2014, 03:16 PM	#10
Overpar56 Proud AARP member in good standing 28 Rep 635 Posts Drives: Me nuts Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Skyline, Chile iTrader: (0)	Get a couple of these: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/n...risk/index.htm __________________ 2012 135i DCT, Lemans Blue/black leather, PPK1, PE, Stoptech Sport rotors and Sport pads, unhealthy crackles and burbles and an aging demonic driver.
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11-19-2014, 03:45 PM	#11
MightyMouseTech Major General 4338 Rep 6,196 Posts Drives: 13 135i 6MT LeMans Blue MSport Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Ottawa, Canada iTrader: (0)	4 years is nothing. We sometimes get 3-4 year old tires from our suppliers new. We don't start recommend replacing tires due to age until they hit 10 years. In Germany, I believe it is illegal to install tires that are 7 years old, and use tires that are 10 years old. Some one confirm?
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