Would you buy 10+ year old Blizzaks?

Brian Stegmann · **Joined:** Sun Aug 28, 2011 5:50 pm **Posts:** 5

I've been looking for some used snow tires for my wrx for kicking around in the snow and maybe the occasional rallycross.

I found a set with a good amount of tread and no visible dry rot. $100 for the whole set. The only problem is that they were manufactured in 1999, lol.

Based on my research, most people wig out about tires being over 6-10 years old, but it seems like this is for regular use. I will use these less than 10 days out of the year unless we finally get another blizzard, so I am wondering if the age is something I should be concerned with.

I haven't decided if I will buy them yet. Any .02 appreciated.

Bernie Baake · **Posted:** Thu Dec 01, 2011 9:50 pm

short version Hell no.they belong in the dump.
long version:

statement from the British Rubber Manufacturers Association (BRMA) issued on June 5, 2001 regarding the age of tires they state, "BRMA members strongly recommend that unused tires should not be put into service if they are over 6 years old and that all tires should be replaced 10 years from the date of their manufacture." Tire age can be accelerated by a variety of environmental factors, such as sunlight exposure and coastal climates. Poor storage and infrequent use of your vehicle are other things that can accelerate tire age.

Brian Stegmann · **Joined:** Sun Aug 28, 2011 5:50 pm **Posts:** 5

Yeah... that's the statement I've seen referenced all over. That is also a statement from a union of rubber manufactures. Who sell rubber. For tires.

But I digress. The primary danger with old tires is high speed blowouts. These would never see the highway or high speeds on pavement for that matter. That's where my question comes from.

MarcusMcRae · **Posted:** Thu Dec 01, 2011 10:18 pm

I'd offer him $5 over the recycling fee for them. $100 is way too much for a ten year old used tire.

KouroshNeshat · **Posted:** Thu Dec 01, 2011 10:32 pm

for rallyX, id say go for it as long as the tread is great and spaced nicely. but not for $100.

i would def. not get them for street driving. but you could play the 1999 old as hell card to try and get them cheap.

DickRasmussen · **Posted:** Fri Dec 02, 2011 8:35 am

I suppose this means no one would be interested in the "more than 10 years old" Dunlop Graspics we use on our 97 Mustang to get around in the snow . . . :lol:

I hope they work for at least one more winter since I don't plan on getting snows this winter for the 2012 Mustang.

FYI: In addition to the age issue keep in mind that Blizzaks turn into approximately all season's when the deep tread is worn down to about half original depth.

Bernie Baake · **Posted:** Fri Dec 02, 2011 8:55 am

Using a 10 year old tire for rally cross is a good way to create a roll over ! A blow out in a turn causes the wheel to dig in the ground, that turns a slide into a roll. But it's your butt you seem to already want them........

Brian Stegmann · **Joined:** Sun Aug 28, 2011 5:50 pm **Posts:** 5

Hmm. This is a tough call. On one hand I can see how the age is an issue, but on the other hand there seems to be anecdotal evidence that older winter tires are fine as long as they are taken care of properly. Maybe I'll go and offer a lower price as suggested. I'll probably get laughed at because used tire places usually make money on people's ignorance about tire age, but hey it's worth a shot. I got around just fine last winter on my eagle GT all seasons, so I won't lose any sleep if I don't end up getting them and nothing else pops up before we get winter weather. It would just be nice to have a little extra grip.

Vincent Keene · **Posted:** Fri Dec 02, 2011 11:27 am

DickRasmussen wrote:

I suppose this means no one would be interested in the "more than 10 years old" Dunlop Graspics we use on our 97 Mustang to get around in the snow . . . :lol:

I hope they work for at least one more winter since I don't plan on getting snows this winter for the 2012 Mustang.

Dick, I'll give you one guess at to where my Mustang will be if it snows.

Did I mention I HATE snow?

DickRasmussen · **Posted:** Fri Dec 02, 2011 12:19 pm

Vincent Keene wrote:

DickRasmussen wrote:

I suppose this means no one would be interested in the "more than 10 years old" Dunlop Graspics we use on our 97 Mustang to get around in the snow . . . :lol:

I hope they work for at least one more winter since I don't plan on getting snows this winter for the 2012 Mustang.

Dick, I'll give you one guess at to where my Mustang will be if it snows.

Did I mention I HATE snow?

Sometimes there is no reasonable choice. Go out in snow or go broke (i.e. unemployed). I used the Graspics a lot with the 2001 Mustang in PA, NJ, NY, and VA in early 2003 when "$$$" required it. Actually worked very well. The 12 has less ground clearance and "more to lose" so I will avoid snow!