My front tires are 8 years old - time to change anyway?

[navyjoe]

About 3 years ago I replaced my rear dually tires with mud grips on my 06 3500. I still had a brand new spare, so I bought a barely used tire to go with it an mounted them on the front. The date code is 3606, so they are a little over 8 years old. they are in great shape. Plenty of tread, no cracks, etc. With that said is it time to change them anyway?

I've had bad experiences with ST trailer tires, they advise not going more than 5 years on them but they sit unused a lot and are crap anyway. But what about LT tires? Mine are 235-80/r17 General Amertract factory tires made in Mexico not China (Is that actually a plus ?:{ )

 

[goodguys75]

there old and dry for sure...that is way to long for a tire

 

[BDaugherty]

Couple hundred bucks for new steer tires will look pretty cheap compared to your insurance deductable after and old tire blows and takes out a fender.

 

[navyjoe]

goodguys75 and BDaugherty,

Kind of what I was thinking too. Two new tires will cost me about $550. I'm thinking Michelin XPS. They have a 70k warranty and most everyone thinks highly of Michelin. I want a good tire on the front for sure. BDaugherty, good point on the insurance. My deductible is $500. I just went thru this with 2 trailer ST tires. Lost 2 of them on a short trip home.

 

[crispyboy]

I have also read that many manufacturers recommend changing out automobile/truck tires after 7 or 8 years. Apparently they age out like an ST tire. Maybe you should call the tire manufacturer and see what they say just out of curiosity to see when their tire is too old to use. If you call let us know.

 

[navyjoe]

good idea. I went to their website and found this. " Tire Service Life Recommendation

Continental is unaware of any technical data that supports a specific tire age for removal from service. However, as with other members of the tire and automotive industries, Continental recommends that all tires (including spare tires) that were manufactured more than ten (10) years previous be removed from service and be replaced with new tires, even when tires appear to be usable from their external appearance and if the tread depth may have not reached the minimum wear out depth. Vehicle manufacturers may recommend a different chronological age at which a tire should be replaced based on their understanding of the specific vehicle application; Continental recommends that any such instruction be followed. Consumers should note that most tires would have to be removed for tread wear-out or other causes before any proscribed removal period. A stated removal period in no way reduces the consumer's responsibility to replace tires as needed. "

I have also read that many manufacturers recommend changing out automobile/truck tires after 7 or 8 years. Apparently they age out like an ST tire. Maybe you should call the tire manufacturer and see what they say just out of curiosity to see when their tire is too old to use. If you call let us know.

 

[navyjoe]

Well job is done. Installed 2 new Michelin tires last night. Michelin LTX M/S2 Tire LT235/80R17/E 120/117R. $224.60 from walmart online.