Optical TDI

My front Michilens Pilots were manufactured in 2001. They have plenty of tread left, but do they have the needed strength for DE use? I have had them at Mid Ohio two times this year, but now knowing they were made in 2001, I am a bit reluctant to go back, however I'm not a tire expert. Is this cause for concern at the track?

Ahmet

I doubt it's a safety issue if they're not visibly (and deeply) cracking as much as reduced traction levels. You'd be amazed at the difference between fresh and dried rubber. If you were OK with how they felt, I'd probably just keep driving on them.

racer

I think I'd be reluctant to expose them to the heat/abuse/stress of the track. Last thing I would want is a failure under braking at the end of the back straight.. hello trouble! Low stress street driving, they would be ok.. maybe. But really.. 9 year old tires? I think you might want to invest in some new ones.

Sneaky Pete

Have to agree with racer. The cost of new rubber is far less than putting the car out of commission.

Macster

Before I bought my 03 Turbo (used) last year, dealer replaced all 4 tires. Tires were original, but too old, even at 6+ years old.

Replace the tires. Whether you track the car or just drive it around town.

If you don't drive the car leave them on, but just don't drive the car.

Sincerely,

Macster.

VGM911

Discard them. Porsche says: "Considering the performance capabilities of a Porsche, under no circumstances should tires older than 6 years be used."

Edgy01

There was a very disturbing news item about a year ago of a family who bought 'new' tires from a dealer--and they were already about 6 years old, sitting all that time on the shelf. Within a week or two there was a terrible crash, directly linked to the aged tires.

Tires are relatively inexpensive items on a car that make a WORLD OF DIFFERENCE in how it performs, not to mention safety. We often take tires for granted because the technology has been so successful--when is the last time you had a blowout? Probably can't even remember. So we become complacent and don't do anything about it--until something dreadful happens.

fbgh2o

I would also suggest new tires. While they may seem visibly okay, you have no idea of potential defects that are not visible...

And drive the car more.... I am told that you should not get more than 2 years out of a set of rear tires

Ahmet

I bought a much older Turbo from it's original owner 4 years ago (19k miles on the car if I remember correctly). It had tires that were close to 18 years old. I drove across the country on them, and replaced soon after I got home. Michelin Pilot Sports (or any other tire that Porsche would fit on a car) aren't cheap tires made to a low price point. I sincerely doubt there's a safety issue with them, assuming you don't see any de-lamination/signs of a broken belt, etc.

I would change them for the improvement in traction, but don't think you're taking much of a risk.

ivangene

9 years = I wont drive on them ESPECIALY AT A DE!!!

smackboy1

I think this is the news story you're thinking of. The tread separated on a 9 year old tire which had been sitting on the retailer's shelf for 4 years before it was purchased. Driver and passenger were killed.

http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=4826897

I think the general rule of thumb is a 6-10 year expiration date for tires.

This is from Tirerack

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete...sp?techid=138&

VGM911

We've heard the arguments. We've heard the opinions. We've heard Porsche's official position. Now that there have been several postings, how do you all vote:

If you believe that 6 years should be the maximum life span of tires on a car, please vote yes or no.

Thanks.

VGM911

Yes.

gota911

James, is your life worth more than saving $500 - $600 on new front tires? Replace them!

bkjwhipple

yes