Old tires safe?

[greenbeer]

Searched and came up with nothing. So, I'll assume nobody has asked before??
I have a set of studded snow tires that my father used on hit Jeep Cherokee back in the 90's. They were bought in 92 or 93 and have about 1000 miles on them if that. They also look like they are in perfect shape (been wrapped in plastic in the parents shed this whole time. My question is, would it be safe to throw these on the Limited and take a 500 mile trip through the snow? I have "heard" to not use tires after seven years of age...I'm leaving in three weeks and don't want to go buy chains if I can just use these.

Bryan

 

[JDraper]

If they haven't dry rotted, they should be fine. Check the sidewalls for cracking. You may have to flex the sidewall to see if there is any there.

 

[Yomie]

I'm betting that if you put air in them (35 psi) and then put weight on them you will find rot on the sidewalls....generally when i worked ofr discount tire we couldn't touch a tire over 5 years old, too much liability.

Remember even if not used, the rubber will deteriorate

 

[greenbeer]

So lets say I put them on and there is no cracking. Still a bad idea to run them?

 

[Yomie]

IMO i would say yes.

 

[Yomie]

If you were staying local, no interstate i would say run them, keep a good spare, but being away from home and traveling long distances at 70+ i wouldn't do it

 

[greenbeer]

Most of my driving will be at about 50mph, if that makes a difference...Last thing I need is a blow out in freezing temperatures!

 

[unclemeat]

I had a discussion a while back with a tire testing lab. They told me no tire over ten years old should be used for anything. The oxidation inside the tire is usually as bad or worse than the outside. Old tires may fail catostrophly without warning.

 

[Potomac30]

I've heard that tires have a lubricant built into them that activates when it rolls. If the tire sits on a shelf and doesn't move, none of the lubricants get dispersed.

 

[Albino 94LTD]

More questions

So, I've heard or seen statements that manufacturers recommend replacing a tire at age 6yrs.
Unclemeat says he heard a 10yr old tire isn't good for anything.

JDraper indicated there's a possibility an older tire could be OK.

Discount Tire won't mount anything older than 10yrs old.

What about re-treads. How would you know how old the casing is. I've heard a casing can be re-treaded indefinatley (especially 18 wheeler truck tires)

Who has more facts about this subject??

Where is James T and Arsoul or any other tire manufacturer employees (not tire shop emplyees, guys who make the damn things)

 

[CDW6212R]

Interesting, I have studded snow tires that are about 7 years old.

 

[toypaseo]

The front snow tires on my Paseo from 1998 or earlier, but they only run for about 5 months during winter, with only in-town driving.