osugasman

So I purchased some Continentals for my 96 C4S from Tirerack since no one around here has anything close to the correct size. I'm using a great shop run by a former Porsche race mechanic from European races decades ago. Great guy. Performance Alignment for anyone near north side Cincy.

They wanted me to order from Tire Rack and have the tires shipped to them directly which was done. The problem is that the fronts are manufactured Week 36 2018 and the rears are manufactured Week 38 2017. The rears are almost 2 years old.

I'm only changing tires that have a ton of life left because they are dated out (almost 9 years). This reduces the lifespan significantly for a car that will be a garage queen driven only 500-1000 miles a year tops.

Would you refuse these tires? (Tire rack gave me a standard answer that they have a super safe storage program so the date only matters when installed.)

Thoughts?

Brian

Twilightblue28A

I also have a garage queen. I drive this car about 300 miles annually.
Since you drive so few miles, purchase tires that will be be within date in ten (10) years. In your case, your annual mileage is irrelevant. You need the duration.
I hope my advice is helpful.

User 122821

I find the amount of time the tires are in the sunlight is more important than just simple age.

Twilightblue28A

[QUOTE=flying_low;15883676]I find the amount of time the tires are in the sunlight is more important than just simple age.[quoteI
I agree. However however I would buy tires that are dated 2019 especially if subjected to harsher conditions.

Onami

I wouldn't accept 2 year old tires. During last 2 safety inspections that I had completed the tech noted the mfg date of the tires and anything over 8 years old had to be replaced to pass. Those tires are already 25% expired!

Twilightblue28A

Onami,
Exactly my point. Thank you.

NC TRACKRAT

flying_low is right. Considering your low annual mileage and being kept in the garage, you have no concerns unless you're running autocrosses or HPDE's which you're not. While I applaud your concerns for tire age, unless the tires show evidence of dry rot, I think you're changing out a little too soon.

osugasman

Well I called Tirerack and they were sympathetic (surprisingly to me, at least). I explained the shelf life issue is very important and the customer service rep is going to check the warehouse to see if he has any newer than 2 years old. I said that a year was reasonable...

If not, he is going to offer a full refund which then begets the question as to where to find other replacements.

Thanks all, Brian

Railmaster.

This! My garage queen's front tires are nine years old but looks and feels and as far as i notice handles like new including flat out driving on the German Autobahn!

If they look and feel OK they are safe to drive!

Ask the guy who sell tires and he will say the oppisite!

My barber recomends that you have your hair cut every second week...

Twilightblue28A

Railmaster,
To be clear, your position: tires that look and feel ok are safe to drive, irrespective of the date manufactured?

Elfer1

Discount Tire? I just bought a set of RE-71 R’s for another car and they were priced the same as Tirerack.

Railmaster.

Yes! Controversial! I know! But ten years is no problem! Twenty? Who knows!

DC from Cape Cod

Fiscally prudent is one thing but driving on 20 year old tires is dangerous for yourself and people you share the road with.

osugasman

Well, Not being a tire materials engineer, I will default to their explanations about chemicals in the compounds evaporating at a known degradation rate, etc, that implies a tire mounted and stored in a garage still wears out over time.

Tirerack was wonderful. They upgraded me to PS2s with dates that are late 2018 for $120 additional (normally closer to $350) over the Ciontinentals. I can't complain. Wonderful experience all around. Will get them mounted later this week.

Thanks, Brian

Twilightblue28A

My tires are dated 2009. I drive at most 300 miles per year. My car is always garaged. Plenty of tread and not dry rotted.
I have been told to replace my tires due to their age, although no empirical evidence provided.
Psychologically, I feel uncomfortable driving 60mph on the expressway.
I welcome written information that tires must be replaced at greater than ten (10) year intervals.
BTY: I get my hair cut once every three (3) weeks! LOL