Besides looking at tread wear I look at the sidewalls for small cracks to appear, then I get rid of them. This could be up to 8 years, as it probably depends a lot on how the vehicle is used, & how often people keep an eye on tyre pressures. A lot of things come into how long tyres will last.
Looks to me like they are being honest when they say:
"Continental is unaware of any technical data that supports a specific tyre age for removal from service."
I have noted a considerable reduction in the amount of shredded tyre carcasses littering the highways - is that due to less retreaded tyres or improved tyre construction?
Went for a rego check for the wife's car, tyres were pristine but 6years old, failed check due to age of tyres. (NSW) Took it it another inspection station (the first one was a tyre dealer and all was sweet) I believe the tyre dealer that there is a time limit on tyres but most would not look at manufactured date unless there were signs of cracking.
My tyres (BFG ATs) were only 3 years old and had cracks all over after a few trips from Innamincka to Birdsville so had to replace them.
So as mentioned if cracks appear replace them, if you are doing long runs or have heavy off road usage replace them, for town use I would wait out the 10 years if they still had legal tread depth.
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Brian & Nada retired and > "Ready to live the Dream" Live in the Shire!
76 series V8 Landcrab with Jayco Starcraft Outback Poptop
Went for a rego check for the wife's car, tyres were pristine but 6years old, failed check due to age of tyres. (NSW) Took it it another inspection station (the first one was a tyre dealer and all was sweet) I believe the tyre dealer that there is a time limit on tyres but most would not look at manufactured date unless there were signs of cracking. My tyres (BFG ATs) were only 3 years old and had cracks all over after a few trips from Innamincka to Birdsville so had to replace them. So as mentioned if cracks appear replace them, if you are doing long runs or have heavy off road usage replace them, for town use I would wait out the 10 years if they still had legal tread depth.
MANY cracks in modern tyres are in the cosmetic outer layer of rubber and this layer can typically be 0.5 - 2 mm and in no way affects tyre safety.
To check get a scriber or small screwdriver and see how deep the crack actually is. If you dissect tyres you will soon see the outer layer is cosmetic and the next layer down is the strength area.
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Why is it so? Professor Julius Sumner Miller, a profound influence on my life, who explained science to us on TV in the 60's.
Yep - don't see many car tyre shredding on the road anymore, but heaps of truck tyres on the main interstate roads and those used heavily by large trucks (who usually have at least half their tyres as retreads
I have noted a considerable reduction in the amount of shredded tyre carcasses littering the highways - is that due to less retreaded tyres or improved tyre construction?
Thanks jaan for info .. I can understand that tyres do eventually break down from cracking etc .. from the elements as such .. the rubber compound wont last forever I guess atleast not at a safe level to drive on ... too many experts on this subject and obviously is in the tyre manufacturers interest if one changes tyres regularly ... not being any kind of expert on the subject I just had to ask !!
Thanks FELLOW NOMADS for all your input on the subject think I will wait until I see cracks or obviously low tread wear ... if one drives regularly on dirt roads then obviously tyres will suffer !! I try to stick to the bitumen when possible .
Continental is unaware of any technical data that supports a specific tyre age for removal from service.
In saying that I think all manufacturers can not support a specific life span for every manufacturers tyres. The compounds in the various manufacturers tyres will vary. What we are bond by is the shortest life of all the manufacturers unless you have specific data from the manufacturers tyres that you have fitted to your vehicles. I see nothing in the piece quoted by Jaahn that suggests that tyres do not have an unlimited service time life. It's a bit hard for us to determine what is the expiry time when manufacturers do not publish any guidelines specific to their tyres.
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PeterD Nissan Navara D23 diesel auto, Spaceland pop-top Retired radio and electronics technician. NSW Central Coast.
