ivangene

this is like Fear Factor

cannon1000

Replace them....especially if you want to go "flat out".

In all seriousness, if they were used enough to keep the oils in the rubber viable...then they would be bald. To me, 9 year old tires with tread on them mean dry rubber...which is very unsafe...even for the highway - and especially on the track.

Optical TDI

Thanks guys. Didn't even realize the age until the porsche tech at the dealer pointed it out to me recently. Does a CPO car have to have tires of a certain age? I bought it in Nov of last year.

Pac996

I would think so. They are picky about the porsche rated tires so being picky about having a safe tire should be even more important. Might bring it up to them and just say you think they missed something on certifying the car. Mostly don't throw them into defensive and see if they will correct it by changing the tires.

frisbee91

Ugh. I wouldn't use 9 or 10 year old tires on my honda sedan on the street, let alone in a performance application. Replace them for sure.

DaveSpeed

When I purchased my 996 in October of 2009 it had tires from 2001. I drove the car a couple hourdred miles all winter, in the spring new tires and service. The car rides so much better on new tires.

When I was part of the SCCA back in the mid 90's a tire tech guy from Yokohoma said tires have a 7years shelf life used or not and tires over 7 years should be replaced. There are no cheep tires for a 996 i admit but I'd reather have cheeper new tires than expenseive old tires.

C4CRNA

YES!

Optical TDI

I just read the CPO checklist from the previous owner and when I bought it. The tire section changed slightly. The one "Revised 8/2006" states that "All four tires must be of the same brand, speed rating, specification code, and age."

However the latest CPO checklist that was used in November for my car sates the same, except age is not part of the statement.

Rob996

Last weekend while attending a DE at LCMT, Sunday we had major rain, and put on my street tires (Michelin Pilot Sport 2's). The front tires are 6 years old and the rears are new, although both front and rear tires have deep treads, the front tires did not provide nearly the same level of grip as the rear.
P-car owners should pay more attention to the front tires as they tend to wear very slowly, and should be replaced at the six year, like the best before date on food.. Why take the risk of eating something that may make you sick....

Having expereinced reduced front grip under less stress in the rain than you would normally put on in the dry further illustrates the risk and reduced driving pleasure you will experience with fresh tires. I would strongly recommend replacing the front tires with a matiching pair before attending another DE event.

The cost versus benefit is unquestionable...

Optical TDI

Interesting because the front tires did seem to give up much quicker than the rear. Maybe that's why I had so much understeer.

Agreed on new tires before next DE. I'm thinking of the Conti's vs. the PS2s. I know many have used the Sumi's, but as a third tier tire, I'm hesitant to use them.

ivangene

James, If the price is not THAT much of a deal for you, I opt against the Sumi's... great tire for the price, but not what I would buy if I had the $ for something better...

nick49

If you want or expect the tires to perform like new, replace them. Car and tire manufacturers, and those in the business of selling them cannot control how they are stored, used or cared for so it's their recommendation to insure safety that you replace them after a few years. If it was an undisputed safety issue, safety inspection stations would not pass a car with tires made before a certain date. It's basicly about wanting other people to insure your safety and not wanting to be the one to take responsability for you own actions.

Finally, I sell tires and will recommend replacement if I see any reason at all to. If someone has any issue at all with anything that could be possibly even in the most remote circumstances be even slightly related to tire performance, I don't want to get involved. I want to keep my house, it's paid for.

Think about replacing that motorcycle or other helmet as well if it's over 5 years old, and that dynamic climbing rope and the static rappeling rope as the manufacturer recommends.

I personality feel, I can better judge what is safe or good for myself better than anyone else. I know my vehicles, I know my capabilities and limitations. I also know I'm in the minority.

On an aside, being at Speed Week on the Bonneville Salt, I spoke to a friend that restored his fathers 'liner that crashed in the '50s. He told me he sold a dozen old tires for $500 each which will be resued. I saw many old cars run and have in the past, some with tires that I suspect are at least 30 years old and possibly 50. 200mph+ on 50 year old rubber? The tech inspection these vehicles go through is a very long and arduous process, btw.

htny

@Dan I actually blew a rear tire the other day (didn't chunk, just pop and hiss, I think was due to alignment getting out of whack)

soverystout

Someone was asleep at the wheel if your car was CPO'd with what are most likely the orginal tires.

It is amzing that they don't show any signs of rot.

It's the dealer being cheap. Just another example of the importance of buying an older car with some miles on it.

Contis are decent. That's what I have on my car. They were installes when my car was CPO'd.

mglobe

Replace the tires!

Note to self: Check the manufacture date of my DE student's tires before getting into the car with them.