Street car w/old tires that still have good tread - change?

Brian Marks · **Posted:** Wed Jan 04, 2012 2:08 pm

So my wife's car, which she wasn't really driving much until recently (it's a 2002 with 47k miles if that tells you anything) has decent tread left on the tires, but I am pretty sure they are at least 6+ years old by now. Question is if they show no signs of any cracking in the rubber and generally feel okay while driving, should I still change them due to age, or just leave them until they're worn? I'm pretty sure I know how the votes will go but wanted to run this experiment anyway. With our 3-year-old riding in the car daily, I'm a bit more concerned than if it was just us.

JohnByers · **Posted:** Wed Jan 04, 2012 2:14 pm

if no visible cracks due to age, and if it is generally used in or around town... I'd say you are okay until you notice anything out of the ordinary.

That said, be a great idea to keep a good keen eye out on them, regular pressure checks and stay on top of your rotations.

Dustin Fredrickson · **Posted:** Wed Jan 04, 2012 10:15 pm

I'd suggest bringing the car to an autocross or track event and having fun with them till they're gone. Problem solved.

Brian Marks · **Posted:** Thu Jan 05, 2012 12:02 am

Dustin Fredrickson wrote:

I'd suggest bringing the car to an autocross or track event and having fun with them till they're gone. Problem solved.

Motorsports solves everything.

Arthur McDonald · **Joined:** Fri Aug 29, 2003 1:54 am **Posts:** 2052

Since it's winter, you want the rubber to be as flexible as possible for traction in cold rain and and snow, and old rubber isn't that flexible to begin with.

Will someone chair an autocross Test & Tune day tomorrow so that we can solve Brian's problem?

BriceJohnson · **Joined:** Thu Apr 13, 2006 7:33 am **Posts:** 2230

So you are volunteering to chair the test and tune? That's what I heard . . .

Pete Guthrie · **Posted:** Tue Feb 14, 2012 5:58 pm

i used to run summer tires.. till they were treadless, then turn them into autocross tires.. and wear them down to the wear bars. now a street car, if you have good tread.. use em. my budget is not what some got.. so i run tires down till they are gone.

Brian Marks · **Posted:** Tue Feb 14, 2012 10:05 pm

I decided to keep them on until they either show signs of cracking or poor handling, or until the tread is gone.

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Street car w/old tires that still have good tread - change?

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