Discussion
Been enjoying the great weather this weekend (as I am sure we all have) and have had a couple of unexpected front lock ups. As it was warm and sunny and I'd been driving for a while, it was a bit surprising so thought I'd better check out a few things.
First on the list was the tyres. Plenty of tread and pressures ok.
Then I checked the age of them: It appears that they were manufactured in 2014.
Did the usual internet search which didn't really answer the question, how old is too old for tyres....
Thoughts?
First on the list was the tyres. Plenty of tread and pressures ok.
Then I checked the age of them: It appears that they were manufactured in 2014.
Did the usual internet search which didn't really answer the question, how old is too old for tyres....
Thoughts?
What brand / variety of tyre are they?
If they are something like a toyo R888, which are a soft tyre, I’d be inclined to run them longer (but perhaps only another season). If they are a tintop type tyre then they are too old IMHO.
I changed my old R888s at 6 years which still had a couple of years tread left.
If they are something like a toyo R888, which are a soft tyre, I’d be inclined to run them longer (but perhaps only another season). If they are a tintop type tyre then they are too old IMHO.
I changed my old R888s at 6 years which still had a couple of years tread left.
I wouldn’t trust anything over 5 years personally. Although the tread might look good, things start to dry out and lose pliancy.
Tyres are so important, yet so easily overlooked. They are relatively cheap in comparison to the car and the role they play in keeping that expensive car safe and on the road!
Tyres are so important, yet so easily overlooked. They are relatively cheap in comparison to the car and the role they play in keeping that expensive car safe and on the road!
Tyres go off… how long depends on whether they’ve been on the car in daylight/UV for several years, or stored in cool, dark warehouse.
However, I never understand why anyone who drives a Caterham would use old tyres.
Let’s be honest, these cars aren’t cheap and anyone who owns one that’s driving around on 7yr old, 10yr old or whatever tyres is nuts IMHO.
However, I never understand why anyone who drives a Caterham would use old tyres.
Let’s be honest, these cars aren’t cheap and anyone who owns one that’s driving around on 7yr old, 10yr old or whatever tyres is nuts IMHO.
as it happens. I took the plunge and replaced all 4 with new Toyo Proxies - noticed the difference immediately. Appreciate that they are of a softer compound to the old Avon tyres that were on the car, but i was surprised at how different it made them feel.
Also turned out that the spare that was on the car (no longer on it by the way) was manufactured in 1995 so was well past it best before date!
Just need to replace the shock absorbers (see later post) to see full benefit
Also turned out that the spare that was on the car (no longer on it by the way) was manufactured in 1995 so was well past it best before date!
Just need to replace the shock absorbers (see later post) to see full benefit
Simon_A said:
as it happens. I took the plunge and replaced all 4 with new Toyo Proxies - noticed the difference immediately. Appreciate that they are of a softer compound to the old Avon tyres that were on the car, but i was surprised at how different it made them feel.
Also turned out that the spare that was on the car (no longer on it by the way) was manufactured in 1995 so was well past it best before date!
Just need to replace the shock absorbers (see later post) to see full benefit
I'm very happy with my Toyo R888Rs - enjoy the difference!Also turned out that the spare that was on the car (no longer on it by the way) was manufactured in 1995 so was well past it best before date!
Just need to replace the shock absorbers (see later post) to see full benefit
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